Wisconsin Legislative Council
AMENDMENT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Memo published: February 2, 2024 Contact: Anna Henning, Principal Attorney
2023 Assembly Bill 957
Assembly
Amendments 1 and 2
2023 ASSEMBLY BILL 957
2023 Assembly Bill 957 prohibits counties and municipalities from taking certain actions to regulate
commercial animal operations in areas that are zoned exclusively or primarily for agricultural use.
Specifically, the bill prohibits local regulations that: (1) establish animal welfare standards that are
more stringent than those under state law;
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(2) require or prohibit medications or vaccinations that are
not required or prohibited under relevant state law; (3) limit the use to which any animal may be put
while in the facility or after it leaves the facility, except as otherwise provided in state law; or (4) limit
the species of animals that may be raised or kept.
The bill provides two exceptions to those general prohibitions. Under the bill, the prohibitions do not
apply if: (1) the regulated activity presents a substantial threat to public health or safety; or (2) the local
regulation is otherwise specifically authorized.
The bill also specifies that the bill shall not be construed as limiting county or municipal authority to
enforce: ch. 173, Stats., relating to animals and humane officers; county zoning ordinances; ch. 174,
Stats., relating to dogs; or state law relating to animal feeding operations.
ASSEMBLY AMENDMENT 1
Assembly Amendment 1 makes two changes in the section of the bill relating to how the bill shall be
construed. First, the amendment specifies that the bill shall not be construed as limiting local authority
to enforce municipal zoning ordinances, whereas the bill provides that specification only for county
zoning ordinances. Second, the amendment replaces the phrase “animal feeding operations” with the
term “livestock facilities.” The latter term is defined in the state livestock facility siting law.
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The bill specifically prohibits local standards that are more stringent than the conduct prohibited under ss. 951. 13 and
951.14, Stats., or under the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection’s administrative rules.
Sections 951.13 and 951.14, Stats., provide criminal penalties for failing to provide proper food and drink to confined
animals and for failing to provide proper shelter to animals.
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For purposes of the livestock facility siting law, “livestock facility” means “a feedlot or facility, other than a pasture,
where animals used in the production of food, fiber, or other animal products are or will be fed, confined, maintained,
or stabled for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period.” The definition excludes aquaculture facilities. [s.
93.90 (1m) (e), Stats.] The term “animal feeding operation” is generally defined in administrative rules to mean “a lot
or facility, other than a pasture or grazing area, where animals have been, are or will be stabled or confined, and will be
fed or maintained for a total of 45 days or more in any 12-month period.” [See ss. ATCP 50.62 (1) (a), ATCP 50.81 (1)
(b), and NR 243.03 (4), Wis. Adm. Code.] - 2 -
ASSEMBLY AMENDMENT 2
Assembly Amendment 2 makes an additional change in that section of the bill. The amendment
specifies that the bill shall not be construed as limiting local zoning authority or power, in general,
rather than only specifying that the bill does not limit the enforcement of local zoning ordinances.
BILL HISTORY
Representative Pronschinske offered Assembly Amendments 1 and 2 on January 29, 2024, and January
30, 2024, respectively. On January 31, 2024, the Assembly Committee on Local Government voted to
recommend adoption of the amendments on votes of Ayes, 12; Noes, 0. The committee then voted to
recommend adoption of the bill, as amended, on a vote of Ayes, 8; Noes, 4.
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
AH:jal