Robyn Vining, Wisconsin State Representative for 13th District | Official Website
Robyn Vining, Wisconsin State Representative for 13th District | Official Website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (DOT) to establish bikeways and pedestrian paths in all new highway construction and reconstruction projects funded by state or federal sources, with specific exceptions. The DOT must draft rules defining these exceptions, which can only be based on criteria such as excessive cost, environmental constraints, lack of need, or a community's refusal to maintain pedestrian pathways. Cost is considered excessive if it exceeds 20% of the total project cost, requiring review by the Secretary of Transportation or their knowledgeable designee. Existing restrictions barring the establishment of bikeways or pedestrian paths where prohibited or not authorized by municipality are repealed under this bill. The changes are intended to enhance the connectivity and safety for bicyclists and pedestrians in new and revamped highway projects.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), along 17 other co-sponsors.
Robyn Vining has co-authored or authored another 47 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.
Vining graduated from James Madison University in 1999 with a BA and again in 1999 from James Madison University with a BS.
Vining, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 13th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Tom Michalski.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB334 | 07/08/2025 | Requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE) |
| AB316 | 07/08/2025 | Grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB98 | 03/03/2025 | Pupils wearing traditional tribal regalia at a graduation ceremony or school-sponsored event |
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