Senate Bill 984 aims to amend existing statutes regarding the sale of surplus property held by the Department of Transportation (DOT) in Wisconsin. The bill introduces provisions that require DOT to notify federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands about proposed surplus property sales when the property is located within or near their reservations or Bureau of Indian Affairs service areas. This inclusion allows these tribes and bands to express interest in acquiring the surplus property for public use, similar to counties, municipalities, and local school districts. If a tribe or band expresses interest, they will be offered the property at its appraised value or, in some cases, below that value if the intended use is for transportation or infrastructure.

The bill also outlines the conditions under which the DOT must transfer ownership of the surplus property to interested parties, including the requirement for a plan detailing the proposed public use of the land. The amendments ensure that the process for acquiring surplus property is inclusive of American Indian tribes and bands, thereby recognizing their interests and rights in land management within their territories. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance collaboration between the state and tribal governments regarding the use of surplus lands.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 84.09(5)(c)1, 84.09, 84.09(5)(c)2.(intro.), 84.09(5)(c)2.a, 84.09(5)(c)2m.(intro.), 84.09(5)(c)2m.a, 84.09(5)(c)2m.b, 84.09(5)(c)3