summary
Introduced
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under this bill, except in the case of an emergency, the Department of Natural Resources may not initiate, authorize, or issue a permit for a project located in a town that involves the use of stationary or portable pumps or other mechanisms that divert water to locations where water is not naturally occurring or that raise water elevation above what is naturally occurring unless the town board of the town in which the activity will occur approves the project by resolution. This limits DNR’s general authority under current law to regulate and control the level and flow of water in navigable waters and to divert the flow of water of a body of water for the purpose of flood control and prevention, including when such a diversion creates an artificial water body.
AI Summary
This bill, titled "Water diversion or elevation projects in towns," amends existing Wisconsin statutes to require local town board approval for certain water projects. Specifically, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) can no longer start, approve, or issue permits for projects within a town that use pumps or other equipment to move water to areas where it doesn't naturally exist or to raise water levels above their natural height, unless the town board of that town passes a resolution approving the project. This new requirement, outlined in a new section (s. 31.16), applies unless there is an emergency. The bill also adds a condition to the DNR's existing authority to regulate water levels and flow in navigable waters and to alter watercourses, stating that any such project in a town is subject to this new town board approval requirement. This change limits the DNR's broad powers to manage water resources when those actions impact towns directly.
Committee Categories
Agriculture and Natural Resources
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
Senate Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry Public Hearing (15:00:00 3/2/2026 300 Southeast) (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/sb966 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB966.pdf |
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