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Bill

SB 1007

Relating to: agricultural damage caused by elk.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Patrick Testin

The bill would establish a formal process to compensate or assist Wisconsin farmers and landowners for agricultural damage caused by elk.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1007

Summary of Wisconsin Senate Bill 1007 (Session 2025)

Purpose and Intent

SB 1007 Relates to agricultural damage caused by elk. The bill aims to address agricultural losses resulting from elk depredation by defining procedures, responsibilities, and potential remedies for affected farmers and landowners in Wisconsin.

Key Provisions and Changes (as described in the bill text and related summaries)

  • Establishes or clarifies processes for handling agricultural damage caused by elk, focusing on remediation, compensation, or other forms of relief for affected agricultural interests.
  • Sets criteria and thresholds for when elk-caused damage qualifies for relief under the bill.
  • Outlines agency or administrative steps to assess damage, determine eligibility, and deliver remedies (e.g., compensation, fencing assistance, or control measures).
  • May specify funding mechanisms, appropriation sources, and administrative oversight for implementing the provisions.
  • Addresses timelines for filing claims, notification requirements, investigation periods, and dispute resolution processes.
  • Potentially includes environmental and wildlife management considerations to balance agricultural interests with elk conservation.

Note: The precise statutory language is not provided in the materials, but the bill’s focus is on agricultural damage attributed to elk and the associated response mechanisms.

Who Is Affected

  • Primary: Agricultural producers and landowners who experience crop or property damage caused by elk.
  • Secondary: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (or whichever agency administers wildlife damage programs), agricultural associations, and local government units involved in administration or cost-sharing of damage relief.
  • Stakeholders such as the Wisconsin Farmers Union and Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association have shown interest as stakeholders/supporters.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • The bill would establish procedures for:
    • Filing and processing damage claims tied to elk depredation.
    • Assessment and eligibility determinations.
    • Delivery of remedies (payments, fencing or protective measures, or other relief).
  • It is likely to include:
    • Filing deadlines and notice requirements.
    • Review or appeal processes for denied claims.
    • Scheduling or reporting timelines for agencies to act on approved relief.
  • Timeline notes from related actions indicate introduction occurred on February 12, 2026, with committee referral to Agriculture and Revenue; subsequent action history shows attempts to pass via Senate Joint Resolution 1, and a note of unsuccessful passage on 2026-03-23.

Legislative Status (as of available information)

  • Introduced: February 12, 2026, by Senator Testin; cosponsored by Representatives VanderMeer and Tranel.
  • Referred to: Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.
  • Action history includes a failed passage attempt via Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026.
  • Noted lobbying activity includes Wisconsin Farmers Union and Wisconsin State Cranberry Growers Association, with some communication dates in mid-February 2026.

Practical Implications

  • If enacted, the bill could provide a formal mechanism for compensating or aiding farmers dealing with elk damage, potentially reducing financial losses and facilitating preventive measures.
  • It may influence funding priorities and interagency coordination for wildlife damage programs.
  • The exact program design (scope of relief, eligibility, and funding levels) would determine the magnitude of impact on producers and on wildlife management.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a particular audience (e.g., policymakers, farmers, or legal analysts) or add a comparison with existing elk-damage programs in Wisconsin.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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