Bill > AB871

This bill allows the governing body of a city of the first class, which currently only applies to Milwaukee, to install water, heat, sewer, and gas service pipes, also known as laterals, to connect a property to the main utility lines without needing the property owner's direct permission under specific circumstances. These circumstances include when the property owner does not live at the property, the city has made at least three documented attempts to contact the owner through various methods like mail, email, or phone without success, and a tenant living at the property gives their explicit consent for the work to be done. However, if these conditions are met and the city proceeds with the construction, the bill prohibits the city from charging the cost of these laterals or service pipes back to the property itself, meaning the city would absorb the expense. This change is being made to existing laws that generally allow local governments to charge property owners for such utility connections and to hold property owners responsible for alterations made by tenants.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab871