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Bill

SB 690

Relating to: condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 9 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill enabling government eminent domain authority to acquire private land for building and maintaining recreational trails across the state.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 690

Legislative bill overview

SB 690 expands condemnation authority in Wisconsin to allow the state or municipalities to acquire private land through eminent domain specifically for the purpose of developing and maintaining recreational trails. The bill was introduced in December 2025 with bipartisan sponsorship and is currently under committee review.

Why is this important

Recreational trail development often requires continuous pathways that may cross private land, and lack of condemnation authority can create bottlenecks where single property owners can block trail projects. This bill would enable government entities to overcome these impasses by acquiring necessary land at fair market value, potentially expanding outdoor recreation access while raising questions about property rights protections.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. public benefit: Whether recreational trails constitute a sufficient "public use" to justify taking private property, particularly on commercial or productive agricultural land
  • Just compensation standards: Disagreement over fair market valuation, especially for properties with unique value to owners beyond market price
  • Scope and oversight: Concerns about whether "recreational trails" is defined broadly enough to include questionable projects, and what approval processes and appeal rights property owners retain

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

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