December 2025 Legislative Update

Wrap-Up of 2025 and What’s on Deck for 2026

Activity at the Wisconsin Capitol has not slowed much as we head toward the end of 2025. There has been a flurry of committee meetings as legislators work to position their bills for potential floor action in January. As we move into 2026, the legislative session will shift into high gear, with significant bill movement and multiple floor days expected in January, February, and March.

Perhaps most importantly for WPRA, the future of the Knowles-Nelson Stewardship Program (KNSP) remains uncertain.

Over the past year, WPRA has made this critical issue a top priority for the 2025–26 legislative session. Through our ongoing presence at the Capitol, WPRA has maintained a seat at the table alongside other KNSP stakeholders as legislators navigate difficult issues and competing interests. Throughout this process, the WPRA Public Policy Committee has served as the engine of this work—reviewing proposals, evaluating impacts on our members, and engaging local WPRA members to meet with their legislators to underscore the importance of KNSP.

The current proposal—AB 315 and AB 612—authored by Rep. Tony Kurtz (R–Wonewoc) and Sen. Patrick Testin (R–Stevens Point), would reauthorize the program through June 2030, but with reduced annual funding of $28.25 million (approximately $5 million less than current levels). The proposal also includes a $1 million cap per project and would require separate legislative approval for larger acquisitions. The legislation remains at a critical juncture, with ongoing discussions about potential amendments to both the reauthorization timeframe and the large acquisition program. WPRA will share additional details as those discussions continue into 2026.

As we head into the new year, things could move quickly—so stay tuned. On behalf of the WPRA Public Policy Committee, thank you for your hard work and continued support of park and recreation programs across Wisconsin. Happy Holidays!