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AB 790

Relating to: creating the water fund for our future, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Clint Anderson and 39 co-sponsors

Creates a dedicated Water Fund for Our Future with rule-making authority and funding to support water infrastructure, safety, and resilience projects.

Fiscal estimate received
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Bill Summary · AB 790

Summary of Assembly Bill 790 (Session 2025) — Wisconsin

Note: Based on the information provided, AB 790 is titled “Relating to: creating the water fund for our future, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.” The available materials include sponsor lists and formal bill actions, but do not include the full text of the bill. The summary below focuses on the bill’s stated purpose, potential provisions inferred from the title, and likely fiscal and regulatory impacts.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a dedicated mechanism called the “Water Fund for Our Future.”
  • Grant rule-making authority to appropriate state agencies to implement the fund.
  • Make an appropriation (funding) associated with the program, presumably to support water-related projects, programs, or debt service.

2) Key Provisions (as implied by the title)

  • Creation of a water-specific fund:
    • A new fund within the state treasury or a dedicated budgetary vehicle designed to support water resource protection, infrastructure, restoration, or related initiatives.
  • Rule-making authority:
    • Authority granted to a state agency (or agencies) to adopt administrative rules necessary to administer the Water Fund for Our Future.
    • Provisions would specify eligible activities, application processes, reporting requirements, and oversight.
  • Appropriation:
    • Allocation of state dollars (or appropriations sourced from dedicated revenues or grants) to support the fund’s activities.
    • May include multi-year funding, sunset provisions, or allocation schedules.
  • Eligible uses (inferred potential scope):
    • Water infrastructure upgrades and treatment improvements.
    • Drinking water safety improvements and contamination mitigation.
    • Watershed protection, pollution prevention, and watershed restoration.
    • Programs addressing drought resilience, flood control, and climate adaptation.
    • Grants or loans to municipalities, tribal nations, or private entities for water projects.
  • Accountability and reporting:
    • Likely requirements for annual reporting of fund expenditures, outcomes, and effectiveness.
    • Possible oversight by a committee, commission, or department.

3) Who/What Would Be Affected

  • State government:
    • Creation and administration of the Water Fund for Our Future.
    • Implementation of new rules/regulations to govern fund operations.
  • Local governments and public health authorities:
    • Potential eligibility for grants or loans to fund water projects.
    • Administrative processes to access funds.
  • Utilities and municipalities:
    • Possible recipients of financial support for infrastructure, safety, and reliability improvements.
  • Environmental and public health stakeholders:
    • Beneficiaries of cleaner water supplies, improved infrastructure, and enhanced resilience to water-related challenges.

4) Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced December 23, 2024, with initial readings and referral to the Committee on Environment.
  • Legislative history indicators:
    • Fiscal estimates received on multiple dates (February 4, 2026 and March 13, 2026 as per action history).
    • In 2026, the bill appeared to face procedural steps (e.g., “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on March 23, 2026), indicating inter-chamber iterations or rider processes.
  • Next steps (typical for such bills):
    • Public hearings and committee debates to refine fund scope, eligibility, and oversight.
    • Fiscal analyses to determine annual appropriation levels and long-term financial impact.
    • Potential amendments to align with budget priorities and environmental policy goals.

5) Fiscal and Economic Implications

  • Revenue and funding:
    • Introduction of new appropriation to establish and sustain the Water Fund.
    • Depending on source, could involve general funds, bonds, or dedicated revenues.
  • Expenditures:
    • Grants, loans, and infrastructure investments aimed at water systems, water quality, and resilience.
    • Administrative costs for fund management and reporting.

6) Practical Considerations for Stakeholders

  • If enacted, stakeholders should monitor:
    • Eligibility criteria and application timelines for fund assistance.
    • Matching requirements, grant conditions, and reporting duties.
    • Interaction with existing water programs and state environmental regulations.
  • For policymakers:
    • Balancing short-term budget impact with long-term water reliability and public health benefits.
    • Ensuring robust oversight and measurable outcomes for funded projects.

This summary reflects the bill’s stated focus on creating a water fund, providing rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. Access to the full bill text would enable more precise detail on eligible activities, administration, eligibility, governance structure, and reporting requirements.

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

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