All Roll Calls
Yes: 32 • No: 1
WisconsinSB7982025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)SenateWALLET
An Act to amend 15.347 (22) (b) 9., 23.321 (5) (a) and 23.321 (5) (b) 1. (intro.); to create 23.321 (2d) of the statutes; Relating to: a wetland assured delineation program, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
Sponsored By: Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democratic), Mary Felzkowski (Republican), Dan Feyen (Republican), André Jacque (Republican)
Became Law
Sen Bill 798Administrative rulesNatural ResourcesDepartment of -- Environmental protectionWetland
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Private wetland delineations now count
A wetland delineation done by a certified assured delineator has the same effect as the department’s identification or confirmation. It does not need a separate department confirmation. The delineation stays effective for 5 years from the date the report is filed. If the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers makes a federal jurisdiction decision based on it and legal conditions are met, it can stay effective for 15 years from the department’s notice. This gives landowners and builders longer certainty.
Audits and discipline for assured delineators
The department reviews assured delineator work and may do field audits of reports from the past 12 months. It may also investigate complaints about reports from the past year. If strong evidence shows a report did not follow the manual, the department must require a fix, and any deadline for action on a wetland permit or exemption is paused from that notice until a corrected report is filed. The department may revoke certification for serious issues, including breaking wetland laws, falsifying boundaries, missing wetland areas, not using standard methods, missing continuing education, or not averaging at least 3 reports a year over the last 3 years (unless excused). You may request a contested case hearing within 30 days of a revocation notice, and audit data cannot be used to change permit or exemption decisions—only to check compliance. Revocation does not stop other delineation roles allowed by law.
New certification rules and fees for delineators
The department runs a program to certify private wetland delineators who follow the state manual. To qualify, you need either: associate + 8 years, bachelor + 5 years, or master/doctorate + 3 years of field work. You must finish approved training and submit at least 6 reports from the last two growing seasons. Pay $500 with your application and $900 each year if certified; the department may also charge $20 per report you file. Apply Sept. 15 to Nov. 30 for certification that starts March 15; certification stays valid unless revoked, and you cannot be approved within 3 years after a revocation. To have a delineation accepted, submit the full report by March 15 (one extension allowed, up to 12 months), and do field work during the growing season set by the manual.
Pilot approvals honored and transition rules
If you were approved as an assured delineator under the pilot program on the law’s effective date, you are treated as certified under the new program. The department may rely on qualified assured professionals to perform confirmation tasks for the department. The law first applies to people who file an application on the law’s effective date, unless another part of the law says otherwise.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Democratic • Senate
Mary Felzkowski
Republican • Senate
Dan Feyen
Republican • Senate
André Jacque
Republican • Senate
Cosponsors
Elijah Behnke
Republican • House
Steve Doyle
Democratic • House
Joy Goeben
Republican • House
Chanz Green
Republican • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Maureen McCarville
Democratic • House
Vincent Miresse
Democratic • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Lee Snodgrass
Democratic • House
David Steffen
Republican • House
Chuck Wichgers
Republican • House
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 3/17/2026
Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 concurred in, Ayes 32, Noes 1
Yes: 32 • No: 1
Actions Timeline
Published 4-3-2026
4/6/2026SenateReport approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 172
4/6/2026SenatePresented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
4/2/2026SenateReport correctly enrolled
3/23/2026SenateLRB correction (Assembly Substitute Amendment 2)
3/23/2026SenateAction ordered immediately messaged
3/17/2026SenateAssembly Substitute Amendment 2 concurred in, Ayes 32, Noes 1
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
3/16/2026SenateLRB correction (Senate Amendment 1)
3/5/2026SenateReceived from Assembly amended and concurred in as amended, Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 adopted
2/19/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/18/2026HouseRead a third time and concurred in as amended
2/18/2026HouseRules suspended
2/18/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/18/2026HouseAssembly Substitute Amendment 2 adopted
2/18/2026HouseAssembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative Mursau
2/18/2026HouseRead a second time
2/18/2026HouseAssembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative Neubauer
2/18/2026HouseRepresentative Miresse added as a cosponsor
2/18/2026HouseMade a special order of business at 1:24 PM on 2-18-2026 pursuant to Assembly Resolution 13
2/17/2026HouseRead first time and referred to committee on Rules
2/17/2026HouseReceived from Senate
2/12/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
2/11/2026SenateRead a third time and passed
2/11/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
2/11/2026Senate
Bill Text
Assembly Substitute Amendment 2
2/18/2026
Senate Amendment 1
2/2/2026
Bill Text
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