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Fond Du Lac Times

Tuesday, September 9, 2025

Rep. Snodgrass authors Wisconsin Assembly bill to require bikeways in highway projects

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Lee Snodgrass, Wisconsin State Representative for 52nd District | Facebook

Lee Snodgrass, Wisconsin State Representative for 52nd District | Facebook

The new bill authored by State Rep. Lee Snodgrass seeks to improve safety and connectivity for bicyclists and pedestrians through requirements for bikeways and pedestrian paths in state-funded highway projects, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill mandates the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish bikeways and pedestrian paths in all new highway construction and reconstruction projects funded by state or federal sources, with specific exceptions. The DOT must draft rules defining these exceptions, which can only be based on criteria such as excessive cost, environmental constraints, lack of need, or a community's refusal to maintain pedestrian pathways. Cost is considered excessive if it exceeds 20% of the total project cost, requiring review by the Secretary of Transportation or their knowledgeable designee. Existing restrictions barring the establishment of bikeways or pedestrian paths where prohibited or not authorized by municipality are repealed under this bill. The changes are intended to enhance the connectivity and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in new and revamped highway projects.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), along 17 other co-sponsors.

Lee Snodgrass has co-authored or authored another 62 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.

Snodgrass graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 1991 with a BA.

Snodgrass, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 52nd Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Jerry L. O'Connor.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bills Introduced by Lee Snodgrass in Wisconsin Assembly During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
AB33407/08/2025Requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)
AB33307/08/2025A refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)
AB33207/08/2025Requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians at certain intersections and crosswalks
AB31406/06/2025Adopting gender-neutral terminology and incorporating gender-neutral marriage and parentage rights. (FE)
AB29105/30/2025Native prairie and forage plants
AB29005/30/2025Special registration plates to support protecting pollinators and making an appropriation. (FE)
AB28905/30/2025Ban on the use of certain insecticides by the Department of Natural Resources
AB28805/30/2025Labeling plants as beneficial to pollinators. (FE)
AB28705/30/2025Local regulation of pesticides to protect pollinators
AB24605/08/2025Cost-sharing caps on prescription drugs and medical supplies to treat asthma under health insurance policies and plans. (FE)
AB22704/23/2025Inducements to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, and certain other petitions
AB22404/23/2025The form of referendum questions
AB21504/23/2025Eliminating the publication requirement for a name change petition seeking to conform an individual’s name with the individual’s gender identity

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