2025-2026 WI Animal Legislation

Sandhill Cranes

The Joint Legislative Council met on 2/26/25. The Council considered Agenda Item 5, Report of the Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes. The Study Committee voted to support a proposed bill, LRB-0815/1, which directs the DNR, upon approval by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, to authorize sandhill crane hunting in Wisconsin. On 3/7/25 The Joint Legislative Council introduced SB112. SB112 was referred to the Senate Committee on Financial Institutions and Sporting Heritage. On 3/11/25 AB117 was introduced by the Joint Legislative Committee and was referred to the Assembly Committee on Sporting Heritage.

AB239/SB238: These bills relate to the harassment of search and rescue dogs and provide a penalty. AB239 was introduced 5/2/25 and referred to the Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety. SB238 was introduced 5/9/25 and referred to the Senate Commitee on Judiciary and Public Safety. 

AB289/SB298: Introduced 5/30/25, these bills prohibit, with limited exceptions, the DNR from using any insecticide from the neonicotinoid class on land maintained by the DNR. AB289 was referred to the Assembly Committee on Agriculture. SB298 was referred to the Senate Committee on Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs.

SB327: Introduced 6/12/25, this bill relates to emotional support animals in housing, falsely claiming that an animal is a service animal, and providing a penalty. SB327 was referred to the Senate Committee on Insurance, Housing, Rural Issues and Forestry.