The 17th Senate District has some of the best places in Southern Wisconsin to ride ATVs and UTVs. This rapidly growing industry is not only fun for riders, but also is great for Wisconsin’s economy. In 2023 there were almost 500,000 registered ATV/UTVs in the state, that is more than double the number of registered snowmobiles! This number has grown more than 60% over the past ten years. Over the past couple legislative sessions, I have worked closely with the Wisconsin ATV/UTV Association (WATVA) to ensure that Wisconsin continues to be a top place to enjoy ATVs and UTVs.

This is the sixth installment of a series of columns called “Whatever Happened To…”? My goal is to provide a recap and update on an idea, bill, or project that I worked on in the past. The nature of the legislative cycle often encourages us to finish working on ideas and move on. But I like to follow-up and confirm that the projects, bills, and ideas I advance are accomplishing our goals. This column is one way to share this follow-up with you.

Funding for ATV/UTV trail maintenance, law enforcement officers, and other related expenses comes from a segregated account that is funded by ATV/UTV users through registration fees, non-resident trail passes, and a portion of the gas tax. This user funded account is in great financial shape, due to increasing popularity of the industry and prudent fiscal management. With the fund having a surplus, we were able to reinvest that money into making Wisconsin an even better destination for riding ATV/UTVs.

During the 2023-25 state budget, I was proud to support a number of ideas brought to me by WATVA. In the budget we increased funding that was available for ATV/UTV trail maintenance and repairs, raising the rate per mile from $800 to $1,000. We also allocated $1.1 million in ATV/UTV enforcement aids to county governments. In addition to enforcing safe driving, our law enforcement officers and wardens provide training and education to riders across the state. I was proud to support their work in the budget.

In addition to our work in the budget, I also authored a bill to streamline the process for awarding grants to upgrade communication equipment used by law enforcement during emergencies on off-road vehicle trails.

I also introduced an ATV/UTV bill this session that did not pass the legislative process. I plan to reintroduce this legislation again in the next legislative session and continue to work with my colleagues and other stakeholder groups to get this bill signed into law. This bill would make various common-sense changes to state law regarding off-road vehicles, including ATVs and UTVs. These proposed changes include:
- Updating state statute regarding careless operation of an ATV/UTV to include reckless or negligent operation.
- Allowing ATV and UTV traffic across bridges of any length provided the municipality and county approve it. Current state law restricts ATV/UTV traffic if the bridge is longer than 1,000 feet.
- Providing more flexibility to law enforcement, fire departments, and medical services that use snowmobiles, ATVs, or UTVs in emergency situations.

Legislation that supports ATV/UTV riders and the communities they ride in is one of my favorite policy areas to work on. I will continue to advocate for investments in trail maintenance, training and education, and enforcement to keep riders safe!

As always, if you need assistance with any state-related matters, please call our team at the State Capitol – 608-266-0703 – or email me – Sen.Marklein@legis.wisconsin.gov. My team is ready, and willing, to help navigate your state government, clear obstacles, and receive your input.