Senate Bill 549 aims to enhance the management and research of chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) in Wisconsin. The bill allows the DNR to conduct research on CWD, in addition to its existing authority to manage and fund testing for the disease. To support these efforts, the bill appropriates $3,000,000 annually from the general fund for the fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27, marking the first time state funds will be allocated for this purpose.

The bill includes specific amendments to existing statutes, such as the creation of a new section (20.370 (1) (he)) dedicated to chronic wasting disease management and the amendment of the title for section 20.370 (1) (hs) to include "fees." Additionally, it modifies section 29.063 (1) to explicitly allow the DNR to "research" CWD, while removing the phrase regarding funding for testing. These changes reflect a legislative commitment to addressing the challenges posed by CWD in Wisconsin's wildlife.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 20.370(1)(hs)(title), 20.370, 29.063(1), 29.063