Bill > SB549

This bill authorizes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) to conduct research on chronic wasting disease (CWD), a serious wildlife health condition affecting deer and elk populations, in addition to its current responsibilities of managing and funding CWD testing. The legislation creates a new funding mechanism by appropriating $3,000,000 annually from the general fund for fiscal years 2025 and 2026 specifically for CWD research and management. The bill modifies existing statutes to explicitly include research as part of the DNR's responsibilities regarding CWD, and makes minor technical amendments to how CWD management funding is categorized. By dedicating specific funding and expanding the DNR's authorized activities, the bill aims to enhance efforts to understand, monitor, and potentially mitigate the spread of chronic wasting disease among wild cervid populations, which can have significant implications for wildlife health, ecological balance, and potentially human and livestock safety.

Budget and Finance

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb549