Bill would reverse wedding barn event restrictions
A new bill in Wisconsin aims to ease restrictions on wedding barns after recent regulations threatened to cut their events by up to 75%. The proposed changes would allow more weddings per year and help farms stay financially stable. Lawmakers from both parties have backed the measure, which follows a lawsuit challenging the original rules.
The current regulations, set to take effect on 1 January, limit wedding barns to six rentals a year and one monthly event with alcohol. Many farm owners warned that these rules would force them to slash their bookings dramatically. Jean Bahn, owner of Farmview Event Barn, explained that hosting weddings helps cover farm upkeep and equipment costs.
A lawsuit filed by the Wisconsin Institute for Law and Liberty on behalf of two wedding barns temporarily blocked the restrictions. Now, a new bill seeks to replace them with looser rules. Under the proposal, barns could host up to 36 events annually, making weddings more affordable while supporting farm incomes.
The legislation is sponsored by a mix of lawmakers: State Rep. Janel Brandtjen (the sole Republican) and three Democrats—Rep. Christine Sinicki, Sen. Chris Larson, and Rep. Melissa Ratcliff. Their goal is to balance oversight with the needs of rural businesses.
If passed, the bill would raise the event cap from six to 36 per year. This would give wedding barns more flexibility and help farms maintain revenue. The outcome will depend on further legislative debate and a final vote.
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