Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB853

Introduced
1/15/26  
Refer
1/15/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 251.05 (3) (c); to create 16.9652, 20.505 (1) (cp), 66.1001 (2g) and 323.14 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: consideration of climate change in certain local plans and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

This legislation is significant as it amends existing statutes and establishes foundational requirements for local planning efforts across the state. By ensuring that climate change impacts are factored into various local development plans, SB853 reinforces the state's commitment to addressing climate issues comprehensively. This is expected to lead to enhanced resilience in communities, as they will be better equipped to handle climate-related challenges and tailor their strategies to mitigate adverse effects. The inclusion of financial support through grants will also facilitate local compliance with these new requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 853 aims to require local governmental units in Wisconsin to consider the impacts of climate change when developing comprehensive plans, community health improvement plans, and disaster mitigation plans. The bill mandates that these entities incorporate climate change considerations into their planning processes, which aligns local developments with state-wide climate objectives. Furthermore, it introduces a grant program administered by the Department of Administration to assist local governmental units in covering the costs associated with these requirements, essentially promoting proactive and informed planning practices at the local level.

Contention

While supporters advocate that this bill fosters essential climate-conscious planning, concerns arise about the potential burdens it may place on local governments—especially those with limited resources. Some opponents argue that mandating climate change considerations may complicate local planning processes and lead to additional financial strain. These discussions underscore a broader debate regarding the balance between state-level environmental goals and the autonomy of local governments in making specific planning decisions tailored to their unique circumstances.

Companion Bills

WI AB862

Crossfiled An Act to amend 251.05 (3) (c); to create 16.9652, 20.505 (1) (cp), 66.1001 (2g) and 323.14 (1m) of the statutes; Relating to: consideration of climate change in certain local plans and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB862

Consideration of climate change in certain local plans and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI HSB67

A bill for an act relating to statutory considerations involving the atmosphere and climate.(See HF 302.)

WI HF302

A bill for an act relating to statutory considerations involving the atmosphere and climate.(Formerly HSB 67.)

WI SCR111

Declaring A Public Health Emergency Relating To Climate Change And Requesting Statewide Coordination To Identify, Plan For, And Create Cross-sector Solutions To Strengthen Hawaii's Public Health Response To The Climate Crisis.

WI SCR166

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Make Certain Judgments, Considerations, And Decisions When Making Any Determination Relating To A Generational Energy Commitment For The State.

WI SR157

Requesting The Public Utilities Commission To Make Certain Judgments, Considerations, And Decisions When Making Any Determination Relating To A Generational Energy Commitment For The State.

WI SB1178

Creating the Wisconsin Climate Corps program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB889

Creating the Wisconsin Climate Corps program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB857

Climate change scholarships and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB856

Climate change scholarships and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

TN HB1710

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1 and Title 4, Chapter 58, relative to public benefits.

TN SB1915

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 4, Chapter 1 and Title 4, Chapter 58, relative to public benefits.

TX SB1027

Relating to the Internet broadcast or recording of certain open meetings.

TX HB1442

Relating to the Internet broadcast or recording of certain open meetings.

TX SB986

Relating to procedures under the public information law, including expedited responses and charges for bad faith requests.

TX HB4219

Relating to a governmental body's response to a request for public information.

TX SB667

Relating to prohibiting certain state governmental entities from investing in certain Chinese-affiliated entities.

ME LD726

An Act to Protect Municipalities' Investment in Law Enforcement Officers