Home — News & Events — Central Wisconsin Legislative Update

News

Central Wisconsin Legislative Update

| Blog Economic Development | capitol Central Wisconsin Economic development government law legislation

Central Wisconsin Legislative Update – March 2026

As the 2025–26 Wisconsin legislative session draws to a close, several issues important to Central Wisconsin stakeholders including housing development, infrastructure, historic preservation, and environmental policy continue to see activity. Below is a concise overview of current developments, with a focus on the bills and topics discussed during Central Wisconsin Days.

Current Legislative Context

The Wisconsin Assembly has gaveled out of the regular session, marking the end of most floor activity for 2025–26. The Senate has one or two more days on the floor before March 20th. Governor Tony Evers has issued an executive order calling the Legislature into a special session on April 14, 2026. This special session will focus solely on a constitutional amendment to ban partisan gerrymandering and ensure fair legislative maps for future elections.

Because Assembly lawmakers are not currently in regular session, movement on other policy proposals including residential TIF authority, historic preservation tax credits, airport construction rules, and PFAS remediation funding may be limited until either a new session begins or the Legislature returns for other action.

 

Housing & Economic Development Tools
Residential Tax Incremental Districts – AB 451 / SB 480

These bills would create a new type of tax incremental district focused on residential development. Municipalities could use these districts to support owner-occupied housing and related infrastructure, subject to a separate 3% value cap.

Status

AB 451 passed the Assembly before adjournment and is pending Senate concurrence.

SB 480 passed the Senate and awaits further action in the Assembly.

 

Historic Preservation Tax Credits – AB 375 / SB 382

Proposals aim to improve access to Wisconsin’s state historic preservation tax credits, particularly for smaller redevelopment projects, by adjusting credit eligibility, timing, and program thresholds.

Status

Passed the Assembly and awaiting consideration in the Senate.

 

Airport Infrastructure & Project Delivery

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) for Airports – AB 526 / SB 528 These bills would allow certain state-funded airport projects to use the CMAR project delivery method, already commonly used for federally funded projects. CMAR can help manage costs, schedules, and risks for complex construction.

Status

Introduced and discussed during the 2025–26 session; no action since the Assembly adjourned.

 

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

PFAS, often called “forever chemicals,” remain a priority in Wisconsin environmental policy. The state has implemented enforceable standards for PFAS in drinking water and surface water, and ongoing testing continues across municipal and private wells.

Status

AB 130 and AB 131 would distribute funds from the state’s $125 million PFAS trust fund for testing, cleanup, municipal assistance, and private well support. The bills passed the Assembly and await Senate consideration.

Additional Details: On March 2, 2026, Gov. Evers announced new enforceable PFAS drinking water standards in Wisconsin that align with recent federal limits, lowering the state standard from 70 ppt to approximately 4 ppt for key PFAS contaminants and strengthening water quality protections statewide. This administrative action was approved through the Natural Resources Board and signed by the Governor. Meanwhile, the Legislature continues to negotiate release of the $125 million in PFAS cleanup funding approved in the 2023-25 budget, and two Assembly bills (AB 130 and AB 131) related to that compromise have passed the Assembly and are awaiting Senate action.

 

Looking Ahead
Special Session (April 14, 2026)

Focused solely on banning partisan gerrymandering via a constitutional amendment. No other bills are expected to be addressed.

Legislative leadership and the Governor’s Office continue to negotiate a compromise on how to allocate the state’s budget surplus. Key elements under discussion include property tax relief, increased funding for K–12 schools, and a potential tax rebate for residents.

Takeaway

Several key proposals have made progress including residential TID legislation and PFAS funding, but most policy activity is now on hold until lawmakers reconvene. Centergy continues to advocate for and inform regional partners, investors, and communities about these developments.

 

Resources