AB 597

Current law authorizes the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin

System (board) to acquire property by condemnation. This bill requires the board,

whenever it intends to acquire property by condemnation, to notify the Joint

Committee on Finance (JCF). The notice must describe the project, explain its public

purpose, specify the status of and schedule for construction, and identify the funding

for the project.

The bill requires JCF to schedule a public hearing on the intended

condemnation. Members of the board, including the chairperson of the board's

capital planning and budget committee, and appropriate board staff, must attend

the hearing. After the hearing, the board must provide a written response to all

questions asked at the hearing by JCF members and members of the public.

Finally, the bill prohibits the board from acquiring property by condemnation

unless the committee approves the condemnation by at least a three-quarters vote

of the members, taken by roll call. If the condemnation is approved, the board must

provide JCF with periodic reports as it proceeds with the project.