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Bill > SB1007


WI SB1007

WI SB1007
Agricultural damage caused by elk.


summary

Introduced
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Current law authorizes a person who owns, leases, or controls land on which certain wild animals cause damage to crops or livestock to apply for wildlife damage abatement assistance and wildlife damage claim payments. A person who receives abatement assistance or claim payments must allow hunting of the type of wild animals causing the wildlife damage on that land. This bill provides that a person seeking abatement assistance or claim payments for damage caused by elk is not required to allow hunting of elk on the land where the damage occurred. Under current law, upon receiving notice that a wild animal is causing damage to property, the Department of Natural Resources must investigate the complaint and determine whether or not to authorize removal. DNR may remove or authorize removal of the wild animal if it finds that the wild animal or the structure is causing damage on the property. The bill requires DNR to remove elk causing damage to property no later than 48 hours after receiving notice of the damage. Under the bill, if DNR establishes an elk advisory committee that includes external partner groups or members of the public, DNR must ensure that the committee has a member from a partner group or the general public that represents the interests of persons experiencing elk damage on agricultural lands. LRB-5945/1 ZDW:skw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 1007

AI Summary

This bill modifies existing laws concerning agricultural damage caused by wildlife, specifically focusing on elk. Currently, individuals seeking assistance or compensation for damage to their crops or livestock from certain wild animals must allow hunting of those animals on their land. However, this bill exempts individuals experiencing damage caused by elk from this requirement when applying for wildlife damage abatement assistance or claim payments. Additionally, the bill mandates that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) must remove elk causing property damage within 48 hours of receiving notice, a significant acceleration from the current process which involves investigation and authorization. Finally, if the DNR establishes an advisory committee on elk issues that includes outside groups or the public, it must ensure that a representative of those experiencing elk damage on agricultural lands is included.

Committee Categories

Budget and Finance

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Agriculture and Revenue (on 02/12/2026)

bill text


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