AB124/SB126: These bills amend the definition of public zoos and aquariums for purposes of captive wildlife regulations. The bills expand the definition of "public zoos and aquariums" to include those that are accredited members of the Zoological Association of America (ZAA).

According to the ZAA website, Wildwood Wildlife Park Zoo & Safari in Minocqua is currently the only Wisconsin facility accredited by the ZAA. Minocqua lies in the districts represented by Senator Felzkowski, a sponsor of the Senate bill and a cosponsor of the Assembly bill, and Representative Swearingen, a cosponsor of the Senate bill and a sponsor of the Assembly bill.

SB126 introduced 3/8/23 and referred to Senate Committee on Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs. AB124 introduced 3/24/23 and referred to the Assembly Committee on Tourism.

The Senate Committee on Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs held a public hearing on SB126 on August 29, 2023. The Assembly Committee on Tourism held a public hearing on AB124 on September 6, 2023. 

AB34/SB30: These bills provide that rules promulgated by the DNR that ban baiting deer in counties on the basis of confirmed positive tests for CWD or bovine tuberculosis must be based on CWD or bovine TB confirmed in free-roaming animals and not based on confirmed positive tests in captive animals, e.g. deer on deer farms or hunting ranches. AB34 introduced 2/10/23 and referred to Assembly Committee on Sporting Heritage. SB30 introduced 2/3/23 and referred to Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage.

AB75/SB65: These bills relate to mistreating an animal and provide a penalty. AB75 introduced 2/28/23 and referred to Assembly Committee on Judiciary. SB65 introduced 2/15/23 and referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

AB84/SB79: These bills provide a penalty and prohibit certain felony offenders from possessing, controlling, or residing with a vicious dog. They allow a person to request an exemption from the prohibition if the exemption is reasonably needed to earn a livelihood, or as a condition of employment, and will not endanger public safety. AB84 introduced 3/8/23 and referred to Assembly Committee on Judiciary. SB79 introduced 2/21/23 and referred to Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety.

AB137/SB139: These bills amend current law to require the DNR to establish a statewide wolf population goal in its wolf management plan. AB137 introduced 3/31/23 and referred to Assembly Committee on Sporting Heritage. SB139 introduced 3/23/23 and referred to Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage. The Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage held a public hearing on SB139 on 9/21/23. Read the submitted written testimony here.