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Bill > AB60


WI AB60

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


summary

Introduced
02/24/2025
In Committee
02/24/2025
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 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 referendum requirements for various local government entities like counties, cities, school districts, and technical college districts when they seek to exceed property tax levy limits or issue bonds. Currently, referendum ballot questions must specify the dollar amount of a potential levy increase or bond issuance. The bill now requires these questions to also include a good faith estimate of how the proposed change would impact property taxes on a median-valued, single-family residence, including a statement of the property value used to calculate this estimate. For bond referenda, the bill additionally mandates that ballot questions include the estimated interest rate, total interest accrual, any potential defeasance fees, and the property tax impact. These new requirements aim to provide voters with more transparent and specific financial information about the potential consequences of their referendum vote, helping them make more informed decisions about local tax and bonding measures. The bill will apply to referenda held 90 days after its effective date, ensuring that local governments have time to adjust their ballot language to meet the new standards.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (18)

Last Action

Fiscal estimate received (on 03/07/2025)

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