Senator Joan Ballweg’s bill to aid county and district fairs was signed by Governor Evers. 2023 Wisconsin Act 244 adds to the 27 bills authored by Senator Ballweg that have been signed this session.
“I am happy to have Senate Bill 311 signed into law,” said Ballweg. “This legislation builds on my work to support local fairs. I met with these organizations last session, and provided funding for this program in the 2023-25 Wisconsin State Budget. I think it is important to invest in our local fairs because they promote agriculture and community involvement.”
Senate Bill 311 prohibits the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) from restricting the number of fairs an exhibitor may participate in and increases the state aided premium. This ensures fairs receive enough aid to cover their costs. This legislation was necessary after a rule was promulgated by DATCP in the 2021-23 legislative session that would have restricted the number of fairs in which an exhibitor may participate.
This proposal received bipartisan support and the bill will go into effect for this upcoming fair season.