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WI SB848
WI SB848Constructing laterals and service pipes without a landowner’s permission in the City of Milwaukee. (FE)
summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, local governing bodies may provide that the cost of constructing water, heat, sewer, and gas laterals or service lines be charged and be a lien against the lot or parcel served by the construction. This bill provides that the governing body of a city of the first class (currently only Milwaukee) may construct such laterals or service lines without express permission from the owner of the lot or parcel if all of the following conditions are met: 1. The owner is not a resident of the lot or parcel. 2. After at least three attempts by mail, email, phone, or other reasonable means, the governing body has failed to make contact with the owner. 3. The governing body receives express permission from a tenant of the lot or parcel. Under the bill, the city may not charge the cost of such construction against the lot or parcel. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-4575/1 MDE:klm&wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 848
AI Summary
This bill allows the governing body of a city of the first class, which currently only applies to Milwaukee, to construct water, heat, sewer, and gas laterals or service pipes without the property owner's explicit permission under specific circumstances. These circumstances include when the owner does not live on the property, when the city has made at least three unsuccessful attempts to contact the owner through various means, and when a tenant of the property gives their express permission for the construction. Importantly, if these conditions are met, the city cannot charge the cost of this construction to the property owner or place a lien on the property, which is a change from current law where such costs can typically be charged to the property.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (21)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Russell Goodwin (D),
Kalan Haywood (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Karen Kirsch (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Robyn Vining (D),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 01/26/2026)
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/sb848 |
| Fiscal Note - SB848: Fiscal Estimate From DOR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb848/sb848_dor.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB848.pdf |
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