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Bill

AB 1032

Relating to: the sale of property under Department of Natural Resources jurisdiction to prevent the spread of avian flu.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Cindi Duchow and 2 co-sponsors

Authorizes Wisconsin DNR to sell state property to prevent avian flu spread, granting discretionary disposal authority for disease management purposes.

Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82
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Bill Summary · AB 1032

Legislative bill overview

AB 1032 authorizes the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to sell state-owned property as a measure to control or prevent the spread of avian flu. The bill grants the DNR discretionary authority to dispose of property holdings when deemed necessary for disease management purposes. This represents an expansion of the DNR's property management authority beyond typical conservation and resource management functions.

Why is this important

Avian flu poses significant economic risks to Wisconsin's poultry industry and potential public health concerns. Empowering the DNR to rapidly divest property could theoretically enable faster implementation of disease containment strategies. However, the bill's scope and specific triggers remain unclear at this early legislative stage, making it difficult to assess whether this is a targeted tool or a broad grant of authority.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and oversight: The bill lacks detail on which properties qualify for sale, what criteria the DNR must use, and whether legislative approval is required for individual transactions
  • Property value concerns: State property sales conducted under emergency conditions could result in below-market transactions, raising fiscal accountability questions
  • Precedent for emergency powers: Establishing disease control as justification for property sales could create template for future departmental authority expansions without robust public input

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

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