Governor Signs AB 375 into Law | Historic Tax Credit Repair Bill

On April 9, 2026, Governor Tony Evers signed AB 375 into law during a ceremony at the State Capitol, marking a major milestone for historic preservation and community development efforts across Wisconsin.

The bill represents the culmination of more than a year and a half of collaboration among a broad coalition of partners and advocates working to strengthen preservation tools and support investment in historic places throughout the state. Supporters attending the signing ceremony included representatives from the Wisconsin Trust for Historic Preservation, the Wisconsin Historical Society, WEDC, WEDA, and many other organizations and stakeholders who helped advance the legislation.

The signing ceremony celebrated not only the passage of AB 375, but also the power of partnership in shaping policies that support preservation, economic development, and community revitalization across Wisconsin.

Stay tuned for more news and updates on historic tax credits in Wisconsin.

Historic Tax Credit Repair Bill Passes - Thank You for Showing Up

We are pleased to share that AB 375, the Historic Tax Credit Repair Bill, passed in the Wisconsin Senate on March 17 and is headed to the Governor’s desk for signature!

This legislation makes targeted improvements to the state historic tax credit by:

• Lowering the minimum qualifying expenditure to $50,000, making the credit more accessible for smaller projects and communities

• Allowing projects that have reached the $3.5 million credit cap to reapply after 15 years, supporting the long-term stewardship of Wisconsin’s historic buildings

Together, these changes expand access to the credit and help ensure that more preservation projects—large and small—can move forward.

Thank You for Showing Up

This achievement reflects the strength of our community. Members, partners, and advocates across the state stepped up—attending Historic Preservation Day at the Capitol, calling legislators, sending emails, reaching out to others, and sharing real stories about how the historic tax credit supports local economies, housing, and the continued use of historic places.

Every action mattered.

When the preservation community shows up—by speaking out, sharing stories, and taking action—we are heard. And together, we made this happen.

Bill Recap - What We Accomplished Together

Assembly Bill 375 restores access for smaller projects and allows continued investment in larger historic properties.

Looking Ahead

While this is meaningful progress, there is more work ahead. In future legislative sessions and budget discussions, we will continue to advocate for improvements to the credit—including returning to a one-year structure to further strengthen its impact.

This success also underscores something bigger: our ability to organize, engage, and influence policy. It invites us to think strategically about what comes next.

What other legislative priorities should we advance? What tools do communities need to support preservation across Wisconsin?

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Help Advance This Work

Help us keep this work moving forward.

The Wisconsin Trust relies on member support to fund research and education that demonstrate how the Historic Tax Credit drives private investment, job creation, and community revitalization across Wisconsin.

Join the Trust or make a gift today to ensure we can provide policymakers with the information they need to make informed decisions.