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WI SB722
WI SB722Weight limits for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. (FE)
summary
Introduced
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
In Committee
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates special highway weight limits for certain vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer. Under current law generally, no person may operate on a highway any vehicle or combination of vehicles that exceeds certain statutory weight limits without a permit issued by the Department of Transportation or a local highway authority. The allowable weight for a vehicle operating without a permit varies based on the number of axles on the vehicle, with a maximum total weight of 80,000 pounds. Currently, higher weight limits are provided for certain vehicles transporting specific agricultural products, with a maximum total weight of 90,000 pounds. The bill authorizes DOT to issue permits, for a fee of $325, for the transport of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizers at a weight not to exceed 91,000 pounds. The permit is valid for the transportation of grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer only on highways that are within the state trunk highway system and only on a route specified by the department. Other highways may be used with written approval of the officers in charge of maintenance of the other highways. DOT may suspend the permit during a spring thaw. Under current law, if any bill introduced in either house of the legislature directly or indirectly establishes an exception to vehicle weight limitations, DOT must prepare a report, containing specified information, relating to the bill within LRB-4528/1 ZDW:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 722 six weeks after the bill is introduced and before any vote is taken on the bill. This bill directs DOT not to prepare such a report on this bill. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new permit system for vehicles transporting grain, feed, or commercial fertilizer that allows them to exceed standard weight limits. The Department of Transportation (DOT) can now issue annual or multi-month permits for vehicles with 6 or more axles to transport these agricultural and commercial materials at a maximum weight of 91,000 pounds, which is 11,000 pounds above the standard 80,000-pound limit. The permits cost $325 and are primarily valid on state trunk highways, with potential use on other highways if maintenance officers provide written approval. To qualify for the permit, vehicles must have axles that each impose at least 8% of the vehicle's gross weight. The permits cannot be used on interstate highways except as permitted by federal law, and DOT retains the right to suspend permits during spring thaw conditions. Notably, the bill also exempts DOT from preparing a standard report typically required when legislation proposes exceptions to vehicle weight limitations, streamlining the permit creation process.
Committee Categories
Transportation and Infrastructure
Sponsors (11)
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
Elijah Behnke (R),
Russell Goodwin (D),
Brent Jacobson (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
William Penterman (R),
John Spiros (R),
Travis Tranel (R),
Last Action
Senate Transportation and Local Government Executive Session (12:00:00 3/2/2026 310 South) (on 03/02/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb722 |
| Fiscal Note - SB722: Fiscal Estimate From DOT | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb722/sb722_dot.pdf |
| Senate Substitute Amendment 2 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB722-SSA2.pdf |
| Senate Substitute Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB722-SSA1.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB722-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB722.pdf |
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