WisconsinWisconsin local governments would be barred from granting legal rights to nature
The proposed rule would bar Wisconsin cities, villages, towns, and counties from giving natural resources legal rights through local ordinances.
What it does
Cities, villages, towns, and counties would be barred from passing ordinances that give natural resources legal rights to exist, avoid pollution, or keep a healthy ecosystem.
Argument forA statewide rule could keep local governments from granting different legal rights to nature in different communities.
Argument againstLocal governments might lose a way to give natural resources legal rights to exist, avoid pollution, or keep a healthy ecosystem.
More detail
The proposed rule would bar local governments from passing rights of nature ordinances. It covers cities, villages, towns, and counties. The ban applies to ordinances that give natural resources legal rights to exist, protection from pollution, or a healthy ecosystem.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82Latest
- May 12Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)
- Mar 20Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 3-20-2026Major
- Mar 18Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026To Governor
- Feb 26Report correctly enrolledMinor
- Feb 23Received from Assembly concurred inMinor
- Feb 19Ordered immediately messaged
- Vote recorded CONCURRENCE. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 19Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 54, Noes 41Passed House
- Feb 19Rules suspended
- Feb 19Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 19Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 18Made a special order of business at 11:19 AM on 2-19-2026 pursuant to Assembly Resolution 14
- Feb 18Referred to committee on RulesMinor
- Feb 12Received from SenateMinor
- Feb 11Ordered immediately messaged
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Feb 11Read a third time and passed, Ayes 19, Noes 14Passed Senate
- Feb 11Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Feb 11Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 11Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 9Placed on calendar 2-11-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Jan 13Available for scheduling
- Vote recorded Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 13Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2Minor
- Jan 13Executive action taken
- 2025
- Dec 9Public hearing held
- Sep 12Fiscal estimate receivedMinor
- Sep 4Read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Local GovernmentMinor
- Sep 4Introduced by Senators Nass and Tomczyk; cosponsored by Representatives Goeben, Brill, Moses, Gustafson, Murphy, Behnke, Nedweski and WichgersIntroduced
Environment & Energy