The wildlife damage abatement program and the wildlife damage claim program. (FE)
Impact
One major impact of SB1006 is the increase in the limit of wildlife damage claims from $10,000 to $25,000 per claim, which potentially provides greater financial relief for farmers facing wildlife damage. Additionally, the bill raises the threshold for full payout of claims from $5,250 to $5,500, allowing more claimants to receive higher compensation. This change aims to better support agricultural producers affected by wildlife-related disruptions, particularly with regard to species such as bears, deer, and geese. However, the bill stipulates that compensation for crop damage caused by bears is conditional on having relevant crop insurance.
Summary
Senate Bill 1006 introduces significant changes to the wildlife damage abatement and claim programs in Wisconsin. The bill mandates that the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will take over the administration of these programs from counties beginning January 1, 2025. Key provisions include that DNR is required to pay 75% of the costs for wildlife damage abatement assistance while the recipient bears the remaining 25%. This represents a shift towards centralized management of wildlife damage claims, aimed at streamlining processes and enhancing efficiency in handling wildlife-related damage to agricultural crops and livestock.
Contention
Notably, the bill removes the prerequisite for landowners to allow hunting of the wildlife that caused damage in order to qualify for abatement assistance. This provision aims to reduce barriers for farmers needing immediate help to manage wildlife issues. Conversely, it has sparked discussion regarding whether it undermines the balance of wildlife management and landowner rights. The bill also prohibits the issuance of a bear carcass tag for those seeking to shoot a bear causing damage, further contributing to the contention surrounding wildlife management laws in the state.
Hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Hunting of sandhill cranes, programs related to sandhill crane damage, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Makes local government business administrators eligible for membership in PERS; provides for transfer from Defined Contribution Retirement Program to PERS.
Makes local government business administrators eligible for membership in PERS; provides for transfer from Defined Contribution Retirement Program to PERS.
Makes local government business administrators eligible for membership in PERS; provides for transfer from Defined Contribution Retirement Program to PERS.
Makes local government business administrators eligible for membership in PERS; provides for transfer from Defined Contribution Retirement Program to PERS.