Wisconsin Senate Bill SB269

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/2/23
• Refer: 5/2/23
• Report Pass: 9/20/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Grants to map, control, eradicate, monitor, and minimize the spread of wild parsnip; funding for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The bill's financial provisions will set aside $50,000 annually for the Bureau of Natural Heritage Conservation, further entrenching the state's commitment to managing natural resources effectively. By allowing local entities to collaborate on these projects, SB269 empowers communities to address specific environmental challenges they face from invasive species. The emphasis on local governance aligns with broader conservation objectives by involving citizens directly in ecological management efforts, thus fostering stewardship and responsibility towards local habitats.

Summary

Senate Bill 269, introduced in May 2023, seeks to enhance efforts in controlling the spread of wild parsnip, an invasive plant species in Wisconsin. The bill authorizes the Department of Natural Resources to allocate up to $100,000 annually over the 2023-25 fiscal biennium for grants to local governments and federally recognized American Indian tribes or bands that have classified wild parsnip as a noxious weed. This initiative aims to fund various projects for mapping, controlling, eradicating, and monitoring the plant's spread on both public and private lands. Each grant awarded is limited to a maximum of $10,000, ensuring that funds are distributed across multiple projects without favoring any single applicant excessively.

Contention

The passage of SB269 mainly showcases bipartisan support, evident from its co-sponsors, including members from both major political parties. While there have been discussions around the allocation of state funds for controlling invasive species, no significant dissent or controversy surrounding the bill has been noted in the available discussions or voting records. The successful voting outcome in the Senate, where it passed with 31 yeas to 1 nay, indicates a strong consensus on the importance of addressing the challenges posed by invasive plant species like wild parsnip. Nonetheless, advocates for environmental funding may still push for larger allocations in future discussions to combat a range of environmental issues more comprehensively.