High-cap well bill likely dead for this Senate session

MADISON — A bill that would loosen regulations on high-capacity wells is likely dead for this session.


Under the Republican bill, people wouldn't need Department of Natural Resources approval to repair, replace or transfer ownership of an existing well.

The Assembly passed the bill last month, but Senate Republicans passed a conflicting version Tuesday taking out a provision allowing people harmed by water withdrawals to file nuisance actions and requiring the loser to pay attorney fees.

Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald said most of the senators didn't like the "loser pays" provision. The Senate passed the revised bill 19-13 Tuesday, but Fitzgerald said the chance is "almost zero" that the Assembly will come back this session to concur with the changes, leaving the bill to die.