Legislative Update-November 2025

A bill (AB 580) that would require the Department of Military Affairs to create a program to award grants to individual and businesses that are adversely impacted by natural disasters has been introduced by TLW member and State Legislator Dan Knodl (R-Germantown).

The concept for the proposal came about as a result of the historic flooding on August 9 in Southeastern Wisconsin.   While federal support through FEMA eventually came, it took several weeks to get confirmation and for a while it was unclear if federal support would be made available.  In the meantime, state policy makers realized that there were very few options and no formal program for state support to individuals or small businesses for damage from natural disasters, specifically flooding, even with a gubernatorial emergency declaration.

Under the bill, a grant of not more than $25,000 may be awarded to an individual and not more than $50,000 for a business for disaster related expenses not covered by insurance or federal assistance.   The recipients must provide receipts for expenses and apply within 90 days after the declaration of emergency was announced.

The concern was that without a state program that could provide aid quickly, many businesses could go under while they’re waiting for decisions from the federal government or their insurance company.  While we all hope that natural disasters won’t be a problem we ever need to deal with, this program may be beneficial if we find ourselves in the unfortunate situation many of individuals and businesses found themselves in soon after the flooding in early August.

AB 580 is getting a public hearing on Wednesday November 5 in the Assembly Committee on Commerce.   We will keep an eye on the bill as it moves it way through the legislative process.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to contact HWZ at 608-334-6603.