Relating to: town authority over the water elevation of an artificial water b... explained: AB 882 | Vote Impact

StateWisconsinTo Governor

AB 882: Relating to: town authority over the water elevation of an artificial water body created by a dam and recourse due to damage caused by an obstructed waterway.

Duke Tucker

Source

OpenStates

Confidence

Low

Analysis basis

OpenStates summary

01

What this bill does

Official summary alongside an AI-generated read on where it stands and why.

Overall Score

54OUT OF 100

Score:54/100 civic fit

Risk:Moderate Risk

Impact:Moderate Impact 45/100

Constitutionality75%

Bipartisan40%

Public opinion50%

Bill summary

This bill is about two things: 1. **Water Levels:** It would give towns more control over how high the water is in man-made lakes or ponds. 2. **Flooding:** It would make it easier for people to seek help or compensation if a blocked stream or dam causes flooding that damages their property. The bill is currently being debated in the state Assembly.

02

Impact analysis

✦ AI analysis

Modeled effects across six domains, estimated from bill text and comparable legislation.

Environment

Mixed / Neutral

50%

Benefits

Enhanced local management of artificial water bodies
Potentially reduced risk of localized flooding via oversight
Increased alignment of water levels with local needs

Risks

Risk of ecological disruption from fluctuating water levels
Unintended impacts on downstream water quality
Potential conflict between local control and state standards

Economy

Mixed / Neutral

55%

Benefits

Clearer pathways for property damage recovery
Reduced long-term costs from flood-related destruction
Protection of property value for residents

Risks

Potential for increased litigation costs
Uncertain liability for town governments
Costs associated with dam inspections and reporting

Society

Mixed / Neutral

55%

Benefits

Empowerment of community residents in water management
Enhanced protection against flood-related household crises
Stronger local input on public water safety

Risks

Potential for community disputes over water elevations
Unequal capacity between towns to regulate effectively
Risk of favoritism in local management decisions

Technology Industry

No direct effect

Neutral — no direct effect identified.

Benefits

No material direct effect identified.

Risks

No material direct effect identified.

Civic Accountability

Mixed / Neutral

50%

Benefits

Increased transparency in local water authority
Clearer local administrative responsibility
Easier access for citizens to petition local government

Risks

Potential for local regulatory inconsistency
Challenges in oversight of town-level management
Fragmentation of water management standards

Public Health & Safety

Positive outlook

60%

Benefits

Active reduction of property-damaging floods
Increased focus on dam safety standards
Improved safety for shoreline residential areas

Risks

Improper level adjustments affecting aquatic safety
Increased risk if town maintenance fails
Emergency management complexity during major weather events

03

How trustworthy & consequential it is

Sourcing already shown above, this is what the analysis found worth flagging.

Source
OpenStates
Official bill text or data from OpenStates.
Confidence
Low
Information is limited or incomplete.
Analysis basis
OpenStates summary
Source used for this bill's analysis.

Source note

The bill failed to override a gubernatorial veto, indicating significant administrative or legal concerns.

Analysis scope

Analysis based on abstract only; full text not provided.

04

Where it stands

Official record

IntroducedComplete
CommitteeComplete
Chamber votesComplete
Final agreementComplete
GovernorCurrent
EnactedUpcoming

05

How it affects your district

✦ Personalized

Set your location

Add your district to see how this bill may affect your community and who to contact.

Your Representatives

Your representatives appear here once you add your location.

06

Take action

Contact your representatives

Let them know how you feel about this bill.

Share your view

Join the discussion and see what others are saying.

Track this bill

Stay updated on progress and changes.