SB 541 & AB 579 : Selling Our Shoreline

Bill Description

Under the Wisconsin Constitution, our waters belong to all of us. Public access to our shoreline is a right that must be protected into the future, for all people. SB 541 & AB 579 would violate our Public Trust Doctrine by permanently turning over our shoreline to private developers and allowing them to restrict access.

Current Status

AB 579 was introduced on October 31, 2023, and referred to the Assembly Committee on Environment. A public hearing was held on November 30, 2023. The bill passed out of committee on January 11, 2024, and passed the Assembly by voice vote on January 25, 2024.

SB 541 was introduced on October 23, 2023, and referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources and Energy. A public hearing was held on November 15, 2023. An amended version of the bill passed out of committee on February 8, 2024, and passed the Senate on February 13, 2024. The Assembly passed the amended version of SB 541 via voice vote on February 21, 2024. On March 27, 2024, Governor Evers signed SB 541 into law as 2023 Wisconsin Act 247.

Committee History

Full Vote Data

Assembly: Passed by Voice Vote

Senate: Passed

Governor: Signed Into Law