Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB694

Introduced
11/26/25  
Refer
11/26/25  

Caption

An Act to repeal 32.015, 61.34 (3) (b), 62.22 (1) (b) and 62.23 (17) (am); to renumber and amend 61.34 (3) (a) and 62.22 (1) (a); to amend 23.09 (2) (d) (intro.), 27.01 (2) (a), 27.019 (10), 27.05 (3), 27.065 (1) (a), 27.08 (2) (b), 27.08 (2) (c), 32.51 (1) (intro.), 59.52 (6) (a), 60.782 (2) (d), 62.23 (17) (a) (intro.), 85.09 (2) (a) and 990.01 (2) of the statutes; Relating to: condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

Impact

The implications of AB694 are significant, as it modifies existing state laws related to land acquisition. If passed, it would empower governmental bodies to initiate condemnation proceedings to acquire land necessary for the development and maintenance of recreational trails. This expansion of authority supports state-level initiatives geared toward improving public health and wellbeing, aligning with goals to promote outdoor recreation and environmental sustainability.

Summary

AB694 aims to establish a condemnation authority specifically for the purpose of acquiring land for recreational trails. This legislation reflects a broader trend toward enhancing public access to recreational spaces and promoting outdoor activities for all citizens. By providing the ability to condemn land for these trails, the bill seeks to create a network of pathways that encourage physical activity and community engagement with nature.

Contention

Despite its potential benefits, AB694 may encounter opposition due to concerns over property rights and the implications of government taking private land. Opponents may voice fears that the bill could lead to excessive government overreach, particularly in regards to personal property ownership. Discussions around the necessity for such authority and its potential misuse could form the crux of the debate in the legislative corridors, as stakeholders weigh the benefits of public recreation against the rights of private landowners.

Companion Bills

WI SB690

Crossfiled Condemnation authority for recreational trails. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI HB1179

Transportation; changes various provisions of existing funds, etc.

WI HB1179

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 33.2-359, 33.2-371, 33.2-1526, 33.2-1526.1, 33.2-3102, 33.2-3401, 33.2-3402, 33.2-3403, 33.2-3502, 46.2-774, and 46.2-2099.48 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1904.1, by adding in Article 11 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1937, by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-2402, by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-775, by adding a section numbered 58.1-603.3, and by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 58.1 articles numbered 13, 14, and 15, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-1749, 58.1-1750, and 58.1-1751; and to repeal § 33.2-3100.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation funding.

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 HB141

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-2905, 17.1-276, 28.2-1206, 33.2-299.1, and 33.2-299.3 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 33.2-299.1:1, relating to Virginia Passenger Rail Authority; exemptions.

WI HB1315

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 16.1-264, 18.2-51.1, 18.2-57, 18.2-60.3, 19.2-152.8, 19.2-249, 19.2-56.2, 19.2-59.1, 19.2-81, 19.2-81.3, and 65.2-102 of the Code of Virginia, relating to authority of fire marshals.

WI HB184

Prescribe limitations on intercollegiate athlete contracts

WI AB103

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

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 AB100

An act to amend the Budget Act of 2023 (Chapters 12, 38, and 189 of the Statutes of 2023) by amending Items 5227-122-0001 and 7502-495 of Section 2.

WI SB107

Budget Acts of 2023, 2024, and 2025.

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