Environment

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 605: Relating to: retention of environmental repair fees by certain municipal solid waste facilities. (FE)

AB 605 allows municipal solid waste facilities that received loans under Wisconsin's clean water fund program (for wastewater infrastructure) to retain a portion of environmental repair fees collected from waste disposal. Specifically, these facilities may keep fees equal to their outstanding loan principal and interest while repaying the loan, instead of paying all collected fees to the state department. The bill directly affects municipal waste facilities that have secured such loans, modifying how they handle environmental fees. This change streamlines loan repayment by redirecting fees that would otherwise go to the state. The bill amends existing statutes to create this exception without altering general fee collection requirements.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill allows facilities to retain environmental repair fees for repaying clean water infrastructure loans, supporting maintenance of environmental infrastructure without reducing fees.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Recycling Waste Management Water Quality

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 619: Relating to: a tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, authorizing the state to contract public debt for an aviation biofuel project grant, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 619 creates a $150 million grant program to fund aviation biofuel manufacturing projects in Wisconsin, funded through state public debt issuance. The bill requires grantees to use facilities exclusively for aviation biofuel production (with limited exceptions for other biofuels if 80% of output is aviation fuel), source 80% of biomass locally, and invest at least $1.5 billion in aviation biofuel manufacturing within five years. It directly affects companies building such facilities and the Department of Natural Resources, which administers the grants. The program aims to support the state's forest products industry and create jobs, with strict repayment terms if grantees fail to meet requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $150M grant appropriation via state debt for aviation biofuel manufacturing, directly funding a specific program through state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyFunds $150M for aviation biofuel manufacturing, requiring 80% local biomass and exclusive renewable production, directly advancing renewable energy infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds aviation biofuel manufacturing (clean energy) with 80% local biomass sourcing, promoting reduced emissions and sustainable resource use per bill requirements.90% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds $150M aviation biofuel manufacturing grant, promoting sustainable transportation infrastructure through renewable fuel production for aviation.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Tax Credits Forestry Airports

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 289: Relating to: ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources.

AB 289 bans the Department of Natural Resources from using neonicotinoid insecticides on state-owned lands it acquires and maintains. The bill directly affects the department’s land management practices, prohibiting these specific insecticides on properties covered under section 23.09(2)(d) of the statutes. Exceptions include existing cooperative farming agreements entered before the law's effective date and insecticide use for forest pest control on state forests, nurseries, or infested zones. The law creates a clear policy change for pesticide use on public lands while maintaining necessary exemptions for forestry and agriculture partnerships.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBans neonicotinoid insecticides on state lands, protecting pollinators and ecosystems from harmful chemicals per environmental protection indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Forestry Public Lands

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 436: Relating to: the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and making an appropriation. (FE)

This bill updates the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program by creating a governing board with specific membership requirements, including representatives from environmental groups, hunting/fishing organizations, tribal nations, and local government. It establishes annual funding for grants to nonprofit conservation organizations and a tribal co-management program, with set spending limits for the program through 2031. The bill also adjusts debt authorization and funding mechanisms for the program's capital improvement fund. These changes directly affect the program's operations and the organizations receiving financial support.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill creates annual appropriations for conservation grants and tribal co-management program with set spending limits through 2031, directly funding conservation initiatives.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentCreates governing board with environmental group reps and funds conservation grants through 2031, directly advancing environmental protection and stewardship programs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 7: Relating to: requiring local approval for certain wind and solar projects before Public Service Commission approval.

AB 7 requires local governments (cities, villages, or towns) to approve large-scale wind and solar projects (15 megawatts or more) before the Public Service Commission can approve them. Developers must seek municipal approval, which must be granted or denied within 90 days (with possible 90-day extensions for specific reasons). If a municipality fails to act within the deadline, the project is automatically approved. This bill directly affects renewable energy developers and local governments, shifting approval authority to municipalities for qualifying projects.

Topics ✗ EnergyOpposes EnergyRequires local approval for large renewable projects, adding potential delays/obstruction, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of restricting development.85% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires local approval for wind/solar projects (15+ MW), streamlining renewable energy development to advance climate goals by preventing delays in clean energy projects.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Renewable Energy Solar Utility Regulation

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 315: Relating to: the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship 2000 program and a major land acquisitions program. (FE)

AB 315 modifies grant rules for Wisconsin's Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson stewardship program and land conservation efforts. It creates new provisions requiring governmental units and nonprofits to apply for funding *before* purchasing land to qualify for up to 50% of acquisition costs (reduced to 40% if applying after purchase). The bill maintains a 30% cap on additional costs covered by grants or in-kind contributions. These changes directly affect local governments and conservation groups seeking state funds to acquire land for parks, recreation, or conservation. The bill does not create new funding but adjusts eligibility and percentage limits for existing programs.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires pre-purchase funding applications for land conservation grants, ensuring 50% cost coverage under stewardship program to protect natural resources.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Conservation

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 288: Relating to: labeling plants as beneficial to pollinators. (FE)

AB 288 prohibits retailers and plant providers from labeling plants as "beneficial to pollinators" if those plants were treated with systemic insecticides that carry pollinator warnings on their labels (such as "bee protection" statements or environmental hazard notices). The law directly affects businesses selling plants at retail or to end users, requiring them to avoid misleading claims about pollinator benefits when insecticides with specific warnings were used. Key provisions define "systemic insecticide" and require that labeling aligns with the insecticide's actual pollinator safety status. This creates a clear policy change: plants treated with pollinator-risk insecticides cannot be marketed as pollinator-friendly, aiming to prevent consumer confusion about environmental impact.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPrevents misleading 'pollinator beneficial' claims on plants treated with bee-harming insecticides, directly protecting pollinators and aligning with environmental conservation goals.95% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 333: Relating to: a refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates refundable tax credit for low-income bicycle purchases, providing tax relief and requiring state appropriation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes bicycle use, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting cleaner transportation as a key environmental benefit.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes sustainable transportation by incentivizing bicycle purchases through a refundable tax credit for low-income families, aligning with 'promotes sustainable transportation' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax State Budget Tax Credits Bicycle Infrastructure

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 488: Relating to: fire suppression products derived from soybeans.

AB 488 adds soybean-derived fire suppression products to the list of eligible costs for state fire safety grants. The bill specifically allows grant recipients to purchase these products using funds from existing fire suppression grant programs. This change directly affects state agencies, local fire departments, or organizations applying for these grants, making soybean-based fire suppression materials a qualifying expense.

Topics ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds soybean-based fire suppressants, promoting eco-friendly alternatives that reduce chemical pollution and support sustainable resource use over traditional toxic options.85% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 129: Relating to: providing safe drinking water in public and private schools. (FE)

AB 129 requires all public and private schools to implement safe drinking water systems by developing management plans that specify locations for filtered bottle-filling stations (one per 100 occupants) and filtered faucets. The bill mandates regular testing for lead (max 5 ppb) and PFAS chemicals, with immediate action if contaminants exceed limits - including shutting off affected outlets and replacing filters. Schools must maintain these systems, conduct annual testing, and update plans every five years. The bill is currently pending in the Education Committee after introduction in March 2025.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationMandates safe water infrastructure in schools, enhancing student safety and facility standards per education topic requirements.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentRequires testing for lead/PFAS and mandates action to protect water quality, aligning with pollution control in environmental protection.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Student Health Drinking Water

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