summary
Introduced
01/30/2026
01/30/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, in general, the Department of Transportation must offer for sale property that DOT determines is not necessary for the state’s use for transportation purposes. Before conducting a public sale on a surplus parcel, DOT must contact the county, municipality, and the local school district where the parcel is located and the Department of Natural Resources to solicit interest in acquiring the parcel for public use. In general, if a county, municipality, or school district or DNR expresses interest in acquiring the parcel for public use, DOT must offer the parcel to the interested party at its appraised value, except that if the parcel is to be used for transportation or infrastructure purposes, DOT may offer the parcel for less than its appraised value. This bill adds federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands to the group of entities that must be informed of proposed surplus property sales by DOT when the surplus property is located within the reservation or a federal Bureau of Indian Affairs service area of the tribe or band. These American Indian tribes and bands are also added to the group of entities that may obtain DOT surplus lands prior to public sale for the appraised value, or in some cases, below appraised value. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill expands the notification and acquisition rights for surplus property held by the Department of Transportation (DOT) to include federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands. Currently, when DOT identifies property not needed for transportation purposes, it must first notify and offer it to local counties, municipalities, school districts, and the Department of Natural Resources for public use. This bill adds that if the surplus property is located within or near a reservation or a Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) service area, DOT must also inform the associated American Indian tribe or band. These tribes and bands will now have the same opportunity as other entities to acquire the land at its appraised value for public use, or potentially at a reduced price if the land is intended for transportation or infrastructure projects, provided they submit a plan for its use.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (7)
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Scott Krug (R)*,
Anthony Kurtz (R)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Nancy VanderMeer (R)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D),
Patrick Testin (R),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 02/12/2026)
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/asm/bill/ab983 |
| Fiscal Note - AB983: Fiscal Estimate From DOT | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab983/ab983_dot.pdf |
| AB983 ROCP for Committee on Local Government On 2/12/2026 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/local_government/1972457.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB983-AA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB983.pdf |
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