WisconsinFailed proposal would let sign owners remove blocking vegetation
The failed proposal would let sign owners seek permits to remove plants blocking highway signs, with a 60-day decision period and a separate rule for some past permit holders.
What it does
Sign owners could apply for permits to trim or remove plants that block their signs along state highways. The permit would name where work is allowed.
Applicants would have to describe the planned work, and the department would have 60 days to decide. If it did not act in time, the application would be treated as approved.
Owners with a permit for the same sign issued on or after May 19, 2012, could work in its viewing window without another permit, if they give notice and send photos.
Argument forRemoving plants that block signs could give drivers a clearer view where the sign is hidden along a 500-foot stretch.
Argument againstSome owners could work without further department approval or supervision, which may make it harder for the state to oversee vegetation removal.
More detail
The state transportation department would issue permits for sign owners to trim or remove blocking vegetation. A permit would identify the vegetation or part of the highway right-of-way where work is allowed. The vegetation must be in a state highway right-of-way, and some part of the sign must be blocked within a 500-foot stretch of its viewing zone.
The department would have 60 calendar days to decide on a permit application. The decision period applies to applications for permits under this section. Applicants would have to describe the planned work. If the department did not approve or deny the application within 60 days, it would be treated as approved, and the applicant could schedule the work with the regional state outdoor advertising coordinator. The 60-day period would start when the department first receives the application.
Some sign owners could trim or remove vegetation without applying for another permit or getting further department approval or supervision. This applies only to the same sign covered by a permit issued on or after May 19, 2012, and only within that sign’s specified viewing window. Owners would have to notify the department at least 15 calendar days before the work and send photos of the site before and after within 15 calendar days after the work. Notice would be due at least 15 days before the work; photos would be due no later than 15 days after it.
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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 27Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 3-27-2026Major
- Mar 26Presented to the Governor on 3-26-2026To Governor
- Jan 16Report correctly enrolledMinor
- Jan 16Received from Assembly concurred inMinor
- Jan 15Ordered immediately messaged
- Jan 15Read a third time and concurred inPassed House
- Jan 15Rules suspended
- Jan 15Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Jan 15Read a second timeMinor
- Jan 15Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take upMajor
- Jan 13Placed on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules
- Jan 12Read first time and referred to committee on RulesMinor
- 2025
- Nov 19Received from SenateMinor
- Nov 18Ordered immediately messaged
- Nov 18Read a third time and passedPassed Senate
- Nov 18Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Nov 18Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Nov 18Read a second timeMinor
- Nov 14Placed on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Nov 10Available for scheduling
- Vote recorded Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Nov 10Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2Minor
- Nov 10Executive action taken
- Nov 5Public hearing held
- Oct 9Read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Local GovernmentMinor
- Oct 9Introduced by Senators Tomczyk, Jacque, Nass and Wanggaard; cosponsored by Representatives Maxey, O'Connor, Armstrong, Behnke, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Melotik, Mursau, Penterman, Spiros, Steffen, Tucker, Wichgers and DoyleIntroduced
Transportation