In several earlier Bulletin articles (here, here and here) I highlight some interesting bills introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature. These bills pertain to drones, zoning, surveying, annexations, state agency land information plans, DOT folded maps, adverse possession, and address confidentiality.
This article summarizes the current status of these bills. Note that bills that have been enacted into law may differ significantly from the original proposal. Please click the link to the Act Text for exact wording.
Assembly Bill 670/Assembly Bill 670
Places restrictions on drone use in Wisconsin.
Status: Enacted into law (2015 Wisconsin Act 318)
Act 318 text
AB 670 history
SB 498 history
Senate Bill 570/Assembly Bill 728
Eliminates the requirement for state agencies to submit a land information plan to the Department of Administration.
Status: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
SB 570 history
AB 728 history
Assembly Bill 563/Senate Bill 479
Relates to town and county zoning.
Status: Enacted into law (2015 Wisconsin Act 178)
Act 178 text
AB 563 history
SB 479 history
Senate Bill 343/Assembly Bill 466
Reduces the number of folded highway maps produced by the Department of Transportation to be transmitted to the legislature, and authorizes legislators to reduce the number of maps that DOT is required to distribute to the legislator’s office.
Status: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
AB 466 history
SB 343 history
Senate Bill 488/AB 673
Protects the confidentiality of addresses for victims of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
Status: Enacted into law (2015 Wisconsin Act 356)
Act 356 text
SB 488 history
AB 673 history
Senate Bill 314/Assembly Bill 459
Elimination of adverse possession for property belonging to the state or a political subdivision. Adverse possession is a long-standing legal doctrine whereby an individual in possession of a piece of property owned by someone else may gain title to the land.
Status: Enacted into law (2015 Wisconsin Act 219)
Act 219 text
SB 314 history
AB 459 history
Senate Bill 568/Assembly Bill 726
Eliminates several boards, including several with a land-based focus.
Status: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
SB 568 history
AB 726 history
Senate Bill 569/Assembly Bill 727
Changes certain annexation notice requirements and also changes the responsibility to receive, file, and distribute certain documents from the Secretary of State to the Secretary of Administration.
Status: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
SB 569 history
AB 727 history