Wisconsin Senate Bill SB301

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/18/23
• Refer: 5/18/23
• Report Pass: 6/12/23
• Refer: 6/13/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

County and municipal aid; imposing a city sales tax and an additional county sales tax to pay the unfunded actuarial accrued liability of city and county retirement systems; requiring newly hired city and county employees of certain city agencies and counties to be enrolled in the Wisconsin Retirement System; fire and police commissions of first class cities; eliminating the personal property tax; reporting certain crimes and other incidents that occur on school property or school transportation; advisory referenda; local health officers; local public protection services; exceptions to local levy limits; local regulation of certain quarry operations; emergency services; local approval of projects and activities under the Warren Knowles-Gaylord Nelson Stewardship 2000 Program; requiring a referendum; and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

By removing the ability of local governments to regulate quarry operations through permits and restrictions, SB301 centralizes authority and may lead to concerns regarding environmental impacts and community input on land use. Additionally, the bill repeals the personal property tax entirely, shifting the tax burden away from businesses and potentially impacting local revenue sources. Advocates of the bill argue that these changes could foster a more business-friendly environment, while opponents caution that they may undermine local governance and restrict the ability of municipalities to tailor regulations to their specific contexts and needs.

Summary

Senate Bill 301 introduces a series of significant changes affecting local government operations, particularly focusing on the regulation of nonmetallic quarries, the elimination of the personal property tax, and broader implications for emergency services and public safety. The bill curtails the authority of political subdivisions, such as counties and cities, to impose restrictions and conditions on quarry operations, thereby aiming to facilitate the efficient extraction of materials necessary for public works and construction projects. This regulatory change is positioned as a means to ensure that quarry operations can proceed with minimal local interference, encouraging economic growth in sectors tied to construction and infrastructure development.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding SB301 include concerns from various stakeholder groups about the reduction of local control in regulatory matters, particularly in light of environmental conservation and community health. The implications of the personal property tax repeal are also debated, as local governments rely on these revenues to fund essential services. Furthermore, the bill's provisions regarding emergency services and the management of police and fire departments have drawn scrutiny, with critics arguing that such shifts could compromise the quality and accountability of these critical public services.