Wisconsin 2025 Regular Session Status: To Executive 4 R cosponsors

SB 331 — Relating to: operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual.

Last action — Published 3-21-2026

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed Assembly
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced June 19, 2025. It awaits signature.

Next likely step: the executive signs it into law or issues a veto.

Odds of enactment

Moderate chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a moderate chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · moderate confidence

  • To Executive

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 12 sponsors

    1 primary, 11 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (4 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 2 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Summary

An Act to renumber 23.33 (1) (ja), 23.33 (1) (jc), 23.33 (1) (jd) and 23.33 (1) (je); to renumber and amend 23.33 (11m); to amend 23.33 (1) (ng) 1. e., 23.33 (3) (a), 23.33 (4) (d) 3. a., 23.33 (4) (d) 3. b., 23.33 (6) (b), 23.33 (6) (c), 23.33 (6) (d), 23.33 (6) (f), 23.33 (11) (am) 3. (intro.), 23.33 (11) (am) 3. a., 23.33 (11) (am) 3. c., 23.33 (11) (am) 3. e., 340.01 (2g), 340.01 (3) (a), 340.01 (3) (b), 340.01 (3) (c), 340.01 (3) (d), 340.01 (3) (dg), 340.01 (3) (dh), 340.01 (3) (dm) (intro.) and 340.01 (74); to repeal and recreate 23.33 (6) (a); to create 23.33 (1) (dr), 23.33 (1) (fb), 23.33 (1) (fc), 23.33 (1) (iq), 23.33 (1) (jb), 23.33 (1) (jh), 23.33 (4) (d) 8., 23.33 (6) (ar), 23.33 (7m), 23.33 (11m) (b), 23.33 (13) (g), 23.335 (1) (zde), 23.335 (9) (d), 340.01 (37r), 340.01 (73e), 350.01 (10a) and 350.10 (4) of the statutes;

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

387 added · 396 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to Senate Bill 331 removes the 1,000-foot limitation for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) on highways to cross bridges. Additionally, it expands the regulations to allow the operation of ATVs and UTVs on highway shoulders when crossing culverts. This change is significant because it offers greater flexibility for vehicle operators and could enhance access to recreational areas, while still being subject to local regulations.

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- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE SUBSTITUTE AMENDMENT 1, TO SENATE BILL 331 September 25, 2025 - Offered by SenatARKLEIN .
- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 June 19, 2025 - Introduced by SenatorARKLEIN, STAFSHOLT, FEYEN and NASS, cosponsored by Representatives M URSAU, G REEN, G OODWIN , KAUFERT , K NODL, MELOTIK, O'CONNOR and PIWOWARCZYK .
A N A CT to repeal 23.335 (21) (am) 3.;
Referred to Committee on Transportation and Local Government.
to renumber 23.33 (1) (ja), 23.33 (1) (jc), 23.33 (1) (jd) and 23.33 (1) (je);
A N A CT to renumber 23.33 (1) (ja), 23.33 (1) (jc), 23.33 (1) (jd) and 23.33 (1) (je);
e., 23.335 (10) (a) 2., 23.335 (10) (a) 2m., 23.335 (21) (am) (intro.), 340.01 (2g), 340.01 (3) (a), 340.01 (3) (b), 340.01 (3) (c), 340.01 (3) (d), 340.01 (3) (dg), 340.01 (3) (dh), 340.01 (3) (dm) (intro.) and 340.01 (74);
e., 340.01 (2g), 340.01 (3) (a), 340.01 (3) (b), 340.01 (3) (c), 340.01 (3) (d), 340.01 (3) (dg), 340.01 (3) (dh), 340.01 (3) (dm) (intro.) and 340.01 (74);
to create 23.33 (1) (dr), 23.33 (1) (fb), 23.33 (1) (fc), 23.33 (1) (iq), 23.33 (1) (jb), 23.33 (1) (jh), 23.33 (4) (d) 8., 23.33 (6) (ar), 23.33 (7m), 23.33 (11m) (b), 23.33 (13) (g), 23.335 (1) (zde), 23.335 (9) (d), 340.01 (37r), 340.01 (73e), 350.01 (10a) - 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs and 350.10 (4) of the statutes;
to create 23.33 (1) (dr), 23.33 (1) (fb), 23.33 (1) (fc), 23.33 (1) (iq), 23.33 (1) (jb), 23.33 (1) (jh), 23.33 (4) (d) 8., 23.33 (6) (ar), 23.33 (7m), 23.33 (11m) (b), 23.33 (13) (g), 23.335 (1) (zde), 23.335 (9) (d), 340.01 (37r), 340.01 (73e), 350.01 (10a) and 350.10 (4) of the statutes;
operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off- - 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual.
ATV, UTV, and OHM operation on a bridge or culvert Under current law generally, a person may not operate an ATV, UTV, or OHM on a highway.
ATV and UTV operation on a bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way Under current law generally, a person may not operate an ATV or UTV on a highway.
However, a person may operate an ATV, UTV, or OHM on the shoulder or roadway of a highway to cross a bridge that is no more than 1,000 feet long if the operation complies with a local ordinance that applies to the bridge.
However, a person may operate an ATV or UTV on the shoulder or roadway of a highway to cross a bridge that is no more than 1,000 feet long if the operation complies with a local ordinance that applies to the bridge.
The bill eliminates the 1,000-foot limitation.
Current law requires that such an ordinance require a person to stop his or her ATV or UTV before crossing the bridge.
The bill also provides that a person may operate an ATV or UTV on the shoulder or roadway of a highway to cross a culvert.
The bill eliminates the 1,000-foot limitation and expands this authorization to include culverts and railroad rights-of-way.
The bill requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped also with a brake light, except ATVs manufactured prior to January 1, 2016.
The bill requires ATVs and UTVs to be equipped also with a brake light.
Emergency operation of ATVs and UTVs The bill provides that ATVs and UTVs may be operated on any roadway if the - 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 1 operation is for emergency purposes during a period of emergency declared by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the roadway.
Emergency operation of ATVs and UTVs The bill provides that ATVs and UTVs may be operated on any roadway if the - 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 1 operation is for emergency purposes during a period of emergency declared by the governmental agency having jurisdiction over the roadway.
Authorized emergency vehicles Under current law, Xauthorized emergency vehicleY is defined to include vehicles operated by various entities, such as law enforcement officers, fire departments, conservation wardens, and ambulance services.
Authorized emergency vehicles Under current law, “authorized emergency vehicle” is defined to include vehicles operated by various entities, such as law enforcement officers, fire departments, conservation wardens, and ambulance services.
The bill expands the definition of Xauthorized emergency vehicleY to include ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles operated by these same entities and to include OHMs operated by law enforcement officers and conservation wardens.
The bill expands the definition of “authorized emergency vehicle” to include ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles operated by these same entities and to include OHMs operated by law enforcement officers and conservation wardens.
Patrol vehicles The bill creates definitions for Xpatrol all-terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol utility terrain vehicle,Y Xpatrol off-highway motorcycle,Y and Xpatrol snowmobile,Y which are ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles that are owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with required sirens and lights.
Patrol vehicles The bill creates definitions for “patrol all-terrain vehicle,” “patrol utility terrain vehicle,” “patrol off-highway motorcycle,” and “patrol snowmobile,” which are ATVs, UTVs, OHMs, and snowmobiles that are owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with required sirens and lights.
Revision to highway maintenance manual Under current law, no state trunk highway or connecting highway may be designated as an ATV route without Department of Transportation approval.
DOT standards for ATV route approval are detailed in DOT’s Highway Maintenance Manual (HMM), which includes policies, technical information, administrative direction, and operational information for administration of DOT’s highway maintenance program.
The HMM currently provides that requests for ATV routes or trails to use short segments of state trunk highways for the purpose of connecting to businesses may not be approved.
The bill requires DOT to revise the HMM to remove these provisions.
SECTION 1.
S ECTION 1.
23.33 (1) (dr) XBridgeY means any structure constructed in or over a navigable waterway to provide a walkway or roadway for pedestrians, animals, or vehicles.
23.33 (1) (dr) “Bridge” means any structure constructed in or over a navigable waterway to provide a walkway or roadway for pedestrians, animals, or vehicles.
XBridgeY includes pipe arches and culverts.
“Bridge” includes pipe arches and culverts.
SECTION 2.
S ECTION 2.
23.33 (1) (fb) XCulvertY means a structure that allows water to flow under a road, trail, or other obstruction.
- 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 SECTION 2 23.33 (1) (fb) “Culvert” means a structure that allows water to flow under a road, trail, or other obstruction.
SECTION 3.
S ECTION 3.
23.33 (1) (fc) XDune buggyY means a motor driven device originally manufactured with, or modified to have, an open-frame construction, seats in which occupants sit close to the ground, and off-road tires designed for travel in sand.
23.33 (1) (fc) “Dune buggy” means a motor driven device originally manufactured with, or modified to have, an open-frame construction, seats in which occupants sit close to the ground, and off-road tires designed for travel in sand.
- 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs SECTION 4 S ECTION 4.
S ECTION 4.
23.33 (1) (iq) XNavigable waterwayY means any body of water with a defined bed and bank that is capable of floating the lightest boat or skiff used for recreation or any other purpose on a regularly recurring basis.
23.33 (1) (iq) “Navigable waterway” means any body of water with a defined bed and bank that is capable of floating the lightest boat or skiff used for recreation or any other purpose on a regularly recurring basis.
23.33 (1) (jb) XPatrol all-terrain vehicleY means an all-terrain vehicle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the all-terrain vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
23.33 (1) (jb) “Patrol all-terrain vehicle” means an all-terrain vehicle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the all-terrain vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
23.33 (1) (jh) XPatrol utility terrain vehicleY means a utility terrain vehicle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white - 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 10 lights or, if the utility terrain vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
- 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 10 23.33 (1) (jh) “Patrol utility terrain vehicle” means a utility terrain vehicle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the utility terrain vehicle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
23.33 (4) (d) 3.
- 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 14 23.33 (4) (d) 3.
A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle on the roadway or shoulder of any highway to cross a bridge that is 1,000 feet in length or less or culvert if the operation is in compliance with a county ordinance adopted under sub.
A person may operate an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle on the roadway or shoulder of any highway to cross a bridge that is 1,000 feet in length or less, culvert, or railroad right-of-way if the operation is in compliance with a county ordinance adopted under sub.
that applies to that bridge or culvert and a city, - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 14 village, or town ordinance adopted under sub.
that applies to that bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way and a city, village, or town ordinance adopted under sub.
that applies to that bridge or culvert.
that applies to that bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way.
S ECTION 19.
- 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 19 S ECTION 19.
- 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 20 S ECTION 20.
S ECTION 20.
23.33 (6) (d) Every all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle is required to be equipped with at least one functioning brake operated either by hand or by foot and, except for any all-terrain vehicle manufactured prior to January 1, 2016, a brake light.
23.33 (6) (d) Every all-terrain vehicle and utility terrain vehicle is required to be equipped with at least one functioning brake operated either by hand or by foot and a brake light.
23.33 (11) (am) 3.
- 2026 Legislature - 8 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 23 23.33 (11) (am) 3.
(intro.A county, city, village, or town may enact an ordinance to authorize the operation of all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles on a highway to cross a culvert or a bridge that is not part of the national - 2026 Legislature - 8 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 23 system of interstate and defense highways, that is 1,000 feet in length or less, and that is located within the territorial boundaries of the county, city, village, or town regardless of whether the county, city, village, or town has jurisdiction over the highway.
(intro.A county, city, village, or town may enact an ordinance to authorize the operation of all-terrain vehicles and utility terrain vehicles on a highway to cross a culvert or railroad right-of-way or a bridge that is not part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, that is 1,000 feet in length or less, and that is located within the territorial boundaries of the county, city, village, or town regardless of whether the county, city, village, or town has jurisdiction over the highway.
Any such ordinance shall require a person crossing a culvert or bridge to do all of the following:
Any such ordinance shall require a person crossing a culvert, railroad right-of-way, or bridge to do all of the following:
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Cross the culvert or bridge in the most direct manner practicable and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
Cross the culvert, railroad right-of-way, or bridge in the most direct manner practicable and at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing.
Exit the highway as quickly and safely as practicable after crossing the culvert or bridge.
Exit the highway as quickly and safely as practicable after crossing the culvert, railroad right-of-way, or bridge.
23.33 (11m) (a) Subsections (3) (em), (6) (cd), (ch), (cp), and (i), and (6r) do not apply to the operator of an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, public safety corporation, or public utility while the operator is engaged in an emergency or in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
23.33 (11m) (a) Subsections (3) (em), (6) (cd), (ch), (cp), and (i), and (6r) do not apply to the operator of an all-terrain vehicle or utility terrain vehicle owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, public safety corporation, or public utility while - 2026 Legislature - 9 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 27 the operator is engaged in an emergency or in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
(3) (g), (gm), (h), and (ht) do - 2026 Legislature - 9 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 28 not apply to the operator of a patrol all-terrain vehicle or patrol utility terrain vehicle when responding to an emergency call, engaged in an emergency, or in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
(3) (g), (gm), (h), and (ht) do not apply to the operator of a patrol all-terrain vehicle or patrol utility terrain vehicle when responding to an emergency call, engaged in an emergency, or in the pursuit of an actual or suspected violator of the law.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to - 2026 Legislature - 10 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 28 destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to - 2026 Legislature - 10 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 28 cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol all-terrain vehicle or patrol utility terrain vehicle under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator[s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol all-terrain vehicle or patrol utility terrain vehicle under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator’s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
23.335 (1) (zde) XPatrol off-highway motorcycleY means an off-highway motorcycle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red - 2026 Legislature - 11 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 30 lights, or red and white lights or, if the off-highway motorcycle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
23.335 (1) (zde) “Patrol off-highway motorcycle” means an off-highway motorcycle that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, - 2026 Legislature - 11 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 30 federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the off-highway motorcycle is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
b.
- 2026 Legislature - 12 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 31 b.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to - 2026 Legislature - 12 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 31 destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol off-highway motorcycle under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator[s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol off-highway motorcycle under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator’s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
23.335 (10) (a) 2.
of the statutes is amended to read:
23.335 (10) (a) 2.
Operation on the roadway is necessary to cross a bridge, culvert, or railroad right-of-way.
The crossing of a bridge, culvert, or railroad right- of-way is not authorized if the roadway is officially closed to off-highway motorcycle traffic.
The crossing is authorized only if the crossing is done in the most direct manner practicable, if the crossing is made at a place where no obstruction prevents a quick and safe crossing, and if the operator stops the limited use off-highway motorcycle prior to entering the crossing and yields the right-of-way to any other vehicles, pedestrians, electric scooters, or electric personal assistive mobility devices that are using the roadway.
S ECTION 33.
23.335 (10) (a) 2m.
of the statutes is amended to read:
- 2026 Legislature - 13 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 33 23.335 (10) (a) 2m.
Operation is on the roadway or shoulder for the purpose of crossing a bridge that is 1,000 feet in length or less if the operation is in compliance with a county ordinance adopted under sub.
(21) (am) that applies to that bridge and a city, village, or town ordinance adopted under sub.
(21) (am) that applies to that bridge.
S ECTION 34.
23.335 (21) (am) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
23.335 (21) (am) (intro.)A county, city, village, or town may enact an ordinance to authorize the operation of limited use off-highway motorcycles on a highway bridge that is not part of the national system of interstate and defense highways, that is 1,000 feet in length or less, and that is located within the territorial boundaries of the county, city, village, or town regardless of whether the county, city, village, or town has jurisdiction over the highway.
Any such ordinance shall require a person crossing a bridge to do all of the following:
S ECTION 35.
23.335 (21) (am) 3.
of the statutes is repealed.
S ECTION 36.
340.01 (2g) XAll-terrain vehicleY means a commercially designed and manufactured motor-driven device that has a weight, without fluids, of 900 pounds or less, has a width of not more than 50 inches as measured laterally between the outermost wheel rim on each side of the vehicle, exclusive of tires, mirrors, and accessories that are not essential to the vehicle[s basic operation, is equipped with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, a headlight, and a tail lamp, and travels on 3 or more tires.
340.01 (2g) “All-terrain vehicle” means a commercially designed and manufactured motor-driven device that has a weight, without fluids, of 900 pounds or less, has a width of not more than 50 inches as measured laterally between the outermost wheel rim on each side of the vehicle, exclusive of tires, mirrors, and accessories that are not essential to the vehicle’s basic operation, is equipped with a seat designed to be straddled by the operator, a headlight, tail lamp, and brake light, and travels on 3 or more tires.
S ECTION 37.
- 2026 Legislature - 13 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 33 S ECTION 33.
340.01 (3) (a) Police vehicles, whether publicly or privately owned, including - 2026 Legislature - 14 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 37 all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, and bicycles being operated by law enforcement officers.
340.01 (3) (a) Police vehicles, whether publicly or privately owned, including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, and bicycles being operated by law enforcement officers.
S ECTION 38.
S ECTION 34.
340.01 (3) (b) Conservation wardens[ vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles, foresters[ trucks, or vehicles used by commission wardens, whether publicly or privately owned.
340.01 (3) (b) Conservation wardens’ vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles, foresters’ trucks, or vehicles used by commission wardens, whether publicly or privately owned.
S ECTION 39.
S ECTION 35.
S ECTION 40.
S ECTION 36.
S ECTION 41.
S ECTION 37.
340.01 (3) (dg) Privately owned motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles, being used by an organ procurement organization, or by any person under an agreement with an organ procurement organization, to transport organs for human transplantation or to transport medical personnel for the purpose of performing human organ harvesting or transplantation immediately after the transportation.
340.01 (3) (dg) Privately owned motor vehicles, including all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, and snowmobiles, being used by an organ procurement organization, or by any person under an agreement with an organ procurement organization, to transport organs for human transplantation or to transport - 2026 Legislature - 14 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 37 medical personnel for the purpose of performing human organ harvesting or transplantation immediately after the transportation.
- 2026 Legislature - 15 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 42 S ECTION 42.
S ECTION 38.
S ECTION 43.
S ECTION 39.
S ECTION 44.
S ECTION 40.
340.01 (37r) XOff-highway motorcycleY has the meaning given in s.
340.01 (37r) “Off-highway motorcycle” has the meaning given in s.
S ECTION 45.
S ECTION 41.
340.01 (73e) XUtility terrain vehicleY has the meaning given in s.
340.01 (73e) “Utility terrain vehicle” has the meaning given in s.
S ECTION 46.
S ECTION 42.
340.01 (74) XVehicleY means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except railroad trains.
340.01 (74) “Vehicle” means every device in, upon, or by which any person or property is or may be transported or drawn upon a highway, except railroad trains.
A snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle, a utility terrain vehicle, a personal delivery device, an electric scooter, and an electric personal assistive mobility device shall - 2026 Legislature - 16 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 46 not be considered a vehicle except for purposes made specifically applicable by statute.
- 2026 Legislature - 15 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 42 A snowmobile, an all-terrain vehicle, a utility terrain vehicle, a personal delivery device, an electric scooter, and an electric personal assistive mobility device shall not be considered a vehicle except for purposes made specifically applicable by statute.
S ECTION 47.
S ECTION 43.
350.01 (10a) XPatrol snowmobileY means a snowmobile that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the snowmobile is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
350.01 (10a) “Patrol snowmobile” means a snowmobile that is owned or leased by a city, village, town, county, state agency, federal agency, federally recognized American Indian tribe, or public safety corporation, used for law enforcement, fire fighting, or emergency medical response, and equipped with a siren and one or more flashing, oscillating, or rotating red lights, or red and white lights or, if the snowmobile is operated by a law enforcement officer, a blue light or a blue and white light, and a red light or a red and white light, all of which are flashing, oscillating, or rotating.
S ECTION 48.
S ECTION 44.
(c) A law enforcement officer operating a patrol snowmobile may exceed a speed limit without giving audible or visual signals if the officer is obtaining - 2026 Legislature - 17 - LRBs0115/1 ZDW:cjs S ECTION 48 evidence of a speed violation or responding to what the officer reasonably believes is a felony in progress and the officer reasonably believes any of the following:
- 2026 Legislature - 16 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 44 (c) A law enforcement officer operating a patrol snowmobile may exceed a speed limit without giving audible or visual signals if the officer is obtaining evidence of a speed violation or responding to what the officer reasonably believes is a felony in progress and the officer reasonably believes any of the following:
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may endanger the safety of a victim or other person.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to evade apprehension.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to destroy evidence of a suspected felony or may otherwise result in the loss of evidence of a suspected felony.
Knowledge of the officer[s presence may cause the suspected violator to cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
Knowledge of the officer’s presence may cause the suspected violator to cease the commission of a suspected felony before the officer obtains sufficient evidence to establish grounds for arrest.
(e) The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol snowmobile under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator[s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(e) The privileges granted to the operator of a patrol snowmobile under this paragraph do not relieve the operator from the duty to drive or ride with due regard under the circumstances for the safety of all persons or provide immunity from liability for the consequences of the operator’s reckless disregard for the safety of others.
(END )
S ECTION 45.
Nonstatutory provisions.
(1) The department of transportation shall revise the department’s highway - 2026 Legislature - 17 - LRB-0781/1 ZDW:cjs SENATE BILL 331 S ECTION 45 maintenance manual to eliminate the provisions that an all-terrain vehicle route or trail request be disallowed for a short state trunk highway segment to connect a local route, trail, or crossing to a gas station, grocery store, bar, or other business.
END )
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Action History

  1. Published 3-21-2026

  2. Report approved by the Governor on 3-20-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 114

  3. Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026

  4. Report correctly enrolled

  5. Received from Assembly concurred in

  6. Ordered immediately messaged

  7. Read a third time and concurred in

  8. Rules suspended

  9. Ordered to a third reading

  10. Read a second time

  11. Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up

  12. Placed on calendar 2-10-2026 by Committee on Rules

  13. Read first time and referred to committee on Rules

  14. Received from Senate

  15. Ordered immediately messaged

  16. Read a third time and passed

  17. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

  18. Ordered to a third reading

  19. Senate Substitute Amendment 2 adopted

  20. Senate Substitute Amendment 1 withdrawn and returned to author

  21. Read a second time

  22. Placed on calendar 10-14-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

  23. Senate Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Senator Marklein

  24. Available for scheduling

  25. Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2

  26. Report adoption of Senate Substitute Amendment 1 recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 4, Noes 1

  27. Executive action taken

  28. Senate Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Senator Marklein

  29. Public hearing held

  30. Read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Local Government

  31. Introduced by Senators Marklein, Stafsholt, Feyen and Nass; cosponsored by Representatives Mursau, Green, Goodwin, Kaufert, Knodl, Melotik, O'Connor and Piwowarczyk

Sponsors

  • Howard Marklein · Primary
  • Rob Stafsholt · Cosponsor
  • Dan Feyen · Cosponsor
  • Steve Nass · Cosponsor
  • Mursau · Cosponsor
  • Green · Cosponsor
  • Goodwin · Cosponsor
  • Kaufert · Cosponsor
  • Knodl · Cosponsor
  • Melotik · Cosponsor
  • O'Connor · Cosponsor
  • Piwowarczyk · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 11 co-sponsors · 120 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (11)

Not signed on (120)

120 members have not signed on to this bill.

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"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 331 do?
An Act to renumber 23.33 (1) (ja), 23.33 (1) (jc), 23.33 (1) (jd) and 23.33 (1) (je); to renumber and amend 23.33 (11m); to amend 23.33 (1) (ng) 1. e., 23.33 (3) (a), 23.33 (4) (d) 3. a., 23.33 (4) (d) 3. b., 23.33 (6) (b), 23.33 (6) (c), 23.33 (6) (d), 23.33 (6) (f), 23.33 (11) (am) 3. (intro.), 23.33 (11) (am) 3. a., 23.33 (11) (am) 3. c., 23.33 (11) (am) 3. e., 340.01 (2g), 340.01 (3) (a), 340.01 (3) (b), 340.01 (3) (c), 340.01 (3) (d), 340.01 (3) (dg), 340.01 (3) (dh), 340.01 (3) (dm) (intro.) and 340.01 (74); to repeal and recreate 23.33 (6) (a); to create 23.33 (1) (dr), 23.33 (1) (fb), 23.33 (1) (fc), 23.33 (1) (iq), 23.33 (1) (jb), 23.33 (1) (jh), 23.33 (4) (d) 8., 23.33 (6) (ar), 23.33 (7m), 23.33 (11m) (b), 23.33 (13) (g), 23.335 (1) (zde), 23.335 (9) (d), 340.01 (37r), 340.01 (73e), 350.01 (10a) and 350.10 (4) of the statutes;
Who sponsors SB 331?
SB 331 is sponsored by Marklein, Howard (Republican), Stafsholt, Rob (Republican), Feyen, Dan (Republican), Nass, Steve (Republican), Mursau, Green, Goodwin, Kaufert, Knodl, Melotik, O'Connor, and Piwowarczyk.
What is the current status of SB 331?
This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced June 19, 2025. It awaits signature.
Where can I track SB 331?
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