Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB887

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/23/26
• Refer: 1/23/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to create 84.02 (5) (d) 2. r. of the statutes; Relating to: identification of the Platteville Veteran’s Memorial on state highway maps. (FE)

Summary

AB887 is a narrow, location-specific bill that amends Wisconsin statutes governing state highway maps. It directs the Department of Transportation to identify the Platteville Veteran’s Memorial in the city of Platteville, Grant County, on the state’s highway service maps and folded highway maps. The bill adds this memorial to the list of veterans memorial highways, bridges, and other veterans-related sites that DOT is already required to show on those maps. The bill does not create a new program or change eligibility for benefits; instead, it makes a targeted addition to the map-identification requirements in section 84.02 of the Wisconsin Statutes. Its practical effect is to ensure the Platteville Veteran’s Memorial appears on official state highway maps published after the effective date, increasing public visibility and recognition of the site. The bill was introduced in the 2025-2026 Legislature and referred to the Assembly Committee on Transportation. The available legislative history shows no recorded committee debate or roll-call votes, so there is little direct evidence of formal support or opposition in the materials provided. The bill’s subject matter suggests a generally ceremonial or commemorative purpose, which often attracts broad, noncontroversial support. However, because the bill was ultimately noted as having failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1, it did not become law. The main point of contention, if any, appears to be procedural rather than substantive. Since the bill concerns only the inclusion of a single memorial on state maps, there is no indication of disagreement over policy impacts, fiscal effects, or statutory scope. Any debate would likely have centered on whether the designation was necessary or appropriate to include in statute, rather than on broader transportation or veterans policy.

Impact

AB887 would have amended Wisconsin Statutes section 84.02 to require the Department of Transportation to include the Platteville Veteran’s Memorial on official state highway service maps and folded highway maps. The bill would affect DOT’s map publication duties and add one more veterans memorial site to the statutory list of locations that must be identified, but it would not otherwise alter transportation law, veterans benefits, or local government authority.

Sentiment

The bill appears to have been neutral to favorable in tone, with a commemorative purpose that is typically noncontroversial. No committee transcripts or votes are available showing opposition, and the measure’s limited scope suggests it likely would have been viewed as a routine recognition bill. Despite that, the bill did not advance and ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1.

Contention

There is no documented substantive contention in the provided materials. The only likely issue is whether the Legislature should codify the memorial’s inclusion on state maps, which is a narrow administrative and symbolic question. Because no votes or hearing testimony are included, no specific legislator, committee member, or stakeholder position can be identified from the record provided.