Keeping an Eye on 'Smart Growth Opt Out' Bill
Thursday, November 10th, 2011 -- 12:23 PM
A bill that would remove a state requirement that local municipalities have a comprehensive plan has passed through the Assembly, but it might be stuck in the Senate for awhile.AB 303, the ?Smart Growth Opt Out Bill,? passed the State Assembly last week on a vote of 56-38.
Its [url=https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/sb225]Senate companion (SB 225)[/url] was referred to the Committee on Economic Development and Veterans and Military Affairs in early October. It still hasn?t been scheduled for a committee hearing.
The committee is chaired by State Senator Joe Leibham. An office staffer told Central Wisconsin Broadcasting Thursday that he knows of no plans to schedule the bill for a hearing.
According to the Legislative Reference Bureau, current law requires local land use ordinances be consistent with that local governmental unit?s comprehensive plan, which must contain a number of different Smart Growth elements. This bill would remove that requirement.
Clark County is one of only a handful of counties that hasn?t come into compliance with the law. The Clark County Board shot down a proposed comprehensive plan last month, apparently with the expectation that this legislation will pass.
Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.