Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB521

Introduced

10/15/25

Refer

10/15/25

Report Pass

12/17/25

Refer

12/17/25

Failed

3/23/26

Caption

An Act to repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.; to amend 84.305 (2), 84.305 (3) (a), 84.305 (3) (b), 84.305 (3) (g), 84.305 (4), 84.305 (5) (a), 84.305 (5) (ag), 84.305 (5) (d), 84.305 (5) (f) 1. and 84.305 (6) (a); to create 84.305 (1) (ar), 84.305 (1) (hm), 84.305 (2m) (ar), 84.305 (3r) and 84.305 (5) (f) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

Impact

The legislation impacts the authority of the Department of Transportation (DOT) concerning vegetation management along highways. Previously, any removal of significant trees (above 2 inches in diameter) necessitated compensation to the DOT; however, AB521 modifies this requirement, stipulating that compensation is only necessary for trees that were part of a living snow fence. This change is expected to raise the compensation amount from $200 to $300 for each tree removed, while also mandating that the funds be used for planting new living snow fences.

Summary

Assembly Bill 521 addresses the regulations surrounding the removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs along state highways. The bill amends existing laws to create a new definition for 'viewing window,' allowing sign owners to clear cut all vegetation within this window where signs are present. This new provision simplifies the process for sign owners by eliminating previous limitations on trimming or removal of vegetation serving as obstructions to their signs, potentially including vegetation in the median of divided highways.

Contention

Key points of contention in the discussions around AB521 involve the balance between aesthetic or environmental considerations versus the interests of commercial signage. Critics may argue that this bill facilitates the removal of essential roadside vegetation, which can have ecological impacts and may negatively affect the landscape. Proponents, however, assert that the bill provides clarity and efficiency for sign owners, potentially enhancing business visibility and reducing obstructions. The blending of commercial needs with public safety and environmental considerations continues to be a focal debate surrounding this bill.

Latest WI AB521 Activity

View All Events: WI 2025-2026 Regular Session AB521

Companion Bills

WI SB525

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.; to amend 84.305 (2), 84.305 (3) (a), 84.305 (3) (b), 84.305 (3) (g), 84.305 (4), 84.305 (5) (a), 84.305 (5) (ag), 84.305 (5) (d), 84.305 (5) (f) 1. and 84.305 (6) (a); to create 84.305 (1) (ar), 84.305 (1) (hm), 84.305 (2m) (ar), 84.305 (3r) and 84.305 (5) (f) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

Previously Filed As

WI AB808

Campaign statements and registrations: filing online or electronically.

WI SB852

Political Reform Act of 1974: Citizens Redistricting Commission.

WI AB351

Campaign contributions: agency officers.

WI SB525

Removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

WI HB4590

To codify Executive Order 14305 (relating to restoring American airspace sovereignty).

WI SB644

Political Reform Act of 1974: contribution limits.

WI AB104

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2025 (Chapters 4 and 5 of the Statutes of 2025) by amending Items 0540-103-0001, 0690-301-0001, 0977-401, 1700-001-0001, 3125-301-0140, 3125-301-6088, 3540-001-0001, 3790-111-0577, 3825-002-6088, 3970-492, 5180-101-0890, 5180-151-0001, 5180-151-0890, 6100-107-0001, 6440-001-0001, 6610-001-0001, 6870-101-0001, 6870-194-0001, and 7760-101-0001 of, adding Items 3340-490, 5225-493, 5225-494, 6100-492, and 6870-403 to, repealing Item 3125-301-0720 of, Section 2.

WI HB548

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 8.01-413.01, 8.01-622.1, 18.2-369, 32.1-127, 32.1-127.1:03, 32.1-138.1, 32.1-162.16, 32.1-162.18, 32.1-291.21, 32.1-309.1, 32.1-325, 37.2-804.2, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 37.2-805.1, 37.2-817.01, 37.2-817.1, 37.2-837, 37.2-838, 37.2-1101, 37.2-1108, 53.1-133.04, 54.1-2807.02, 54.1-2818.1, 54.1-2818.5, 54.1-2970.1, 54.1-2987.1, 54.1-2988.1, 54.1-2993.1, 54.1-2995, 63.2-501, 63.2-1605, 64.2-2000, 64.2-2002, 64.2-2003, 64.2-2009, and 64.2-2019 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 29 of Title 54.1 an article numbered 8.1, consisting of sections numbered 54.1-2993.2 through 54.1-2993.31; and to repeal §§ 54.1-2981, 54.1-2982, 54.1-2983, 54.1-2983.2 through 54.1-2987, 54.1-2988, and 54.1-2989 through 54.1-2993 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Uniform Health Care Decisions Act; civil penalty.

WI H4189

DHEC Restructuring

WI SB0049

Labor: health and safety; revisions to the occupational safety and health act; provide for. Amends title & secs. 4, 13, 14, 14a, 14e 14f, 14j, 14n, 24, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 33, 35, 36, 37, 41, 45, 46, 52, 54, 55, 56, 63, 65 & 91 of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1004 et seq.) & repeals sec. 1035a of 1974 PA 154 (MCL 408.1035a).

Similar Bills

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