Transportation in Wisconsin

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 984: Relating to: surplus property held by the Department of Transportation. (FE)

SB 984 requires the Department of Transportation to notify local governments, school districts, and tribal governments before selling surplus land. These entities have 60 days to express interest in acquiring the land for public use, such as parks or transportation projects. If they show interest, the DOT must offer the land at appraised value (or below for transportation projects) only if they provide a detailed public use plan and agree to permanent restrictions on the land's use. The bill ensures surplus land is prioritized for public purposes rather than general sale. Ownership transfers only after payment and confirmation the land will be used as planned.

Topics ✓ Transportation

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 967: Relating to: town authority over the water elevation of an artificial water body created by a dam and recourse due to damage caused by an obstructed waterway.

SB 967 allows towns to set maximum water levels for artificial lakes or ponds created by dams if the water saturates road beds. It creates a new rule (82.03 (5) (ag)) requiring town boards to approve such limits when road saturation occurs. The bill also updates existing law (88.90 (1)) to let property owners affected by flooding from negligent waterway obstructions demand removal by notifying the landowner responsible. This directly affects towns managing water bodies, dam operators, and property owners near waterways. The changes focus on preventing infrastructure damage from water levels and clarifying recourse for flood-related harm.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 935: Relating to: prohibiting the use of phones while driving a motor vehicle and providing a penalty.

SB 935 prohibits probationary license holders (new drivers) and those with instruction permits from using wireless phones while driving, except to report emergencies. The bill amends existing law to specifically apply this restriction to these driver categories, expanding the current ban which previously covered only full license holders. Violations would incur penalties under the statute, though the bill text doesn't detail the specific penalty amount. This change directly affects new drivers learning to operate vehicles under supervision or with restricted licenses. The bill applies to violations occurring on its effective date.

Topics ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 943: Relating to: the purpose statement for the statutory grant of local zoning authority.

SB 943 amends state zoning law to update the purpose statement guiding local zoning regulations. It adds specific priorities including ensuring access to sunlight for solar energy systems, protecting groundwater resources, promoting diverse housing types, and designing "complete streets" that safely accommodate pedestrians, cyclists, transit users, and drivers. The bill directly affects local governments (cities and counties) as they develop zoning codes and land-use plans. These changes require zoning decisions to explicitly consider these new community goals while maintaining existing standards like safety, congestion reduction, and preservation of burial sites. The bill has been introduced but not yet voted on in the legislature.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Conservation Land Use Zoning Pedestrian Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 690: Relating to: condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

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.

Topics ✗ Transportation

Sub-Topics Bicycle Infrastructure Pedestrian Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 987: Relating to: the purpose statement for the statutory grant of local zoning authority.

AB 987 amends a state statute to update the purpose statement that local governments must follow when creating zoning regulations. The bill adds specific goals including promoting solar/wind energy access, protecting groundwater, encouraging diverse housing types, advancing "complete streets" for all users, and preserving burial sites. These changes require cities to consider these factors when developing zoning rules that affect land use, housing, transportation, and environmental protection. The bill directly impacts local zoning authorities and the communities they serve by shaping how land development is regulated.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Housing ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Solar Wind Historic Preservation Land Use Zoning Pedestrian Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 824: Relating to: required inclusions in the long-range statewide transportation plan. (FE)

SB 824 requires the state Department of Transportation to include specific goals in the long-range statewide transportation plan, affecting statewide transportation planning and implementation. The bill mandates a vision for five key areas: low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. It also requires the department to submit a report within six months detailing current efforts, gaps, and future strategies for meeting these requirements. These provisions directly shape how transportation funding and projects are prioritized across the state.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Public Transit Transportation Funding

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 830: Relating to: required inclusions in the long-range statewide transportation plan. (FE)

AB 830 requires the state transportation department to include specific goals in its long-range transportation plan, directly affecting how the department develops statewide infrastructure strategies. The bill mandates inclusion of a vision for low-carbon public transit, transportation electrification, cost-effective charging infrastructure, equitable clean transportation incentives, and solutions for underserved rural, low-income, and minority communities. The department must also submit a report within six months detailing progress on these requirements and future plans for implementation. This legislation sets concrete policy standards for sustainable and equitable transportation planning without specifying funding or enforcement mechanisms.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Environment ✓ Technology ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Electric Vehicles Electric Vehicles Public Transit Transportation Funding

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 815: Relating to: creating a blue envelope program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 815 creates a "blue envelope" program to improve communication between law enforcement and individuals with invisible disabilities during traffic stops. The program provides free blue envelopes containing vehicle registration/insurance copies, safety information for recipients, and interaction guidelines for officers. Eligible individuals (including those covered by the ADA or needing accommodations) can request an envelope by declaring their disability on a form. The state will fund this initiative through general fund appropriations and develop training materials for law enforcement under the program.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Criminal Justice ✓ Transportation

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Law Enforcement Vehicle Registration

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 975: Relating to: prohibiting the use of phones while driving a motor vehicle and providing a penalty.

AB 975 prohibits probationary license holders and drivers with instruction permits from using cellular or wireless phones while driving, except to report emergencies. The bill amends Wisconsin statute 346.89(4)(a) to explicitly ban phone use for these new drivers, expanding an existing restriction. Violations would be subject to penalties under the statute, though specific penalty details aren't outlined in the bill text. This law directly affects new and learning drivers, aiming to reduce distractions during their early driving experience. The bill was introduced in the 2026 Legislature and referred to the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee.

Topics ✓ Transportation

All transportation bills