Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB42

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Local regulation of fowl.

Impact

The legislation establishes a baseline allowance for property owners to keep fowl while granting local governments the authority to enforce reasonable regulations. Specifically, local authorities can require permits, notify adjacent property owners, set cleanliness standards, and restrict the keeping of roosters. This creates a more standardized approach to local fowl regulations across residential areas, balancing individual property rights with community standards.

Summary

Assembly Bill 42, introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature, seeks to regulate the keeping of fowl, specifically chickens and quail, by property owners in residential areas. The bill allows individuals to keep up to four fowl on their properties without facing prohibitions from local governmental units or sewerage districts. It establishes a framework wherein local jurisdictions cannot outright ban the keeping of these fowl while still permitting them to impose certain regulations to ensure neighborhood harmony and safety.

Contention

While the bill aims to support urban gardening and sustainable practices by allowing residents to keep small numbers of fowl, there may be contention surrounding its implementation. Opponents could argue that even regulated, keeping fowl in residential areas might lead to nuisances such as noise and odor, particularly if roosters are included or if enough properties choose to house fowl. Conversely, proponents can argue that promoting fowl raising aligns with principles of self-sufficiency and local food production, reflecting modern urban agriculture trends.