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Bill > SB58


WI SB58

Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE)


summary

Introduced
02/21/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, a county, city, village, town, school district, or technical college district may exceed its property tax levy limit if the electors of that political subdivision or district approve the increase at a referendum. The ballot question must indicate the dollar amount of the increase in the levy limit. Under this bill, the ballot question must also provide a good faith estimate of the annual dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the political subdivision or district that would result from passage of the referendum. Also under current law, in certain cases when local governmental units authorize the issuance of bonds, the local governmental unit must adopt a resolution stating the purpose of the bonding and the maximum amounts of borrowing. The local governmental unit, in certain cases, is required or authorized to seek approval of the bonding authorization at a referendum. Among other things, the referendum question must contain a statement of the purpose for which LRB-1978/1 EVM:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 58 bonds are to be issued and the maximum amount of the bonds to be issued. Under the bill, the question must also provide all of the following: 1. The estimated interest rate and amount of the interest accruing on the bonds. 2. Any fees that will be incurred if the bonds are defeased. 3. A good faith estimate of the dollar amount difference in property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence located in the local governmental unit that would result from passage of the referendum. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the requirements for referendum questions related to property tax increases and bond issuances in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill mandates that referendum ballot questions for technical college districts, local government units, school districts, and other political subdivisions must now include a good faith estimate of the dollar amount difference in property taxes for a median-valued, single-family residence if the referendum passes. For bond-related referenda, the ballot question must also provide additional details such as the estimated interest rate, total interest accruing on the bonds, and any fees associated with bond defeasance. The goal is to provide voters with more transparent and specific financial information about the potential impact of the proposed tax increase or bond issuance on their property taxes. The bill will apply to referenda held 90 days after the effective date of the legislation, ensuring that voters have clearer, more comprehensive information when making decisions about local tax and bonding measures.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Public hearing held (on 05/06/2025)

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