Urgent Action Needed – pro-wake sport bill introduced!
AB1033 was introduced into the legislature on Monday February 9th, 2026. A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday February 11th at 9:30am in room 225NW at the State Capital. This pro-wake sport industry-supported bill fails to protect Wisconsin’s lakes, their shorelines, and the safety of other lake users.
The following is a summary of the pro-wake sports bill AB1033
- 200 feet distance from shore
- tournaments, competitions, exhibitions, or trials would be exempt from the 200 foot distance from shore
- No water depth restrictions
- No restrictions to prevent invasive species in ballast tanks
- Establishes uncertainty with no commitment, or comment on, allowing municipalities to enact local ordinances that are more restrictive thus putting local control at risk. With AB 1033, the industry’s lawyers could use intimidation and litigation to reasonably argue that any ordinance a town enacts that is more restrictive to enhanced-wake recreation would be “contrary to or inconsistent with this chapter.” This uncertainty could take years to clarify in court and would strangle local governance..
All reputable, independent enhanced wake studies have concluded that a 200-foot shoreline buffer is insufficient to protect lake users, lake structures, and lake shoreline. Evidence of irreparable damage occurring at depths of 14 feet can be seen in the following video produced by the University of Minnesota, Saint Anthony Falls Laboratory.
What you can do:
- RIGHT NOW: Contact your legislators and ask them to neither sign onto, nor support this bill. Let them know that this is an issue that impacts your vote. You could also let them know that you support meaningful standards on wake sports and expect a process with ample time for public input. (click HERE to find your legislators)
- RIGHT NOW: Contact the committee members where the bill was introduced. This is the committee which is holding the public hearing – ( click HERE for the list).
- IF YOU CAN ATTEND THE PUBLIC HEARING: Please do! Keep your message respectful and concise, but stand firm on what you believe!
AB1033 Public Hearing Information
Date: Wednesday February 11th
Time: 9:30am
Location: Wisconsin State Capital – “2 East Main Street, Madison, WI 53702”
Room: 412 East
Parking: click here for parking information
Guidelines for speaking at public hearings – click here