Wisconsin 2025 Regular Session Status: To Executive 4 R cosponsors

SB 525 — Relating to: removal of vegetation obstructing outdoor advertising signs.

Last action — Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

  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 October 09, 2025. It awaits signature.

Vetoed by Governor Tony Evers (Democratic) on March 27, 2026.

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

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low 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.

  • 21 sponsors

    1 primary, 20 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (4 R).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 1 recorded vote 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 repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.; to amend 84.305 (2), 84.305 (3) (a), 84.305 (3) (b), 84.305 (3) (g), 84.305 (4), 84.305 (5) (a), 84.305 (5) (ag), 84.305 (5) (d), 84.305 (5) (f) 1. and 84.305 (6) (a); to create 84.305 (1) (ar), 84.305 (1) (hm), 84.305 (2m) (ar), 84.305 (3r) and 84.305 (5) (f) 3. of the statutes;

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

113 added · 189 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendments to Senate Bill 525 focus on the removal of vegetation that obstructs outdoor advertising signs along highways. The bill now allows sign owners to apply for permits to trim or remove vegetation that blocks the view of their signs, which aims to improve visibility while also updating the definitions related to "living snow fences" and "viewing windows" for signs. This change matters because it may help businesses enhance their advertising visibility and potentially increase their revenue, while still maintaining some level of oversight by the Department of Transportation.

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- 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 October 9, 2025 - Introduced by Senators T OMCZYK , JACQUE , N ASS and W ANGGAARD , cosponsored by RepresentativAXEY , O'ONNOR, ARMSTRONG , B EHNKE, GOEBEN , GUNDRUM , GUSTAFSON, B.
Date of enactment:
JACOBSON, KNODL , MELOTIK, M URSAU , ENTERMAN , SPIRO, STEFFEN , UCKER , WICHGERS and D OYLE.
Senate Bill 525 Date of publication*:
Referred to Committee on Transportation and Local Government.
WISCONSIN ACT A N A CT to repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.;
A N A CT to repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.;
relating to:
re- lating to:
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau Under current law, the Department of Transportation is responsible for maintenance of the highway right-of-way on highways under its jurisdiction.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in sen- and subject to sub.
DOT must provide for the care, protection, and maintenance of trees and other roadside vegetation, including cutting, trimming, or removing trees and other vegetation as needed to provide safety to highway users.
Current law generally prohibits a person from cutting, trimming, removing, or planting a tree or other vegetation within the right-of-way of a state trunk highway, including interstate highways, without DOT’s consent.
Under current law, outdoor advertising signs (signs) viewable from a highway are regulated and subject to an annual permit fee payable to DOT (sign permit).
A - 2026 Legislature - 2 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 SECTION 1 sign owner may also apply for a permit from DOT that authorizes the owner to maintain and remove vegetation obstructing the view of the owner’s sign along a state trunk highway, including an interstate highway (vegetation removal permit).
Under current law, a vegetation removal permit authorizes sign owners to trim or remove vegetation approved by DOT for removal within a sign’s “viewing zone,” which is the final 1,000 feet along the highway when approaching a sign.
The bill defines a “viewing window,” which is the final 500 feet of the viewing zone.
Under the bill, a sign owner with a vegetation removal permit may clear cut all vegetation within a sign’s viewing window, including vegetation located in the median of a divided highway.
Under current law, a vegetation removal permit holder that removes trees with a diameter of two inches or more must compensate DOT for the removed trees.
The bill eliminates the requirement that an arborist be employed and provides that compensation is due only if the trees were removed from a living snow fence.
The bill defines “living snow fence” to mean vegetation that functions as a berm or barrier to inhibit the accumulation of snow on the highway during the winter season that is planted by the department in a highway right-of-way and the location of which is documented by the department.
The bill increases the amount of compensation from $200 to $300 per tree and requires DOT to use the amounts collected to plant living snow fences.
Finally, the bill provides that a sign owner who was issued a vegetation removal permit on or after May 19, 2012, is not required to apply for subsequent permits for the same sign and may remove vegetation in the sign’s viewing window without additional approval or supervision by DOT.
The sign owner must notify DOT prior to removal of any vegetation and must provide DOT with photographs of the sign site before and after the vegetation removal is completed.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:
SECTION 1.
84.305 (1) (ar) of the statutes is created to read:
84.305 (1) (ar) “Living snow fence” means vegetation that functions as a berm or barrier to inhibit the accumulation of snow on the highway during the winter season that is planted by the department in a highway right-of-way and the location of which is documented by the department.
SECTION 2.
84.305 (1) (hm) of the statutes is created to read:
- 2026 Legislature - 3 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 SECTION 2 84.305 (1) (hm) “Viewing window” means, with respect to a sign, the area in which vegetation removal is authorized by permit within the viewing zone for the sign, extending on the main-traveled way of the highway nearest the sign for the direction of travel for which the sign face is oriented and extending, in the direction opposite of the direction of travel of the main-traveled way from which the sign face is visible and intended to be viewed, in a line along the highway pavement edge for a distance of 500 continuous feet.
S ECTION 3.
84.305 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
84.305 (2) Notwithstanding ss.
66.1037 and 86.03, and subject to sub.
(2m) and (3r), upon application, the department shall issue permits to sign owners for the trimming or removal of vegetation that is located in the right-of-way of a highway under the jurisdiction of the department for maintenance purposes and that obstructs a sign if, within a distance of 500 continuous feet along any portion of the viewing zone, any portion of the face of the sign is not viewable because of an obstruction to sight by vegetation in the highway right-of-way.
(2m) and (3r), upon applica- ate and assembly, do enact as follows:
S ECTION 4.
tion, the department shall issue permits to sign owners SECTION 1.
84.305 (2m) (a) of the statutes is repealed.
84.305 (1) (ar) of the statutes is created for the trimming or removal of vegetation that is located in the right-of-way of a highway under the jurisdiction to read:
S ECTION 5.
84.305 (1) (ar) “Living snow fence” means vegeta- of the department for maintenance purposes and that tion that functions as a berm or barrier to inhibit the ac- obstructs a sign if, within a distance of 500 continuous cumulation of snow on the highway during the winter feet along any portion of the viewing zone, any portion season that is planted by the department in a highway of the face of the sign is not viewable because of an ob- struction to sight by vegetation in the highway right-of- right-of-way and the location of which is documented by the department.
84.305 (2m) (ar) of the statutes is created to read:
way.
84.305 (2m) (ar) A person may apply for a permit under this section for new sign locations prior to the construction of the sign.
SECTION 2.
S ECTION 6.
84.305 (1) (hm) of the statutes is cre- S ECTION 4.
84.305 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
84.305 (2m) (a) of the statutes is ated to read:
84.305 (3) (a) Subject to pars.
repealed.
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84.305 (1) (hm) “Viewing window” means, with re- S ECTION 5.
84.305 (2m) (ar) of the statutes is cre- spect to a sign, the area in which vegetation removal is ated to read:
authorized by permit within the viewing zone for the 84.305 (2m) (ar) A person may apply for a permit sign, extending on the main-traveled way of the highway under this section for new sign locations prior to the nearest the sign for the direction of travel for which the construction of the sign.
sign face is oriented and extending, in the direction op- S ECTION 6.
84.305 (3) (a) of the statutes is posite of the direction of travel of the main-traveled way amended to read:
from which the sign face is visible and intended to be 84.305 (3) (a) Subject to pars.
(2m) (b), (4), and (6), a permit issued under this section authorizes the permittee to trim or remove obstructing vegetation in the viewing window to the extent necessary to eliminate the obstruction and provide an unobstructed view of a sign for 500 continuous feet - 2026 Legislature - 4 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 SECTION 6 within the viewing zone.
viewed, in a line along the highway pavement edge for a (2m) (b), (4), and (6), a permit issued under this section distance of 500 continuous feet.
A permit issued under this section shall specify the vegetation or the portion of the highway right-of-way to which the permit applies.
authorizes the permittee to trim or remove obstructing SECTION 3.
S ECTION 7.
84.305 (2) of the statutes is amended to vegetation in the viewing window to the extent neces- read:
84.305 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
sary to eliminate the obstruction and provide an unob- 84.305 (2) Notwithstanding ss.
84.305 (3) (b) An application for a permit under this section shall specifically describe the work proposed by the applicant.
66.1037 and 86.03, structed view of a sign for 500 continuous feet within * Section 991.11, ISCONSINSTATUTES:
The department shall grant or deny an application for a permit under this section, and notify the applicant of the department’s decision, within 60 calendar days of the department’s initial receipt of the application.
Effective date of acts.
If the department denies an application for a permit under this section, the department shall notify the applicant of reasons for the denial.
“Every act and every portion of an act enacted by the legislature over the gov- ernor's partial veto which does not expressly prescribe the time when it takes effect shall take effect on the day after its date of publication.” Wisconsin Act - 2 - 2025 Senate Bill 525 the viewing zone.
If the department does not approve or deny the application within 60 calendar days of the department’s initial receipt of the application, the application shall be deemed approved and the applicant may schedule vegetation removal with the state outdoor advertising coordinator for the appropriate region.
A permit issued under this section S ECTION 11.
S ECTION 8.
84.305 (4) of the statutes is amended shall specify the vegetation or the portion of the high- to read:
84.305 (3) (g) of the statutes is amended to read:
way right-of-way to which the permit applies.
84.305 (3) (g) A permit issued under this section may not authorize the permittee to clear-cut any the highway right-of-way in a specified viewing window.
84.305 (4) Each permit Permits issued under this SECTION 7.
The permit authorizes the permittee to trim or remove only the vegetation specified in the permit, or only vegetation within the area of the right-of-way specified in the permit, in accordance with the terms of the permit.
84.305 (3) (b) of the statutes is section shall authorize the permittee to employ 3rd- amended to read:
All trimming of vegetation authorized under a permit shall be performed in compliance with applicable standards of the American National Standards Institute, but if the trimming cannot be accomplished in compliance with these standards, the vegetation may be removed as provided in sub.
party contractors, including any arborist or landscape 84.305 (3) (b) An application for a permit under this contractor, to perform work authorized under the per- section shall specifically describe the work proposed by mit.
(5).
Each permit issued under this section shall require the permittee to retain a certified arborist for the pur- the applicant.
- 2026 Legislature - 5 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 SECTION 9 S ECTION 9.
The department shall grant or deny an ap- plication for a permit under this section, and notify the poses specified in sub.
84.305 (3) (i) of the statutes is repealed.
S ECTION 10.
84.305 (3r) of the statutes is created to read:
84.305 (3r) (a) A sign owner who was issued a permit under sub.
(2) on or after May 19, 2012, is not required to apply for subsequent permits for the same sign and may trim or remove vegetation in the sign’s specified viewing window without additional approval or supervision by the department.
(b) A sign owner acting under the authority of par.
(a) shall notify the department not less than 15 calendar days prior to any trimming or removal of vegetation within the sign’s specified viewing window.
No later than 15 calendar days after the trimming or removal of vegetation, the sign owner must submit to the department photographs of the sign site before and after the trimming or removal of vegetation.
S ECTION 11.
84.305 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
84.305 (4) Each permit Permits issued under this section shall authorize the permittee to employ 3rd-party contractors, including any arborist or landscape contractor, to perform work authorized under the permit.
Each permit issued under this section shall require the permittee to retain a certified arborist for the purposes specified in sub.
A permittee shall be responsible for any such work performed by a contractor on behalf of the permittee that is not authorized by the permit as if the work were performed directly by the permittee.
A permittee shall be re- applicant of the department’s decision, within 60 calen- sponsible for any such work performed by a contractor dar days of the department’s initial receipt of the appli- on behalf of the permittee that is not authorized by the cation.
S ECTION 12.
If the department denies an application for a per- permit as if the work were performed directly by the permittee.
84.305 (5) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
mit under this section, the department shall notify the applicant of reasons for the denial.
84.305 (5) (a) Each permit issued under this section shall require a permittee that removes any tree with a diameter of 2 inches or more as measured at breast - 2026 Legislature - 6 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 S ECTION 12 height that is part of a living snow fence to compensate the department for all such trees removed, in compliance with the requirements under pars.
If the department S ECTION 12.
84.305 (5) (a) of the statutes is does not approve or deny the application within 60 cal- amended to read:
endar days of the department’s initial receipt of the ap- 84.305 (5) (a) Each permit issued under this section shall require a permittee that removes any tree with a di- plication, the application shall be deemed approved and ameter of 2 inches or more as measured at breast height the applicant may schedule vegetation removal with the state outdoor advertising coordinator for the appropriate that is part of a living snow fence to compensate the de- region.
partment for all such trees removed, in compliance with SECTION 8.
84.305 (3) (g) of the statutes is the requirements under pars.
84.305 (5) (ag) Each permit issued under this section shall require a permittee that removes vegetation to also remove the vegetation’s stump, to grade level, and to dispose of all vegetation removed, including the stump, at a location away from the highway right-of-way.
amended to read:
This paragraph applies to all vegetation removal, including first-time permittees, viewing window maintenance, and maintenance or removal of a living snow fence.
84.305 (3) (g) A permit issued under this section may not authorize the permittee to clear-cut any the 84.305 (5) (ag) Each permit issued under this sec- highway right-of-way in a specified viewing window.
S ECTION 14.
tion shall require a permittee that removes vegetation to also remove the vegetation’s stump, to grade level, and The permit authorizes the permittee to trim or remove to dispose of all vegetation removed, including the only the vegetation specified in the permit, or only vege- stump, at a location away from the highway right-of- tation within the area of the right-of-way specified in the permit, in accordance with the terms of the permit.
84.305 (5) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
All way.
This paragraph applies to all vegetation removal, trimming of vegetation authorized under a permit shall including first-time permittees, viewing window main- tenance, and maintenance or removal of a living snow be performed in compliance with applicable standards fence.
of the American National Standards Institute, but if the S ECTION 14.
84.305 (5) (d) of the statutes is trimming cannot be accomplished in compliance with these standards, the vegetation may be removed as pro- amended to read:
(2), a certified arborist retained by the permittee the department shall determine the number of trees with a diameter of 2 inches or more, as measured at breast height, that are to be removed.
vided in sub.
(5).
(2), a certified arborist retained by the permittee the de- SECTION 9.
84.305 (3) (i) of the statutes is repealed.
partment shall determine the number of trees with a di- SECTION 10.
84.305 (3r) of the statutes is created to ameter of 2 inches or more, as measured at breast height, read:
84.305 (3r) (a) A sign owner who was issued a per- that are to be removed.
In calculating the total number of trees under subd.
In calculating the total number of trees under mit under sub.
1., a certified arborist shall the department may not include any vegetation that was dead, diseased, or determined to be an invasive species at the time of its removal.
(2) on or after May 19, 2012, is not re- subd.
The applicant shall be allowed to remove any dead, diseased, or invasive species within the viewing window, regardless of whether it obstructs the view of the sign.
1., a certified arborist shall the department may quired to apply for subsequent permits for the same sign not include any vegetation that was dead, diseased, or and may trim or remove vegetation in the sign’s speci- determined to be an invasive species at the time of its re- fied viewing window without additional approval or su- moval.
4.
The applicant shall be allowed to remove any pervision by the department.
In determining whether a tree with multiple leaders has a diameter of 2 inches or more, as measured at breast height, for purposes of calculating the total number of trees under subd.
dead, diseased, or invasive species within the viewing (b) A sign owner acting under the authority of par.
1., a certified arborist the department shall consider only the diameter of the tree’s largest leader.
window, regardless of whether it obstructs the view of (a) shall notify the department not less than 15 calendar the sign.
S ECTION 15.
days prior to any trimming or removal of vegetation 4.
In determining whether a tree with multiple lead- within the sign’s specified viewing window.
No later ers has a diameter of 2 inches or more, as measured at than 15 calendar days after the trimming or removal of breast height, for purposes of calculating the total num- vegetation, the sign owner must submit to the depart- ber of trees under subd.
1., a certified arborist the de- ment photographs of the sign site before and after the partment shall consider only the diameter of the tree’s trimming or removal of vegetation.
largest leader.
Senate Bill 525 - 3 - 2025 Wisconsin Act SECTION 15.
of the statutes is amended to read:
of the statutes is 84.305 (5) (f) 3.
- 2026 Legislature - 7 - LRB-3369/1 ZDW:klm SENATE BILL 525 S ECTION 15 84.305 (5) (f) 1.A permittee shall compensate the department $200, as adjusted under subd.
The department shall use the amended to read:
2., $300 for each tree removed under a permit, as calculated by the certified arborist retained by the permittee the department according to the method specified in par.
amounts paid to the department under subd.
1.
to plant 84.305 (5) (f) 1.
A permittee shall compensate the living snow fences.
department $200, as adjusted under subd.
2., $300 for SECTION 18.
84.305 (6) (a) of the statutes is each tree removed under a permit, as calculated by the amended to read:
certified arborist retained by the permittee the depart- ment according to the method specified in par.
S ECTION 16.
84.305 (6) (a) The department shall have authority SECTION 16.
of the statutes is repealed.
of the statutes is to supervise and determine how ensure the work autho- rized under a permit issued under this section is carried repealed.
S ECTION 17.
SECTION 17.
of the statutes is created to read:
of the statutes is cre- out in accordance with all associated vegetation removal ated to read:
84.305 (5) (f) 3.
guidelines.
The department shall use the amounts paid to the department under subd.
1.
to plant living snow fences.
S ECTION 18.
84.305 (6) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
84.305 (6) (a) The department shall have authority to supervise and determine how ensure the work authorized under a permit issued under this section is carried out in accordance with all associated vegetation removal guidelines.
(END)
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Action History

  1. Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82

  2. Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)

  3. Report vetoed by the Governor on 3-27-2026

  4. Presented to the Governor on 3-26-2026

  5. Report correctly enrolled

  6. Received from Assembly concurred in

  7. Ordered immediately messaged

  8. Read a third time and concurred in

  9. Rules suspended

  10. Ordered to a third reading

  11. Read a second time

  12. Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up

  13. Placed on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules

  14. Read first time and referred to committee on Rules

  15. Received from Senate

  16. Ordered immediately messaged

  17. Read a third time and passed

  18. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

  19. Ordered to a third reading

  20. Read a second time

  21. Placed on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

  22. Available for scheduling

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

  24. Executive action taken

  25. Public hearing held

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

  27. Introduced by Senators Tomczyk, Jacque, Nass and Wanggaard; cosponsored by Representatives Maxey, O'Connor, Armstrong, Behnke, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Melotik, Mursau, Penterman, Spiros, Steffen, Tucker, Wichgers and Doyle

Sponsors

  • Maxey · Cosponsor
  • O'Connor · Cosponsor
  • Armstrong · Cosponsor
  • Behnke · Cosponsor
  • Goeben · Cosponsor
  • Gundrum · Cosponsor
  • Gustafson · Cosponsor
  • B. Jacobson · Cosponsor
  • Knodl · Cosponsor
  • Melotik · Cosponsor
  • Mursau · Cosponsor
  • Penterman · Cosponsor
  • Spiros · Cosponsor
  • Steffen · Cosponsor
  • Tucker · Cosponsor
  • Wichgers · Cosponsor
  • Doyle · Cosponsor
  • André Jacque · Cosponsor
  • Cory Tomczyk · Primary
  • Van Wanggaard · Cosponsor
  • Steve Nass · Cosponsor

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 20 co-sponsors · 111 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (20)

  • Maxey
  • O'Connor
  • Armstrong
  • Behnke
  • Goeben
  • Gundrum
  • Gustafson
  • B. Jacobson
  • Knodl
  • Melotik
  • Mursau
  • Penterman
  • Spiros
  • Steffen
  • Tucker
  • Wichgers
  • Doyle
  • Jacque, André Republican
  • Wanggaard, Van Republican
  • Nass, Steve Republican

Not signed on (111)

111 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 111 →

"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 525 do?
An Act to repeal 84.305 (2m) (a), 84.305 (3) (i) and 84.305 (5) (f) 2.; to amend 84.305 (2), 84.305 (3) (a), 84.305 (3) (b), 84.305 (3) (g), 84.305 (4), 84.305 (5) (a), 84.305 (5) (ag), 84.305 (5) (d), 84.305 (5) (f) 1. and 84.305 (6) (a); to create 84.305 (1) (ar), 84.305 (1) (hm), 84.305 (2m) (ar), 84.305 (3r) and 84.305 (5) (f) 3. of the statutes;
Who sponsors SB 525?
SB 525 is sponsored by Maxey, O'Connor, Armstrong, Behnke, Goeben, Gundrum, Gustafson, B. Jacobson, Knodl, Melotik, Mursau, Penterman, Spiros, Steffen, Tucker, Wichgers, Doyle, Jacque, André (Republican), Tomczyk, Cory (Republican), Wanggaard, Van (Republican), and Nass, Steve (Republican).
What is the current status of SB 525?
This bill has been sent to the executive. Introduced October 09, 2025. It awaits signature.
Where can I track SB 525?
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