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AB 980

Relating to: bicycling permits, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chanz Green and 1 co-sponsor

Establishes a state permit and rulemaking framework for bicycling activities, with funding to administer and enforce the program (not enacted in this cycle).

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 980

Bill Summary — AB 980 (2025 Session, Wisconsin)

Overview

AB 980 relates to bicycling permits, authorizes rulemaking, and makes an appropriation. The bill appears to address the regulatory framework for bicycling, including potential permit processes, and provides funding to support its objectives.

  • Jurisdiction: Wisconsin
  • Purpose (as stated in title): Relating to bicycling permits, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.
  • Introduced: January 30, 2026
  • Primary sponsors: Rep. Green; Rep. B. Jacobson
  • Co-sponsors: Sen. Stafsholt; Sen. Quinn; Rep. Chanz Green (co-sponsor); Rep. Brent Jacobson (co-sponsor)
  • Status history:
    • Jan 30, 2026: Introduced and referred to Committee on Sporting Heritage
    • Mar 11, 2026: Fiscal estimate received
    • Mar 23, 2026: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

Note: The bill did not advance to passage as of the latest action, with a procedural outcome indicating failure under a concurrent resolution process.

Key Provisions (Summary Based on Title and Action History)

  1. Bicycling Permits

    • Establishes or modifies a permit framework related to bicycling activities in the state.
    • Potentially creates new permit requirements for certain bicycling events, routes, or use of public rights-of-way (e.g., bike events on roads, significant trails, or municipal corridors).

  2. Rule-Making Authority

    • Empowers (or clarifies) state agencies to adopt rules implementing the permit system and related bicycling regulations.
    • Likely outlines scope, standards, enforcement mechanisms, and exemptions necessary to administer the permit program.

  3. Appropriation

    • Provides funding to support the establishment, administration, or enforcement of the permit system and related bicycling programs.
    • May specify a particular revenue source, appropriation amount, or targeted use of funds (e.g., program administration, safety education, infrastructure coordination).

Who It Would Affect

  • Bicyclists and Bicycle Events: Individuals and organizations organizing or participating in bicycling activities that would fall under the permit system.
  • Local Governments and Municipalities: Entities that host or regulate bike events, routes, or shared-use facilities and would interact with state-permit requirements.
  • State Agencies: Agencies authorized to regulate bicycling permits and to implement the rulemaking framework; likely departments responsible for transportation, public safety, or natural resources.
  • Stakeholders in Bicycle Infrastructure: Groups involved in safety, events management, and the allocation of appropriations for bicycling-related projects.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced on January 30, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Sporting Heritage.
  • Fiscal Impact: A fiscal estimate was submitted on March 11, 2026, providing the anticipated budgetary implications and the cost to implement and administer the permit program.
  • Legislative Outcome: The bill failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026, indicating it did not advance to an engrossed or enrolled stage before the Legislature adjourned or halted consideration under the joint resolution mechanism.

Potential Practical Implications (if enacted)

  • A formal permit system could standardize bicycling events and use of certain public rights-of-way.
  • State rulemaking could create clear standards for event organizers, safety requirements, and compliance timelines.
  • An appropriation would support operational costs, enforcement, and program administration, potentially impacting local event permitting processes and coordination with state agencies.

Notes

  • The current status indicates the bill did not pass in its 2025–2026 cycle under the referenced procedural rule, making it a proposal that did not become law in that session.
  • If future sessions pursue similar concepts, sponsors or committees may refine provisions to address fiscal, operational, or statutory considerations highlighted by committee deliberations and fiscal analyses.

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

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