Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1042

Introduced
2/24/26  
Refer
2/24/26  

Caption

An Act to repeal 59.692 (1d) and 59.692 (2m); to amend 59.692 (1k) (a) (intro.), 59.692 (1k) (a) 2. (intro.), 59.692 (1k) (a) 2m., 59.692 (1k) (a) 4., 59.692 (1k) (am) (intro.), 59.692 (4) (b), 59.692 (5m), 61.353 (3) (intro.) and 62.233 (3) (intro.); to create 59.692 (1k) (ag) of the statutes; Relating to: the restrictiveness of shoreland zoning ordinances. (FE)

Impact

This legislative shift could lead to varying standards of shoreland management across counties, fundamentally altering how shoreland properties are governed. By allowing counties to impose regulations that may exceed the DNR's minimum standards, SB1042 effectively decentralizes certain regulatory powers. This could empower local governments to adapt zoning laws that are better tailored to their specific geographical or community needs, though it raises the concern of a fragmented regulatory landscape.

Summary

Senate Bill 1042 aims to amend regulations surrounding shoreland zoning ordinances by altering the balance of authority between the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and county governments. Specifically, the bill eliminates restrictions on how counties can regulate construction on substandard lots, allowing county ordinances to be potentially more restrictive than DNR standards. It introduces provisions that permit counties to manage variances and appeals on their own, with the DNR's involvement being limited and subject to the counties' requests.

Contention

Debates surrounding SB1042 may focus on the potential consequences of allowing counties to impose stricter regulations as some stakeholders argue that it might benefit localized environmental management, while others view it as a potential overreach that could infringe on landowners' rights. Those opposed to the bill may argue that removing state-level regulatory consistency could lead to confusion among property owners and developers, as different counties may adopt varying zoning standards.

Notable points

Another important aspect of the bill is the removal of current provisions that protect landowners from impairment of their property rights related to zoning laws. This aspect could spark significant contention as it suggests a shift in how land use rights are viewed, with advocates of property rights likely to express concerns that this could pave the way for more intrusive regulations affecting landowners' ability to use their properties freely.

Companion Bills

WI AB1070

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 59.692 (1d) and 59.692 (2m); to amend 59.692 (1k) (a) (intro.), 59.692 (1k) (a) 2. (intro.), 59.692 (1k) (a) 2m., 59.692 (1k) (a) 4., 59.692 (1k) (am) (intro.), 59.692 (4) (b), 59.692 (5m), 61.353 (3) (intro.) and 62.233 (3) (intro.); to create 59.692 (1k) (ag) of the statutes; Relating to: the restrictiveness of shoreland zoning ordinances. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI HB5992

House Bill 5992 of 2026

WI AB1070

The restrictiveness of shoreland zoning ordinances. (FE)

WI HB5969

House Bill 5969 of 2026

WI SB6021

Reducing introduction of contraband into Green Hill school.

WI HB5962

House Bill 5962 of 2026

WI HB32

Not Introduced

WI HCR1

Limit Number Of Bill Intros By Member

WI HB5452

Criminal procedure: sentencing; sunset on certain costs that may be imposed upon criminal conviction; modify. Amends sec. 1k, ch. IX of 1927 PA 175 (MCL 769.1k).

WI S0873

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day

WI ACR133

Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.

Similar Bills

WI AB1070

The restrictiveness of shoreland zoning ordinances. (FE)

ME LD413

An Act Regarding Disclosure by Sellers of Residential Real Property of Notices of Shoreland Zoning Ordinance Violations

NH HB422

Increasing penalties for violations of the shoreland and water quality protection act.

NH HB1540

(Second New Title) relative to municipal health ordinances and accessory dwelling units and relative to on-premises licenses for licensed barbershops and salons.

WI AB1047

Setback restrictions in shoreland zoning ordinances in Waukesha County.

ME LD1904

An Act to Establish the Municipal Shoreline Protection Legal Fund

MI HB4385

Natural resources: shorelands; temporary erosion control structures; authorize without permit during high water levels. Amends secs. 32312, 32312a & 32510 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32312 et seq.) & adds sec. 32510a.

MI HB5103

Natural resources: shorelands; temporary erosion control structures; authorize without permit during high water levels. Amends secs. 32312, 32312a & 32510 of 1994 PA 451 (MCL 324.32312 et seq.) & adds sec. 32510a.