An Act to create 70.05 (4j) of the statutes; Relating to: providing written notice of tax assessor entry upon property. (FE)
Summary
AB603 would require a city, village, or town to give a property owner written notice at least seven days before a taxation district assessor enters the owner’s real property to conduct a property tax assessment. The bill creates a new subsection in Wisconsin Statutes section 70.05, which governs property tax assessment procedures, and applies to assessors acting on behalf of local taxation districts.
In practical terms, the measure adds a notice requirement before an on-site assessment visit, giving owners advance warning that an assessor will be entering their property. The bill does not change how assessments are calculated or who may be assessed; it only regulates the timing and form of notice before entry for assessment purposes.
Impact
The bill would amend Wisconsin’s property tax assessment law by creating s. 70.05 (4j), imposing a mandatory seven-day written notice requirement on local taxation districts before an assessor enters private property. This would affect cities, villages, and towns that conduct assessments, and it would give property owners a procedural protection related to assessor access. The bill was introduced but ultimately failed to pass, so it did not change current law.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee testimony, recorded votes, or formal debate excerpts, so there is no detailed public discussion to gauge support or opposition. The bill’s introduction and referral suggest it was considered in the normal legislative process, but its eventual failure to pass indicates it did not secure enough support to become law. Overall sentiment appears neutral to modestly procedural, focused on notice and property-owner expectations rather than a broader policy dispute.
Contention
Because there are no transcripts or vote details, specific points of contention are not documented in the provided materials. The likely issue for opponents would be the added administrative burden on local assessors and taxation districts, while supporters would emphasize property-owner notice and privacy concerns before government entry onto private property. Any disagreement would center on balancing assessment efficiency against advance notice and property rights.