WisconsinAB5302025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)House

An Act to renumber and amend 114.045 (1) and 114.045 (3); to amend 114.045 (2); to create 114.045 (1b), 114.045 (1m) (b) and 114.045 (3) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: the operation of drones over school property and providing a penalty.

Sponsored By: Elijah Behnke (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Benjamin Franklin (Republican), Russell Goodwin (Democratic), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Joel Kitchens (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Paul Melotik (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), William Penterman (Republican), Jim Piwowarczyk (Republican), Joe Sheehan (Democratic), Christine Sinicki (Democratic), David Steffen (Republican), Angela Stroud (Democratic), Chuck Wichgers (Republican)

Became Law

AviationForfeitureIndians and tribal issuesParochial and private schoolsPoliceSchool -- AdministrationSchool -- BuildingSheriff

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.

Fines and evidence for drone violations

Violating the school property drone rule carries a civil forfeiture of up to $5,000. When police investigate an alleged prison or school drone violation, they must seize any drone photos, videos, or other visual images made during the event. If the case involves a correctional institution, those items go to the department of corrections or the institution’s authority. If it involves school property, the local law enforcement agency with jurisdiction keeps or receives them.

No drones over prisons or schools

The law bans flying drones over any correctional institution or its grounds. A state facility can allow it only with the secretary of corrections or a designee. A county facility can allow it only with the sheriff or a designee. It also bans drones over property a school owns or where a school sits. This covers public, private, charter, and tribal schools. A school board or governing body can give express authorization. Police can direct drone use to help a search and rescue or to find an escaped prisoner. They can also direct it to surveil a place for an arrest warrant, or to stop imminent danger or evidence destruction when an officer has reasonable suspicion.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Elijah Behnke

    Republican • House

  • Barbara Dittrich

    Republican • House

  • Benjamin Franklin

    Republican • House

  • Russell Goodwin

    Democratic • House

  • Rick Gundrum

    Republican • House

  • Joel Kitchens

    Republican • House

  • Daniel Knodl

    Republican • House

  • Paul Melotik

    Republican • House

  • David Murphy

    Republican • House

  • Jeffrey Mursau

    Republican • House

  • Jerry O'Connor

    Republican • House

  • William Penterman

    Republican • House

  • Jim Piwowarczyk

    Republican • House

  • Joe Sheehan

    Democratic • House

  • Christine Sinicki

    Democratic • House

  • David Steffen

    Republican • House

  • Angela Stroud

    Democratic • House

  • Chuck Wichgers

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jenna Jacobson

    Democratic • House

  • Jesse James

    Republican • Senate

  • Howard Marklein

    Republican • Senate

  • Sylvia Ortiz-Velez

    Democratic • House

  • Jeff Smith

    Democratic • Senate

  • Shelia Stubbs

    Democratic • House

  • Cory Tomczyk

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Published 4-4-2026

    4/3/2026House
  2. Report approved by the Governor on 4-3-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 189

    4/3/2026House
  3. Presented to the Governor on 4-2-2026

    4/2/2026House
  4. Report correctly enrolled on 3-23-2026

    3/23/2026House
  5. Received from Senate concurred in

    3/18/2026House
  6. Ordered immediately messaged

    3/17/2026Senate
  7. Senator Smith added as a cosponsor

    3/17/2026Senate
  8. Read a third time and concurred in

    3/17/2026Senate
  9. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

    3/17/2026Senate
  10. Ordered to a third reading

    3/17/2026Senate
  11. Read a second time

    3/17/2026Senate
  12. Placed on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

    3/16/2026Senate
  13. Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2

    3/16/2026Senate
  14. Available for scheduling

    3/12/2026Senate
  15. Report concurrence recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0

    3/12/2026Senate
  16. Executive action taken

    3/12/2026Senate
  17. Read first time and referred to committee on Judiciary and Public Safety

    11/20/2025Senate
  18. Received from Assembly

    11/20/2025Senate
  19. Ordered immediately messaged

    11/19/2025House
  20. Read a third time and passed

    11/19/2025House
  21. Rules suspended

    11/19/2025House
  22. Ordered to a third reading

    11/19/2025House
  23. Assembly Amendment 1 adopted

    11/19/2025House
  24. Read a second time

    11/19/2025House
  25. Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor

    11/18/2025House

Bill Text

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