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AB 979

Relating to: cross-country ski 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 system and rulemaking authority to regulate cross-country skiing on public lands, with funding to support administration and enforcement.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 979

Summary of AB 979 (2025 Session, Wisconsin)

Overview

AB 979 relates to cross-country ski permits, grants rule-making authority, and makes an appropriation. The bill was introduced January 30, 2026, co-sponsored by Representatives Green and B. Jacobson, with Senate co-sponsors Senators Stafsholt and Quinn. The action history shows the bill failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026, indicating it did not advance to a final floor passage in its session.

Purpose and Intent

  • To regulate the issuance and management of cross-country ski permits.
  • To authorize the agency or department responsible for outdoor recreation to adopt rules governing cross-country ski activities, permit requirements, compliance, and enforcement.
  • To provide funding through an appropriation to support the administration, enforcement, or related programs surrounding cross-country skiing permits.

Key Provisions (as implied by title and action history)

Note: The exact text of provisions is not provided in the record, but the following reflects typical elements inferred from the bill title and actions:

  1. Permit System for Cross-Country Skiing

    • Establishment or modification of a permit regime for cross-country skiing on designated trails or public land.
    • Requirements for obtaining, displaying, and renewing ski permits.
    • Potential fee structure for permits, with specifics on rate and eligible waivers or exemptions.

  2. Rule-Making Authority

    • Grant of statutory authority to a state department (likely the Department of Natural Resources or an equivalent agency) to promulgate administrative rules related to cross-country ski permits.
    • Rules may cover:
      • Permit eligibility criteria
      • Trail usage limits and season dates
      • Permit reporting and enforcement mechanisms
      • Penalties for non-compliance
      • Public notice and stakeholder input processes

  3. Appropriation

    • A specific appropriation to fund the program created by the bill.
    • Potential allocations for administration, staff, enforcement, trail maintenance, and educational outreach related to cross-country ski activities.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Public Agencies: State agency responsible for outdoor recreation or natural resources would implement and enforce permit rules.
  • Cross-Country Skiers: Individuals who ski on public lands/trails that fall under the permit system would be subject to permit requirements and associated fees.
  • Trail Managers and Partners: Organizations that manage or maintain cross-country ski trails, potentially benefiting from clearer rules and funding.
  • Budget and Compliance Stakeholders: Those involved in administering the permit program, collecting fees, and ensuring adherence to new regulations.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction: January 30, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to Committee on Sporting Heritage (January 30, 2026).
  • Fiscal Process: Fiscal estimate received March 11, 2026.
  • Status: Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026, preventing final legislative passage in this session cycle.

Potential Implications

  • The creation of a formal permit system could improve management of cross-country ski resources, aid in funding trail maintenance, and clarify enforcement expectations.
  • The rule-making authority would enable the agency to tailor regulations to seasonal use, conservation goals, and safety considerations.
  • The related appropriation would determine the scale of program implementation, including staffing, outreach, and infrastructure.

Notes

  • The bill did not become law in the observed session due to the failure to pass under Senate Joint Resolution 1.
  • Specific numerical details (permit fees, dates, exemption categories, and the exact scope of the appropriation) are not provided in the available record and would be defined in the draft or final text of the bill.

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

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