Senate Bill 548 aims to enhance the management and testing of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, such as deer and elk, by codifying the existing program administered by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The bill mandates the DNR to establish and oversee chronic wasting disease sampling stations, including self-service kiosks for hunters to drop off deer carcass parts for testing. Additionally, it allows the DNR to contract with private entities for sampling services and provides a total appropriation of $1,000,000 for the 2025-27 fiscal biennium to support this initiative.

The bill amends section 20.370 (1) (mu) of the statutes to include funding for the chronic wasting disease sampling station program under the newly created section 29.063 (7). Specifically, it increases the appropriation for the DNR by $500,000 for each fiscal year (2025-26 and 2026-27) to facilitate the program's operations. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to addressing the challenges posed by chronic wasting disease and ensuring effective monitoring and management of wildlife health in Wisconsin.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(1)(mu), 20.370