Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB94

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/8/23
• Refer: 3/8/23
• Report Pass: 4/13/23
• Refer: 4/13/23
• Engrossed: 4/18/23
• Refer: 4/18/23
• Enrolled: 4/20/23
• Chaptered: 5/8/23
• Passed: 5/8/23

Caption

Eliminating certain exceptions established for Pleasant Prairie Tax Incremental District Number 2. (FE)

Impact

The modifications brought by AB94 directly affect local governmental authority over tax policies within the Pleasant Prairie district. By removing certain exceptions, local authorities may face stricter regulations on how they manage property tax increments. This could impact budget planning and financial operations within the district, as limits imposed by the state could restrict local entities from leveraging tax increment financing to generate revenue for community projects.

Summary

Assembly Bill 94 (AB94) in Wisconsin proposes to amend and repeal certain statutes related to the Pleasant Prairie Tax Incremental District Number 2. The bill aims to eliminate particular exceptions that previously allowed for changes to tax assessments within this special district. This change reflects a broader legislative intent to standardize tax regulations and increase compliance with established state parameters, specifically aiming to ensure that the tax incremental district does not exceed specific property value thresholds.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding AB94 appears to be mixed, with supporters arguing that the bill promotes fiscal responsibility and prevents potential overreach by local authorities. However, there are opponents who express concern that these changes could limit the ability of local governments to cater to the unique economic needs of their communities. The debate indicates a tension between state oversight and local governance autonomy, as stakeholders navigate the implications of enforced limits on local taxpayer funding mechanisms.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding AB94 revolves around the balance of power between state regulations and local governance. Critics argue that the repeal of exceptions effectively undermines local planning flexibility, which may lead to difficulty in managing unique economic situations within the district. Proponents counter that such uniformity in tax regulation is necessary to avoid complications related to compliance and to maintain equity across regions within Wisconsin. This legislative discussion points to larger themes in public policy regarding the scope of local government authority in financial matters.