Senate Bill 754 proposes the establishment of regional transit authorities (RTAs) in each metropolitan planning area in Wisconsin, as well as the option for additional RTAs in other metropolitan statistical areas where local political subdivisions agree to form one. The bill outlines the structure and governance of these RTAs, which will be public bodies with a board of directors composed of representatives from member municipalities and counties. The RTAs will have the authority to create a unified local transportation system, coordinate specialized transportation services for the elderly and disabled, and impose a sales and use tax to fund their operations, among other powers.

The bill also amends various sections of current law to include provisions related to the newly created transit authorities. Notably, it adds transit authorities to the definitions of entities eligible for certain governmental functions and protections, and it specifies that RTAs will have limited liability similar to other political subdivisions. Additionally, the bill allows RTAs to participate in municipal insurance mutuals for risk management services. Key insertions include the creation of new sections related to transit authority taxes and the inclusion of transit authorities in existing legal frameworks governing local government operations.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 32.02(11), 32.02, 32.05(1)(a), 32.05, 32.07(2), 32.07, 40.02(28), 40.02, 66.0301(1)(a), 66.0301