SB 685 allocates specific annual funds for conservation programs under Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and major land acquisitions initiative. The bill creates four new funding streams: $5 million for department property development, $4 million for nonprofit land acquisition grants, $1 million for habitat restoration grants, and $2 million for local conservation assistance. These funds will be drawn from forestry activity revenues to support land conservation, habitat restoration, and local park development. The bill also specifies debt limits for the stewardship program, including a $1.046 billion cap for the program's funding.
SB 690 prohibits local governments from using eminent domain (condemnation) to acquire land specifically for recreational trails, bicycle ways, bicycle lanes, or pedestrian paths. The bill amends multiple statutes governing land acquisition for parks and recreation, explicitly adding that condemnation authority cannot be used for these trail-related purposes. This affects counties, cities, and park authorities that previously could use condemnation for such projects under existing laws. The key change is a clear restriction on eminent domain use for trail development, not a ban on trails themselves.
SB 693 creates a specific $200,000 grant from the environmental fund for the Town of Norway in Racine County to improve water quality. The bill appropriates this funding for water abatement projects and requires the Department of Natural Resources to award the grant by June 30, 2026. This is a targeted fiscal measure with no broader policy changes, directly benefiting Norway's local water management efforts. The existing statutory section for this grant is repealed effective July 1, 2027.
AB 708 extends the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing improvements by up to three years after a city pays off project costs. It directly affects cities that have established TIDs for housing development, allowing them to continue using tax increment financing beyond the district's original expiration. The bill requires cities to submit extension resolutions to the Department of Revenue and obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change aims to provide more flexibility for cities to complete housing projects without losing access to dedicated funding streams.
AB 703 allocates $200,000 from the environmental fund to the Town of Norway in Racine County for water pollution cleanup projects. The bill creates a new funding category (20.370 (6) (fx)) specifically for this grant, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to award it by June 30, 2026. This direct appropriation affects Norway's local water management efforts, using funds collected for nonpoint source pollution abatement. The bill repeals the prior funding mechanism for this purpose on July 1, 2027.
AB 748 exempts home producers of shelf-stable food products (like pickled fruits/vegetables and baked goods) from state licensing requirements, directly affecting small-scale home cooks and cottage food businesses. The bill creates a registration system requiring producers to register with the department, maintain liability insurance, and label products with their registration number, preparation date, and a "made in a private home" statement. It limits annual sales to under $40,000 and mandates specific labeling for allergens, while requiring inspections for producers with sales between $10,000-$40,000. Producers must sell directly to consumers (e.g., farmers' markets or home delivery) and comply with new safety labeling and insurance rules. The bill replaces prior licensing rules with this structured framework for home food sales.
AB 702 creates a new income tax credit for individuals incurring unreimbursed medical expenses related to in vitro fertilization (IVF), directly affecting those who pay for IVF consultations, procedures, or prescribed drugs out-of-pocket. The credit allows a maximum $5,000 annual reduction against state income tax for eligible individuals with adjusted gross income under $100,000 (single) or $200,000 (joint filers). It excludes expenses covered by insurance, travel, lodging, or health savings accounts, and prohibits claiming the same expenses under other tax provisions. The credit must be claimed using forms provided by the state tax department when filing annual returns.
SB 689 allows cities to extend the lifespan of tax incremental districts (TIDs) used for housing projects by up to three years after initial development costs are paid. Cities must obtain joint review board approval for extensions longer than one year. This change applies to existing TIDs focused on improving housing stock, giving cities more time to complete development projects using tax increment funds. The bill modifies statutes to clarify extension rules while maintaining oversight requirements.
SB 739 exempts home producers from commercial food licensing requirements when selling pickled fruits/vegetables and baked goods (nonpotentially hazardous foods that don’t require refrigeration). Home producers must register with the state, label products with their name, "made in private home," and ingredients, and limit annual sales to $40,000. Producers with over $10,000 in sales must display a "homemade" sign, maintain insurance, and hold a food safety certificate. The bill establishes new registration rules, labeling standards, and requires inspections for certain producers.
SB 761 eliminates and modifies specific provisions from 2023 Act 12 affecting Milwaukee's city government. It repeals requirements that the fire and police commission board must include members from the same political party (removing a 3-member cap for 7-member boards) and removes the need for the mayor to appoint members from employee association lists. The bill also changes the appointment process, allowing the mayor to appoint board members without common council confirmation for existing members, while requiring new members to complete training. Additionally, it modifies a tax provision related to rail transportation projects in Milwaukee, excluding the "Lakefront Line" route.
SB 733 amends Wisconsin statute to change how electric utilities calculate fuel costs in their approved fuel cost plans. It requires utilities to account for both fuel purchase costs and revenue from selling electricity generation capacity that meets Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) requirements. This applies specifically to fuel cost under-collections or over-collections outside the utility’s allowed annual margin. The bill creates a new definition for "Midcontinent independent system operation" and ties fuel cost calculations directly to MISO standards.
AB 711 increases funding for the Family Foundations home visitation program by $1.2 million in fiscal year 2026-27. This appropriation directly supports the Department of Children and Families' program under section 48.983, which provides home visits to families with young children. The bill modifies the existing budget allocation without changing program eligibility or requirements. It was introduced in December 2025 with multiple co-authors and is currently under review by the Committee on State Affairs.
