OSHKOSH, Wis. — The Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation today applauded the introduction of Assembly Bill 375 and its Senate companion, Senate Bill 382, bipartisan legislation designed to modernize and strengthen Wisconsin’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit (HTC) program.
The bills, authored by Representative Dave Armstrong and Senator Dan Feyen, and co-sponsored by a broad coalition of lawmakers, have been referred to key committees: AB 375 to the Assembly Committee on Ways and Means, and SB 382 to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Revenue.
“This legislation is an important and timely fix that will restore the effectiveness of a vital preservation and economic development tool,” said Kathryn Berger, Interim CEO of the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation. “We commend the bill’s authors, Rep. Armstrong and Sen. Feyen, and thank all lawmakers who have signed on in support. This bill will help protect Wisconsin’s historic places while supporting economic revitalization in communities of all sizes.”
Assembly Bill 375 and Senate Bill 382 address barriers created by recent reinterpretations of state law and changes to federal tax policy that have restricted access to the HTC program. The proposed updates will:
- Expand eligibility for smaller and rural projects
- Allow credits to be claimed more quickly
- Provide flexibility for future rehabilitation phases of historic properties
The Wisconsin Trust worked closely with key legislators and partners such as the Wisconsin Economic Development Association to identify these challenges and propose meaningful, practical solutions.
The Trust urges swift passage of AB 375 and SB 382 to ensure that Wisconsin’s historic buildings remain viable, vibrant assets for generations to come.
For more information or to get involved, visit https://wipreservation.org/support-wisconsin-historic-tax-credit-program.
