Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1060

Introduced
2/26/26  
Refer
2/26/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 29.192 (4) (a), 29.563 (14) (a) 1. and 29.563 (14) (a) 3.; to create 20.370 (1) (hy) and 29.192 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The implications of SB1060 extend to various facets of Wisconsin's administrative practices in wildlife management. By increasing the processing fee for hunting permits from $2.75 to $9.75, the bill seeks to fund sharp-tailed grouse management and related research activities, emphasizing a shift towards more structured financial frameworks for conservation efforts. The transition to a lottery permit system could prompt higher levels of participation in hunting seasons, thereby potentially increasing revenues generated from permit sales and fostering broader community engagement in wildlife conservation endeavors.

Summary

Senate Bill 1060 introduces significant changes to the hunting regulatory framework concerning sharp-tailed grouse in Wisconsin. The bill's primary modification involves the replacement of the current cumulative preference system for permit issuance with a lottery system, effective five years after the bill's enactment. This change is aimed at making the process of obtaining hunting permits more equitable and accessible to applicants rather than relying solely on accumulated preference points, which can disadvantage new or infrequent applicants. The bill seeks to enhance participation and interest in hunting activities while maintaining population control measures necessary for sustainable wildlife management.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB1060 may evoke differing perceptions among stakeholders, particularly regarding the lottery system's efficacy versus the cumulative preference system. Proponents argue that the lottery will democratize access to hunting opportunities, thereby invigorating interest in hunting as a recreational activity. Conversely, critics may contend that the shift undermines a meritocratic system where dedicated hunters are rewarded for their persistence and loyalty to the sport. It reflects wider tensions in wildlife management strategies, balancing accessibility with conservation needs, and how they are perceived by the hunting community.

Companion Bills

WI AB1076

Crossfiled An Act to amend 29.192 (4) (a), 29.563 (14) (a) 1. and 29.563 (14) (a) 3.; to create 20.370 (1) (hy) and 29.192 (7) of the statutes; Relating to: sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB1076

Sharp-tailed grouse hunting permits and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI HB1391

Creating a new status related to human rights and antidiscrimination policies; and to provide an appropriation.

WI HB1391

A BILL for an Act to create and enact a new section to chapter 14-02.4 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to health status exceptions for health care facilities; to amend and reenact sections 14-02.4-01, 14-02.4-02, 14-02.4-03, 14-02.4-04, 14-02.4-05, 14-02.4-06, 14-02.4-08, and 14-02.4-09, subsection 1 of section 14-02.4-14, subsection 1 of section 14-02.4-15, and sections 14-02.4-16 and 14-02.4-17 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to creating a new status related to human rights and antidiscrimination policies; and to provide an appropriation.

WI HB5

Enact the Repeat Offender Act

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 SB144

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

WI AB144

Health.

WI SB125

An act to amend Section 14105.201 of, to add Article 7.2 (commencing with Section 14199.90) to Chapter 7 of Part 3 of Division 9 of, and to repeal Sections 14199.90, 14199.91, 14199.93, 14199.94, 14199.95, 14199.96, and 14199.97 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to Medi-Cal, and making an appropriation therefor, to take effect immediately, bill related to the budget.

WI SB116

An act relating to the Budget Act of 2025.

WI SB960

Hiking permits, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.