All Roll Calls
Yes: 85 • No: 14
WisconsinAB7682025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)House
An Act to renumber 114.045 (1); to renumber and amend 114.045 (3); to create 114.045 (1) (b) and 114.045 (3) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: operation of drones over certain utility facilities and providing a penalty.
Sponsored By: Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Bob Donovan (Republican), Russell Goodwin (Democratic), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Dave Maxey (Republican), Paul Melotik (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), William Penterman (Republican), Christine Sinicki (Democratic), Paul Tittl (Republican), Chuck Wichgers (Republican)
Became Law
AviationElectric utilityPetroleumPolicePublic utilityTelecommunicationsWaterworks
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Drone exceptions for owners and businesses
There are narrow exceptions to the no-fly rule near these sites. Drones may fly at the direction of the facility owner or operator for official work, like monitoring, inspecting, operating, or maintaining the site. A county, city, village, or town may also direct flights in its jurisdiction. Commercial flights are allowed if they are for a commercial purpose and follow FAA regulations, authorizations, or exemptions.
New drone no-fly zones at utilities
The law bans flying a drone below 300 feet over, or within 500 feet of, any parcel with key utility sites. Covered sites include water reclamation facilities; gas or electric plants, generating stations, substations, gate and storage facilities; telecom carrier plant or equipment; and public water system facilities. Breaking this rule can lead to a forfeiture of up to $5,000.
Police seize drone photos and video
When police investigate a drone violation over a correctional institution, they must seize any photos, video, or visual image data and send it to the Department of Corrections or the institution in charge. For violations near the covered utility sites, police must seize the images and give them to the local police agency that provides police protective services. After any enforcement case ends, copies must go to each city, village, town, or county where the violation happened. This can limit an operator’s access to recordings during an investigation.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Bob Donovan
Republican • House
Russell Goodwin
Democratic • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Dave Maxey
Republican • House
Paul Melotik
Republican • House
David Murphy
Republican • House
Todd Novak
Republican • House
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
William Penterman
Republican • House
Christine Sinicki
Democratic • House
Paul Tittl
Republican • House
Chuck Wichgers
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Maureen McCarville
Democratic • House
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez
Democratic • House
Jeff Smith
Democratic • Senate
Cory Tomczyk
Republican • Senate
Roll Call Votes
House vote • 2/17/2026
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 85, Noes 14
Yes: 85 • No: 14
Actions Timeline
Published 4-4-2026
4/3/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-3-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 194
4/3/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 3-23-2026
3/23/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
3/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
3/17/2026SenateSenator Smith added as a cosponsor
3/17/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
3/17/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
3/17/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
3/17/2026SenateRead a second time
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
3/16/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
3/16/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
3/3/2026SenateReport concurrence recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
3/3/2026SenateExecutive action taken
3/3/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Judiciary and Public Safety
2/20/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
2/18/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/17/2026HouseRead a third time and passed, Ayes 85, Noes 14
2/17/2026HouseRules suspended
2/17/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/17/2026HouseAssembly Amendment 2 adopted
2/17/2026HouseAssembly Amendment 1 adopted
2/17/2026HouseRead a second time
2/17/2026House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
2/17/2026
Assembly Amendment 2
2/17/2026
Bill Text
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