Green Bay, Wisconsin Beginning January 1, new laws will go into effect in Wisconsin, affecting state park visitors, electric vehicle (EV) owners, and healthcare professionals throughout the state. Here’s a closer look at some of the major changes for 2025.
State Park Passes: A Year-Round Benefit
One of the most anticipated changes is to the Wisconsin State Parks pass system. Starting this year, when you buy an annual state park sticker, it will be valid for a full 12 months from the date of purchase, rather than just the end of the calendar year.
Previously, regardless of when you purchased the sticker, it was only valid until December 31. This new system offers more flexibility and guarantees you a full year of access.
As park ranger Nathan Jacques explained, “As in previous years, we’ve done a calendar year, so you can buy the sticker in January and it’s valid until December 31.” You can buy the new sticker type in May 2025, and it will be valid until May 2026—12 months from the date of purchase.
The new system also benefits those who buy the sticker later in the year. “Right now, we have people purchasing them in January, and obviously, they will be valid until January 2026.”
However, the sticker is valid for 12 months. It’s a rolling sticker rather than a calendar year, making it more convenient for people who buy their stickers in the summer or fall. “You can get a whole year out of it instead of just three or four months,” Jacques explained.
EV Charging Tax: A New Cost for Electric Vehicle Owners
Wisconsin electric vehicle owners will face a new cost beginning this year. All public electric vehicle charging stations will be subject to a new excise tax of three cents per kilowatt hour. However, this tax will not apply to charging stations in private homes.
This law is intended to generate revenue to support the state’s growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure. The tax will help fund improvements and ensure that public charging stations are accessible to drivers throughout Wisconsin.
Addressing the Healthcare Shortage: Provisional Licenses for International Physicians
To address the state’s healthcare shortage, Wisconsin is enacting legislation that will allow physicians who have trained or practiced outside of the United States to apply for a provisional license. This change aims to allow international physicians to practice in Wisconsin without having to repeat U.S. residency requirements.
This law allows foreign-trained doctors to help meet the state’s growing healthcare needs, providing much-needed assistance to medical facilities throughout Wisconsin.
As these new laws go into effect, they are expected to provide benefits ranging from increased park access for outdoor enthusiasts to new opportunities for healthcare workers, all while meeting the changing needs of Wisconsin residents.