Wis. Stat. § 13.01 Number of legislators
The senate consists of 33 and the assembly of 99 members.
Legislative branch
Wis. Stat. ch. 13
in effectWis. Stat. § 13.02 Regular sessions
The legislature shall meet annually.
(1) The legislature shall convene in the capitol on the first Monday of January in each odd-numbered year, at 2 p.m., to take the oath of office, select officers, and do all other things necessary to organize itself for the conduct of its business, but if the first Monday of January falls on January 1 or 2, the actions here required shall be taken on January 3.
(2) The regular session of the legislature shall commence at 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday after the 8th day of January in each year unless otherwise provided under sub. (3).
(3) Early in each biennial session period, the joint committee on legislative organization shall meet and develop a work schedule for the legislative session, which shall include at least one meeting in January of each year, to be submitted to the legislature as a joint resolution.
(4) Any measures introduced in the regular annual session of the odd-numbered year which do not receive final action shall carry over to the regular annual session held in the even-numbered year.
Wis. Stat. § 13.03 Oaths of members
The speaker of the assembly, president of the senate, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, any court of record or the clerk thereof, any court of appeals judge or any justice of the supreme court may administer the oath of office to the members and officers of the legislature. The oath shall be filed with the secretary of state.
Wis. Stat. § 13.04 Legislators’ eligibility to other civil office
(1) No member of the legislature shall, during the term for which the legislator was elected, be appointed or elected to any civil office in this state, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased, during the term for which the legislator was elected.
(2) Any former member of the legislature may, after expiration of the term for which the former member was elected to the legislature, be appointed or elected to any judicial office or state civil office or position and shall, if so appointed or elected, be entitled to the full compensation, expense reimbursement or other emoluments established by law for such office or position.
(3) Any incumbent member of the legislature may, during the term for which the member was elected to the legislature, seek election to any judicial office or state elective office for a term commencing upon the expiration of the member’s current legislative term and shall, if so elected, upon the commencement of the new term be entitled to the full compensation, expense reimbursement or other emoluments for such office or position established by law as of the date on which the term begins.
(4) Any incumbent member of the legislature who, during the term for which the member was elected to the legislature, by appointment or election assumes any judicial office or state civil office or position for which the compensation or other emoluments were increased during the member’s current legislative term by legislative action, or by any other official action requiring the assent of or subject to veto by the legislature, shall be entitled to the compensation or other emoluments for such office or position only at the rate in effect prior to such increase.
(5) Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the concurrent appointment of an incumbent legislator to an unsalaried part-time state position created during the legislator’s current legislative term when the emoluments for such position are limited to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the position and when the duties of such position are not incompatible with the legislator’s duties as a member of the legislature.
(6) No member of the legislature may hold office as a legislator concurrent with holding office as a county executive for more than 60 days following certification of the election for either office.
Wis. Stat. § 13.05 Logrolling prohibited
Any member of the legislature who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature in consideration or upon condition that any other person elected to the same legislature will give or will promise or agree to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any other measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in such legislature, or who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence for or against any measure on condition that any other member will give his or her vote or influence in favor of any change in any other bill pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature, is guilty of a Class I felony.
Wis. Stat. § 13.06 Executive favor
Any member of the legislature who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature, or that has already been passed by either house of the legislature, in consideration of or on condition that the governor approve, disapprove, veto or sign, or agree to approve, disapprove, veto or sign, any other measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature or that has already been passed by the legislature, or either house thereof, or in consideration or upon condition that the governor nominate for appointment or appoint or remove any person to or from any office or position under the laws of this state, is guilty of a Class I felony.
Wis. Stat. § 13.07 Freedom of debate confirmed
Nothing in ss. 13.05 and 13.06 shall be construed as prohibiting free discussion and deliberation upon any question pending before the legislature by members thereof, privately or publicly, nor as prohibiting agreements by members to support any single measure pending, on condition that certain changes be made in such measure, nor as prohibiting agreements to compromise conflicting provisions of different measures.
Wis. Stat. § 13.08 Mileage allowance
(1) The chief clerk of each house, immediately after the commencement of each regular or special session of the legislature, shall certify to the department of administration the names of all qualified members and the number of miles for which each member is entitled to be reimbursed. All such certificates shall be approved by the presiding officer.
(2) All members of the legislature shall be entitled to an allowance for transportation expenses incurred in going to and returning from the state capitol once every week during any legislative session, at the same rate per mile for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the state capitol on the most usual route as is provided for transportation for state officers and employees under s. 20.916. Such allowances shall be paid monthly upon presentation to the department of administration of a verified written statement containing such information as the department requires.
(4) Any member of the legislature may use any convenient public transportation and be reimbursed in full for not to exceed one round trip weekly actually traveled via such transportation.
Wis. Stat. § 13.09 Joint committee on finance
(1) There is created a joint standing committee, to be known as the joint committee on finance, consisting of 8 senators and 8 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses.
(3) The committee may inquire into the operations or activities of any agency, department, board, institution or commission of the state, to determine better methods, systems or procedures for improving state government operations.
(5) Within one week after the general election in November of those years in which gubernatorial election is held, if the incumbent governor is not reelected, the committee shall convene and approve a budget for the newly elected governor to enable the incoming governor to review and analyze the budget, to hire staff and obtain space, and to do such other tasks as the committee approves. Funds approved by the committee shall be released to the office of the governor from the appropriation under s. 20.525 (1) (a) and any staff employed or expenses incurred by the incoming governor shall be charged to that appropriation. Employees of the incoming governor shall be placed on the payroll of the office of the governor. The procedures under s. 13.10 do not apply to this subsection.
(6) The joint committee on finance shall maintain its offices and meeting room on the 4th floor of the east wing of the capitol.
Wis. Stat. § 13.10 Joint committee on finance approvals
(1) Except as otherwise expressly provided by law, all matters before the joint committee on finance which require the affirmative action of the committee, except those related to the receipt of reports for which no committee action is required and except those related to the drafting, introduction, consideration, modification, adoption, rejection, enactment or defeat of any bill, resolution, amendment, fiscal estimate or nomination, shall be considered by the committee according to the procedures under this section. The joint committee on finance shall hold regular quarterly meetings and shall hold special meetings upon call of the governor or upon call of the cochairpersons for the purposes of considering matters under this section.
(2) Requests for an appropriation change under s. 13.101 in an amount not exceeding $5,000 and requiring immediate committee action may be resolved by mail ballot to be formally recorded at the next ensuing special or regular meeting. The committee may employ such assistants as it deems necessary and fix their compensation. For the purposes of this section the secretary of administration, or a designated representative, shall serve as secretary of the committee. The state auditor and the director of the legislative fiscal bureau, or their designated representatives, shall attend such meetings if the committee requests.
(3) All requests for action by the committee shall be filed with the secretary of the committee in writing and shall contain a statement of the action requested, the purposes therefor, the statutory provision authorizing or directing the performance of the action, and such other information as the committee may require. The governor shall submit a recommendation on the request to the committee. The committee shall afford all such requests a public hearing and the secretary of the committee shall give public notice of the time and place of such hearing.
(4) All actions under this section shall be determined by a roll call vote. A copy of the minutes shall be signed by the secretary and approved by the presiding officers and be transmitted to the department of administration, the state auditor and the legislative reference bureau. All requests for action by the committee under this section may be approved in whole or in part by the governor and the part approved shall be so ordered, and the part objected to shall be returned to the committee for reconsideration. If the governor neither approves nor objects to a request within 15 working days after the committee takes action on the request, the request is approved in whole. The cochairpersons of the committee shall call a meeting or conduct a mail ballot within 15 working days after receipt of the governor’s objection and if, after reconsideration, two-thirds of the members of the committee by a roll call vote or recorded ballot sustain the original action it shall be so ordered by signature of the cochairpersons of the committee.
(5) Appropriation changes approved by the joint committee on finance shall be reported to the department of administration and expenditures therefrom shall be shown in the state budget report as an additional cost of the state agency or programs to which the changes were made.
Wis. Stat. § 13.11 Records of joint committee on finance
The joint committee on finance shall keep a complete record of all legislation referred to it, and of its proceedings thereon. At the close of the session, such record shall be transmitted to the chief clerks and deposited by them with the secretary of state. The secretary of state, upon request therefor, shall deliver any such records of previous sessions to the joint committee on finance. Records so delivered shall be returned to the secretary of state by the cochairpersons of the committee at or before the close of the session.
Wis. Stat. § 13.13 Speaker; deputy speaker; president of senate
(1) Speaker. The assembly shall elect by roll call vote one of its members as speaker who shall hold office during the term for which elected to the assembly unless separated by death, resignation or removal by a majority of the total present membership of the assembly. If the office is permanently vacated during the session, a successor shall be chosen.
(2) Deputy speaker. The assembly shall elect a deputy speaker who shall hold office for the term for which elected to the assembly unless separated by death, resignation or removal.
(3) President of senate. The senate shall elect a president at the commencement of each regular session. The president shall hold office until the commencement of the next succeeding regular session unless separated by death, resignation or removal.
Wis. Stat. § 13.14 Miscellaneous expenses
(2) Floral pieces. The senate and assembly may procure floral pieces for deceased or ill members of the legislature and state officers who, in the judgment of the presiding officer and chief clerk, have been identified with the legislative process. Such expenses shall be by voucher, signed by the presiding officer or chief clerk of the respective house, and shall be drawn on the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b).
(3) Travel; legislative personnel. The actual and necessary expenses of legislative policy research personnel, assistants to legislators, and research staff assigned to legislative committees incident to attending meetings outside the state capital shall be reimbursed from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b).
Wis. Stat. § 13.15 Chief clerks
(1) Election. Each house, at the commencement of each regular session, shall elect a chief clerk who shall perform all duties as by custom appertain to the office and all duties imposed by law or by the rules. In the absence of the chief clerk, the duties shall be performed by one of the clerks acting under the chief clerk, appointed by the chief clerk in writing.
(2) Salary and expenses. The chief clerk of the senate and of the assembly shall each receive:
(a) The salary established in implementation of s. 13.20 (2).
(b) For travel to and from the state capitol and for expenses incurred for food and lodging, necessitated by the establishment of a temporary residence in Madison during any session of the legislature, the same reimbursement as is provided members of the legislature by ss. 13.08 (2) and 13.123 (1).
(c) In the period when the legislature is not in session, their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Such expenses shall be reimbursed by voucher signed by the presiding officer of the respective house.
(d) For attendance at conferences and other official meetings approved by the president for the senate or the speaker for the assembly, their actual and necessary expenses.
Wis. Stat. § 13.16 Chief clerks’ duties
The chief clerk of each house shall be personally responsible for the safekeeping of every bill, memorial, joint resolution or other document or paper pertaining to legislation, received personally or through a deputy or assistant from any member, committee or officer of the legislature or of either house thereof. The chief clerk shall keep a full record of them and shall enter in the record the disposition made of them. The chief clerks, at the close of each session shall deposit for safekeeping in the office of the secretary of state all books, bills, documents and papers in the possession of the legislature, correctly labeled. The chief clerk of the house in which a joint resolution or resolution originates shall deposit a copy of the resolution or joint resolution in the office of the secretary of state immediately upon its adoption by the legislature, enrollment and signing.
Wis. Stat. § 13.17 Journals
A journal of the senate and assembly shall be prepared under the direction of the chief clerks of the respective houses. When completed, each journal shall be printed as provided by law. The chief clerk of each house shall certify one copy of such journal to the secretary of state for deposit. The printed journals shall be the official record of each house of the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.18 Sergeants at arms
(1) Election. Each house, at the commencement of each regular session, shall elect a sergeant at arms who shall perform all such duties as by custom appertain to the office of sergeant at arms and all duties imposed by law or by the rules.
(2) Salary and expenses. The sergeant at arms of the senate and of the assembly shall each receive:
(a) The salary established in implementation of s. 13.20 (2).
(b) For travel to and from the state capitol and for expenses incurred for food and lodging, necessitated by the establishment of a temporary residence in Madison during any session of the legislature, the same reimbursement as is provided members of the legislature by ss. 13.08 (2) and 13.123 (1).
(c) In the period when the legislature is not in session, their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. Such expenses shall be reimbursed by voucher signed by the presiding officer of the respective house.
Wis. Stat. § 13.19 Arrest of officers
No officer of the senate or assembly, while in actual attendance upon the duties of that person’s office, shall be liable to arrest on civil process.
Wis. Stat. § 13.20 Legislative employees
(1) Number and pay range of legislative employees. The legislature or either house thereof may employ under the unclassified service such policy research personnel, assistants to legislators, and research staff assigned to legislative committees and such clerical, professional, or other assistants as in the judgment of the joint committee on legislative organization or the committee on organization in each house are necessary to enable it to perform its functions and duties and to best serve the people of this state, except that the legislature or a house thereof may not employ a person for, or assign a person to, a party caucus.
(2) Pay ranges; duration of employment. All legislative employees shall be paid in accordance with the compensation and classification plan for employees in the classified civil service within ranges approved by the joint committee on legislative organization. The administrator of the division of personnel management in the department of administration shall make recommendations concerning a compensation and classification schedule for legislative employees if requested to do so by the joint committee on legislative organization or by the committee on organization of either house. If the joint committee does not approve pay ranges for legislative employees, the committee on organization of either house may approve pay ranges for its employees. Appointments shall be made for the legislative session, unless earlier terminated by the appointing officer.
(3) Application. This section does not apply to employees of any legislative branch agency created under this chapter which is authorized, or the head of which is authorized, to appoint subordinate staff.
Wis. Stat. § 13.21 State departments to cooperate in providing legislative help
(1) Because of the difficulty in securing necessary help to fill legislative positions in regular sessions of the legislature, due to the manpower shortage, each department and agency of the state government and the employees thereof shall cooperate with the legislature to the fullest extent in the transfer to the legislature of such employees as are necessary to fill all legislative positions.
(2) All employees so transferred shall receive such compensation as is prescribed by law for such legislative positions. Such employees shall continue their civil service rating, sick leave, vacation and other rights under ch. 230 and after termination of their employment in such legislative positions shall be returned to the respective departments and agencies from which they were transferred for resumption of their regular employment.
Wis. Stat. § 13.22 Payroll, legislative employees
The chief clerk and sergeant at arms of each house shall certify to the department of administration the payrolls for legislative employees in their respective houses. Such certificates shall be approved as provided by the rules of each house.
Wis. Stat. § 13.23 Election contests; notice
Any person wishing to contest the election of any senator or member of the assembly shall, within 30 days after the decision of the board of canvassers, serve a notice in writing on the person whose election the contestant intends to contest, stating briefly that the election will be contested and the cause of such contest, and shall file a copy thereof in the office of the elections commission at least 10 days before the day fixed by law for the meeting of the legislature. The elections commission shall then send a copy of s. 13.24 to both contestants. If any contestant fails to so file a copy of such notice, the contestant shall not be entitled to any mileage or salary in case payment has been made therefor to the sitting member.
Wis. Stat. § 13.24 Testimony in election contests
(1) After the service of the notice required by s. 13.23 either party may proceed to take the depositions of witnesses before any judge, circuit or supplemental court commissioner or a municipal judge in the district where the contest is pending, upon giving 10 days’ notice in writing to the opposite party of the time and place at which and the officer before whom such depositions will be taken. No deposition shall be taken after the last Monday preceding the day fixed by law for the meeting of the legislature, except in case of sickness or unavoidable absence of witnesses.
(2) The officer before whom such depositions are taken shall carefully envelope and seal up the same, endorse on the envelope the names of the contestant and contestee, and direct the depositions so endorsed to the presiding officer of the house of the legislature by which the contest is to be determined.
(3) The depositions so taken may be used and read in evidence by either party upon the hearing of such contest, and no other depositions than those so taken shall be used or heard, nor shall such house of the legislature, by its committees or otherwise, hear or seek to procure other testimony, but shall proceed forthwith to determine the contest upon the depositions so furnished.
Wis. Stat. § 13.25 Expenses of election contest; limitation
Not more than $300 shall be allowed by the legislature to any contestant or contestee for any fees or expenses of any kind incurred in a contest over a seat in either house of the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.26 Contempt
(1) Each house may punish as a contempt, by imprisonment, a breach of its privileges or the privileges of its members; but only for one or more of the following offenses:
(a) Arresting a member or officer of the house, or procuring such member or officer to be arrested in violation of the member’s privilege from arrest.
(b) Disorderly conduct in the immediate view of either house or of any committee thereof and directly tending to interrupt its proceedings.
(c) Refusing to attend or be examined as a witness, either before the house or a committee, or before any person authorized to take testimony in legislative proceedings, or to produce any books, records, documents, papers or keys according to the exigency of any subpoena.
(d) Giving or offering a bribe to a member, or attempting by menace or other corrupt means or device to control or influence a member’s vote or to prevent the member from voting.
(2) The term of imprisonment a house may impose under this section shall not extend beyond the same session of the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.27 Punishment for contempt
(1) Whenever either house of the legislature orders the imprisonment of any person for contempt under s. 13.26 such person shall be committed to the Dane County jail, and the jailer shall receive and detain the person in close confinement for the term specified in the order of imprisonment, unless the person is sooner discharged by the order of such house or by due course of law.
(2) Any person who is adjudged guilty of any contempt of the legislature or either house thereof shall be deemed guilty also of a misdemeanor, and after the adjournment of such legislature, may be prosecuted therefor in Dane County, and may be fined not more than $200 or imprisoned not more than one year in the county jail.
Wis. Stat. § 13.28 Interpellation of officers
(1) Upon the petition of 6 members of the senate, not more than 4 of whom belong to the same political party, or of 17 members of the assembly, not more than 9 of whom belong to the same political party, any appointive state officer shall appear before that house of the legislature to which the petitioning members belong, to answer written and oral interrogatories relative to any matter, function or work of such officer, relative to any act, omission or other matter pertaining to the powers or privileges exercised or duties performed by the officer or by any employee or subordinate of such officer, relative to the manner, conditions or terms of the officer’s appointment or of any appointment made by the officer or relative to any act, omission or conduct unbecoming the position of any such officer. Such petition shall be in writing, shall be accompanied by written interrogatories, shall be signed by the petitioning members and shall be filed with the presiding officer of that house of the legislature to which such petitioning members belong.
(2) Upon the joint petition of 6 members of the senate, not more than 4 of whom belong to the same political party, and 17 members of the assembly, not more than 9 of whom belong to the same political party, filed with the presiding officer of the senate, requesting an examination of any appointive state officer made subject thereto by sub. (1) before a joint session of the 2 houses of the legislature, such officer shall appear before such joint session and answer written and oral interrogatories as to any matters included in sub. (1).
Wis. Stat. § 13.29 Time for interpellation and procedure
(1) Upon the filing of any petition, under s. 13.28, the presiding officer with whom the petition is filed, shall fix a time not later than 20 days after the filing of the petition, for the meeting of that house of the legislature, or the joint session of the legislature, as the case may be, before which such interrogation and examination shall be held. A notice of such meeting, together with a copy of the written interrogatories, shall be forthwith delivered to the officer named therein.
(2) The legislature may adopt rules to govern such examinations. All proceedings, including all questions and answers, shall be fully recorded and a copy thereof shall be transmitted to the governor within 30 days after the close of the examination.
Wis. Stat. § 13.30 State officers; removal by legislature
Any appointive state officer after being examined under ss. 13.28 and 13.29 may be removed by the legislature by joint resolution adopted in each house by a majority of the members elected to such house. The power to remove appointive state officers provided in this section is additional to and shall not be construed as destroying the right of removal by other persons.
Wis. Stat. § 13.31 Witnesses; how subpoenaed
The attendance of witnesses before any committee of the legislature, or of either house thereof, appointed to investigate any subject matter, may be procured by subpoenas signed by the presiding officer and chief clerk of the senate or assembly. Such subpoenas shall state when and where, and before whom, the witness is required to appear, and may require such attendance forthwith or on a future day named and the production of books, records, documents and papers therein to be designated, and may also require any officer of any corporation or limited liability company, or other person having the custody of the keys, books, records, documents or papers of any such business entity, to produce the same before such committee. Such subpoenas may be served by any person and shall be returned to the chief clerk of the house which issued the same as subpoenas from the circuit court are served and returned.
Wis. Stat. § 13.32 Summary process; custody of witness
(1) Upon the return of a subpoena issued under s. 13.31, duly served, and upon filing with the presiding officer of the house from which the subpoena issued a certificate of the chairperson of the committee certifying that any person named therein failed or neglected to appear before the committee in obedience to the mandate of such subpoena, summary process to compel the attendance of such person shall be issued.
(2) Such summary process shall be signed by the presiding officer and chief clerk of the house which issued the subpoena, and shall be directed to the sergeant at arms thereof commanding the sergeant at arms “in the name of the state of Wisconsin” to take the body of the person so failing to attend, naming that person, and bring the person forthwith before the house whose subpoena the person disobeyed. When so arrested the person shall be taken before the committee desiring to examine the person as a witness, or to obtain from the person books, records, documents or papers for their use as evidence, and when before such committee such person shall testify as to the matters concerning which the person is interrogated.
(3) When such person is not on examination before such committee the person shall remain in the custody of the sergeant at arms or in the custody of some person specially deputed for that purpose; and the officer having charge of the person shall from time to time take the person before such committee until the chairperson of the committee certifies that the committee does not wish to examine such person further. Thereupon such witness shall be taken before the house which issued the summary process and that house shall order the release of the witness, or may proceed to punish the witness for any contempt of such house in not complying with the requirement of this chapter or of any writ issued or served as herein provided.
Wis. Stat. § 13.33 Service of process
Either house ordering any summary process may also direct the sergeant at arms to specially depute some competent person to execute the same, and such deputation shall be endorsed on such process in writing over the signature of the sergeant at arms to whom the same is directed. The person so deputed shall have the same power as the sergeant at arms in respect thereto, and shall execute the same according to the mandate thereof, and for that purpose the sergeant at arms or the deputy may call to his or her aid the power of the county wherein such writ is to be executed the same as the sheriff of such county could do for the purpose of arresting a person charged with crime under process issued by a court of competent jurisdiction; and any sergeant at arms having any person in custody by virtue of any such summary process may depute any other person to have charge of the person so in custody, and the person so deputed shall have the same power over such person as is conferred upon the sergeant at arms.
Wis. Stat. § 13.34 Refusal to testify
Every refusal to testify or answer any question, or to produce keys, books, records, documents or papers before any committee included within s. 13.31 shall be forthwith certified to the proper house by the chairperson of such committee. Such certificate shall be transmitted, and the person so refusing taken, by the sergeant at arms or an assistant to the sergeant at arms, before such house to be dealt with according to law.
Wis. Stat. § 13.35 Liability of witness
(1) No person who is required to testify before either house of the legislature or a committee thereof, or joint committee of the 2 houses, and is examined and so testifies, shall be held to answer criminally in any court or be subject to any penalty or forfeiture for any fact or act touching which the person is required to testify and as to which the person has been examined and has testified, and no testimony so given nor any paper, document or record produced by any such person before either house of the legislature or any such committee shall be competent testimony or be used in any trial or criminal proceeding against such person in any court, except upon a prosecution for perjury committed in giving such testimony; and no witness shall be allowed to refuse to testify to any fact, or to produce any papers, documents or records touching which the person is examined before either house or any such committee, for the reason that the testimony touching such fact, or the production of such papers, documents or records may tend to disgrace the person or otherwise render the person infamous.
(2) The immunity provided under sub. (1) is subject to the restrictions under s. 972.085.
Wis. Stat. § 13.035 Designation of members
Members of the assembly shall be known as “representatives to the assembly”.
Wis. Stat. § 13.36 Witness fees
The compensation of all witnesses who are subpoenaed and appear pursuant to s. 13.31 shall be $2 for each day’s attendance and 10 cents per mile, one way, for travel to attend as such witness. The department of administration shall audit the accounts of such witnesses upon the certificate of the chairperson of the committee before which any such witness has attended, stating the number of days’ attendance and the distance the witness has traveled, and the accounts so audited shall be paid out of the state treasury and charged to the appropriation for the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.39 Legislative consideration of biennial budget bill
(1) Neither house of the legislature may pass a biennial budget bill until the legislative fiscal bureau has distributed a copy of an earmark transparency report on the biennial budget bill, as amended, prepared under s. 13.95 (1r) (b), to each member of the legislature and has made the report available on the legislature’s Internet website.
(2) If a committee of conference is convened on a biennial budget bill, a conference report may not contain any earmark, as defined in s. 13.95 (1r) (a), that was not included in the executive budget bill or an amendment thereto that was passed by either house of the legislature. The committee of conference, however, may reduce the amount of any earmark that requires a payment to a specific beneficiary or beneficiaries or may reduce the cost to the state of any earmark that is a tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or exemption.
Wis. Stat. § 13.41 Interim successors for legislators
(1)
(a) If, during an emergency resulting from enemy action, there are 9 or more vacancies in the senate at the same time, as determined under s. 17.03, the senate leader of each political party, as specified in pars. (b) and (c), shall, for each vacant senate seat that was last held by a member of his or her party, do all of the following:
1. Request that the state chairperson of the party solicit nominations for an interim successor from the county chairpersons of the party in each county that is at least partially within the senate district.
2. Request that the state chairperson of the party select at least 3 and not more than 5 potential interim successors from the nominees under subd. 1.
3. Request that the state chairperson of the party submit the names of the potential interim successors selected under subd. 2. to the senate leader of the party within 7 days after the date on which the 9th vacancy occurred.
4. Within 14 days after the 9th vacancy occurred, appoint an interim successor from the list of potential interim successors submitted under subd. 3.
(b) The person holding the highest position, ranked in the following order, that is not vacant, is the senate leader for the majority party under par. (a):
1. The senate majority leader.
2. The president of the senate.
3. The president pro tempore of the senate.
4. The assistant senate majority leader.
5. The senate majority caucus chairperson.
6. The senate majority caucus vice chairperson.
7. The senate majority caucus sergeant at arms.
(c) The person holding the highest position, ranked in the following order, that is not vacant, is the senate leader for the minority party under par. (a):
1. The senate leader of the party.
2. The senate assistant leader of the party.
3. The senate caucus chairperson of the party.
4. The senate caucus vice chairperson of the party.
5. The senate caucus sergeant at arms of the party.
(2)
(a) If, during an emergency resulting from enemy action, there are 25 or more vacancies in the assembly at the same time, as determined under s. 17.03, the assembly leader of each political party, as specified in pars. (b) and (c), shall, for each vacant assembly seat that was last held by a member of his or her party, do all of the following:
1. Request that the state chairperson of the party solicit nominations for an interim successor from the county chairpersons of the party in each county that is at least partially within the assembly district.
2. Request that the state chairperson of the party select at least 3 and not more than 5 potential interim successors from the nominees under subd. 1.
3. Request that the state chairperson of the party submit the names of the potential interim successors selected under subd. 2. to the assembly leader of the party within 7 days after the date on which the 25th vacancy occurred.
4. Within 14 days after the 25th vacancy occurred, appoint an interim successor from the list of potential interim successors submitted under subd. 3.
(b) The person holding the highest position, ranked in the following order, that is not vacant, is the assembly leader for the majority party under par. (a):
1. The speaker of the assembly.
2. The assembly majority leader.
3. The speaker pro tempore of the assembly.
4. The assistant assembly majority leader.
5. The assembly majority caucus chairperson.
6. The assembly majority caucus vice chairperson.
7. The assembly majority caucus secretary.
8. The assembly majority caucus sergeant at arms.
(c) The person holding the highest position, ranked in the following order, that is not vacant, is the assembly leader for a minority party under par. (a):
1. The assembly leader of the party.
2. The assembly assistant leader of the party.
3. The assembly caucus chairperson of the party.
4. The assembly caucus vice chairperson of the party.
5. The assembly caucus secretary of the party.
6. The assembly caucus sergeant at arms of the party.
(3) The senate and assembly political party leaders may not appoint an interim successor who is unwilling, unable, or ineligible under the constitution and the statutes to serve as a legislator.
(4) Interim successors appointed under sub. (1) or (2) shall take the oath of office immediately upon appointment, but may not be required, as a prerequisite to the exercise of the powers or discharge of the duties of a legislator, to comply with any other provision of law relative to taking office.
(5) The chief clerk of each house, or if he or she is unavailable, his or her deputy, shall notify the secretary of state of all vacancies that are filled by interim successors under this section.
(6) An interim successor taking office under this section shall exercise the powers and discharge the duties of the office until the vacancy is filled under s. 17.19. All votes taken by an interim successor shall be as valid as if taken by an elected legislator.
Wis. Stat. § 13.42 Virtual meetings of the legislature and legislative committees
(1) In this section:
(a) “Disaster” means a severe or prolonged, natural or human-caused, occurrence that threatens or negatively impacts life, health, property, infrastructure, the environment, the security of this state or a portion of this state, or critical systems, including computer, telecommunications, or agricultural systems.
(b) “Member” means a member of the legislature.
(2) Either house of the legislature, under its rules or joint rules, may issue a notice that the house and its committees are prevented from physically meeting at the seat of government due to an emergency resulting from a disaster or the imminent threat of a disaster.
(3) If a house issues a notice under sub. (2), that house and any committee of that house may conduct a meeting and transact business through the use of any means of communication by which all of the following occur:
(a) The identity of each participating member may be verified, and the actions of each participating member may be authenticated, in a manner satisfactory to the presiding officer or committee chairperson.
(b) During the meeting, all participating members may simultaneously hear or read the comments of each member who is recognized by the presiding officer or committee chairperson.
(c) Any document that is used during the meeting by a member and that is accepted by the presiding officer or committee chairperson is immediately transmitted to each participating member.
(d) Except as provided in sub. (8), within technological limits, the public may monitor the proceedings of the house or committee.
(4) In order to hold a meeting of a joint committee in the manner provided under sub. (3), each house of the legislature shall issue a notice of emergency under sub. (2).
(5) For purposes of article IV, section 11, of the Wisconsin Constitution, a meeting held under sub. (3) or (10) shall be considered to have occurred at the seat of government and all actions taken during the meeting shall have the same legal effect as if the members were physically present at the seat of government.
(6) For purposes of determining the presence of a quorum in proceedings or meetings held under this section, any participating member shall be considered present as if the member were physically present at the seat of government.
(7) Except as provided in sub. (8), a meeting held under sub. (3) or (10) shall be preceded by the same or substantially equivalent public notice as would be required if the members were physically present at the seat of government.
(8) Subsections (3) (d) and (7) do not apply with respect to a meeting held under sub. (3), if pursuant to article IV, section 10, of the Wisconsin Constitution, the public welfare requires secrecy.
(9) In presiding over a meeting of a house of the legislature described under sub. (3) or (10), the presiding officer shall interpret and apply all rules of proceeding of that house that presume the physical presence of members in the house’s chambers at the seat of government, in such a manner as to accomplish the same purposes for which the rules were adopted.
(10) Notwithstanding the requirement for a notice of emergency under sub. (2), and pursuant to the session schedule under s. 13.02 (3), the legislature may meet for up to one week per session by holding a meeting as described under sub. (3) in order to practice meeting in that manner.
(11) This section does not limit the authority of either house of the legislature to use teleconferencing for purposes of holding a committee meeting at the seat of government.
Wis. Stat. § 13.45 General provisions on legislative committees
(1) Term; eligibility; vacancies.
(a) Unless otherwise provided by law, the terms of all legislator members of committees or other bodies established by statute on which there are legislator members appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses, shall expire on the date specified in s. 13.02 (1). Unless otherwise provided by rule or resolution, any special legislative committee and the memberships thereof shall expire upon the accomplishment of the purpose for which the committee was created or the termination of the legislative session biennium in which the committee was created.
(b) A legislator’s membership, on any committee or other body established by statute to which the legislator was appointed by reason of being a member of the legislature, terminates when such person ceases to be a legislator.
(c) Legislator vacancies on committees or other bodies established by statute, including first appointments upon the creation of such committees or bodies, shall be filled as are original appointments at the commencement of the legislative session biennium.
(2) Appointments reported. The chief clerk of each house shall file a duplicate of each report required by s. 14.40 (4) with the director of the legislative council staff.
(3) Expenses.
(a) For any day for which the legislator does not file a claim under s. 13.123 (1), any legislator appointed to serve on a legislative committee or a committee to which the legislator was appointed by either house or the officers thereof shall be reimbursed from the appropriations under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b) for actual and necessary expenses incurred as a member of the committee.
(b) Unless otherwise provided by law, any state officer or employee representing an agency as a member of a committee under this chapter shall be reimbursed by the agency for the actual and necessary expenses incurred by the officer or employee in the performance of duties as a committee member.
(c) Unless otherwise provided by law, any member of a committee under this chapter and not covered by par. (a) or (b) shall be reimbursed from the appropriation of the committee on which the member serves for the actual and necessary expenses incurred by the member in the performance of duties as a committee member.
(4) Organization. Unless otherwise provided by law, and except as provided in sub. (4m), every legislative committee or committee on which there are legislative members selected by either house or the officers thereof shall:
(a) Elect a chairperson, vice chairperson and secretary from among its members.
(b) Meet at such times, and at such locations within this state, as the chairperson with the consent of the members announces.
(c) Maintain its office in the capitol.
(d) Maintain a written record of its proceedings.
(e) On or before May 1 of each odd-numbered year, submit a written report of its findings, conclusions and recommendations to the governor and the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2).
(4m) Cochairpersons of joint legislative committees. Except as provided in s. 13.81 (1), every joint standing, statutory, special or other joint committee shall be chaired jointly by a senator and a representative to the assembly appointed as are other members of the joint committee.
(5) Rules of procedure; quorum. Unless otherwise provided by law, every legislative committee or committee on which there are legislative members selected by either house or the officers thereof may adopt such rules for the conduct of its business as are necessary, but a majority of the members appointed to a committee shall constitute a quorum to do business and a majority of such quorum may act in any matter within the jurisdiction of the committee.
(6) Committee members may administer oaths. Any senator or representative to the assembly, while acting as a member of a legislative committee, may administer oaths to persons to be examined before such committee.
(7) Cooperation of state agencies. The departments, officers and employees of Wisconsin state government, and the governing bodies of the political subdivisions of this state, shall assist legislative committees in the completion of their tasks. They shall provide legislative committees with ready access to any books, records or other information relating to such tasks. Upon request by legislative committees, and within the limits of existing appropriations, departments of state government shall supply such specialized staff assistance as a legislative committee may require.
Wis. Stat. § 13.46 Majority and minority parties
In any law or legislative rule:
(1) “Majority leader” means the leader elected by the majority party in each house of the legislature.
(2) “Majority party” means the political party in each house which has the most members.
(3) “Minority leader” means the leader elected by the minority party in each house.
(4) “Minority party” means the political party in each house which has the 2nd most members.
(5) “Two major political parties” means the majority party and the minority party in each house.
Wis. Stat. § 13.47 Legislative state supported programs study and advisory committee
There is created a joint legislative state supported programs study and advisory committee, consisting of 5 senators and 6 representatives to the assembly, appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses. The 2 major political parties shall be represented in the membership from each house. One legislator from each house shall be a member of the building commission created in s. 13.48 (2) (a).
(1) Meetings. The committee shall meet when the legislature is not in actual session.
(2) Duties of the committee. The committee, in groups or individually as assigned by the cochairpersons with the consent of the committee, shall visit all institutions and office buildings owned or leased by the state and the capitol building and inspect the grounds and the buildings thereon. Each member shall participate in the groups to which he or she is assigned, but if the appointed member of the building commission is unable to participate in a specific visit he or she shall appoint an alternate member, selected from his or her house of the legislature, to participate in his or her place. It shall thoroughly inspect the state buildings or grounds and shall have free access to any part of such state buildings or the surrounding grounds and all persons therein in order to make such examination as it sees fit of the conditions found.
(3) Visits to institutions receiving state funds. The committee, in groups or individually as assigned by the cochairpersons with the consent of the committee, may visit any institution, program or organization in this state in which the state directly or indirectly has provided financial support. Upon request of the committee, any such institution, program or organization shall allow the committee to examine its records.
Wis. Stat. § 13.48 Long-range public building program
(1) Policy. The legislature finds and determines that it is necessary to improve the adequacy of the public building facilities that are required by the various state agencies including the educational institutions, for the proper performance of their duties and functions, and that it is in the interest of economy, efficiency and the public welfare that such improvement be accomplished by means of a long-range public building program, with funds to be provided by successive legislatures. The long-range program shall include the necessary lands, new buildings, and all facilities and equipment required and also the remodeling, reconstruction, maintenance and reequipping of existing buildings and facilities, as determined by the building commission.
(1m) Historic properties.
(a) In this subsection, “historic property” means any building, structure or site which is any of the following:
1. Listed on, or has been nominated by the state historical society for listing on, the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places.
2. Included in a district which is listed on, or has been nominated by the state historical society for listing on, the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places, and has been determined by the state historical society to contribute to the historic significance of the district.
3. Included on a list of properties which have been determined by the state historical society to be eligible for listing on the national register of historic places in Wisconsin or the state register of historic places.
(b) The long-range public building program shall recognize the importance of historic properties and shall include a program of preservation and restoration of those historic properties under the control of the state as provided in s. 44.41, including criteria for determining which historic properties should be preserved and restored.
(c) The long-range public building program shall require the biennial review of each historic property under the control of the state to determine the current uses of the property and state agency compliance with the requirements of the long-range program.
(d) The building commission shall allocate, from that portion of the state building program funding which is available to all state agencies, an amount of funds deemed necessary by the building commission for the preservation, restoration and maintenance of historic properties under the control of the state.
(e) Notwithstanding par. (b), the building commission may grant waivers under s. 44.39 (5).
(2) Building commission; powers and duties.
(a) There is created a building commission consisting of the governor, who shall serve as chairperson, and 3 senators and 3 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses. The 2 major political parties shall be represented in the membership from each house. One legislator from each house shall be a member of the state supported programs study and advisory committee created by s. 13.47. One citizen member shall be appointed by the governor to serve at the governor’s pleasure. The secretary, head of the engineering function, and ranking architect of the department of administration shall be nonvoting advisory members. The building commission shall bear a title beginning with the words “State of Wisconsin”. The members shall be liable only for misconduct. Nonlegislator members of the building commission shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses, incurred as members of the building commission, from the appropriation under s. 20.505.
(b)
1. The building commission shall have all the powers necessary to carry out its duties and may accept all donations, gifts and bequests made to the state for public building purposes, including any grants made by the federal government, and apply the same in accordance with the terms of the grant or the wishes of the donors, insofar as such is practicable. The building commission with respect to any of such buildings shall have all the powers so far as applicable as were conferred by law on the state office building commission with respect to the state office building.
1m. The University of Wisconsin System may not accept any gift, grant or bequest of real property with a value in excess of $150,000 or any gift, grant or bequest of a building or structure that is constructed for the benefit of the system or any institution thereof without the approval of the building commission. This subdivision does not apply to agricultural land acquired by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System under s. 36.33 (1).
2. In the construction of all new buildings or additions to existing buildings used for housing state offices and constructed for general state purposes and not specially for the use of any particular state agency, the building commission shall function with respect to such construction in the same manner as other state agencies function with respect to buildings constructed for such agencies. The building commission shall fix the rental for all space in such buildings, and, notwithstanding any other statute, may remove to any building any department housed in the state capitol. After the completion of such buildings, they shall be in the charge of the department of administration as provided by s. 16.84.
3. Except as provided in sub. (14) (am), the building commission may lease space in buildings described under subd. 2. to other governmental bodies or to nonprofit associations organized for public purposes and shall charge those bodies or associations an annual rental which shall be not less than the cost of operating, maintaining and amortizing the construction cost of the leased space.
(c) The building commission may employ, outside the classified service, staff or consultants and fix the salary or conditions of such employment.
(d) The building commission, for the purpose of carrying out s. 36.33 relating to the sale and purchase of agricultural lands of the University of Wisconsin, may authorize the advance of sums from the state building trust fund for the purchase price, including option payments, of agricultural lands to be acquired by the University of Wisconsin and for expenses incurred in selling agricultural lands presently owned by the University of Wisconsin, including, without limitation because of enumeration, expenses of surveying, platting, constructing and improving streets and utilities and drainage in such a way as to realize the greatest return to the state in the sale of such lands, and other selling expenses. All such sums advanced shall be repaid to the state building trust fund from the appropriation made by s. 20.285 (1) (gb).
(e)
1. During each regular session, the building commission shall submit to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), a report on the progress on projects authorized in the 2 preceding and current biennia including the total project budget, the encumbrance and expenditure to date, and the unencumbered balance remaining for each project. Such report shall either be made as part of the biennial building program or shall accompany same.
2. It is the intent of the legislature that it be given a complete picture of the results of its past decisions regarding the state’s building program which will serve as background for making further decisions.
(f) The building commission may allocate funds from the state building trust fund or other sources available to them to equip any University of Wisconsin System college campus, as defined in s. 36.05 (6m), if the facilities have been provided by the counties or other units of local government under s. 66.0913 or 67.04 and the operation of the college campus has been approved by the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System.
(g) The building commission shall review assessments on property of the state under s. 66.0703 (6).
(h)
1. In this paragraph:
a. “Active solar energy system” means a solar energy system which operates with mechanical means, including but not limited to motors, pumps and valves.
b. “Energy” means work or heat produced from any source.
c. “Passive solar energy system” means a solar energy system which operates without mechanical means.
d. “Photovoltaic solar energy system” means a solar energy system which converts solar energy directly into electricity.
e. “Renewable energy resource system” means a solar energy system or a wind energy system. “Renewable energy resource system” does not include any equipment which would be present as part of a conventional energy system; any equipment which would be present as part of a system primarily used to heat a swimming pool; or a passive solar system which serves a dual purpose, as defined by the building commission by rule. “Dual purpose” includes, but is not limited to, a passive solar system serving also as a structural component, a greenhouse or a living space.
f. “Solar energy” means radiant energy received from the sun.
g. “Solar energy system” means equipment which directly converts and then transfers or stores solar energy into usable forms of thermal or electrical energy.
2. The building commission may not authorize the release of funds for bidding and construction of any new building, structure, major remodeling or building addition as enumerated in the authorized state building program as required by s. 20.924 (1) (a) and (b), or such other projects as the building commission determines to be appropriate, unless the design concept does all of the following for purposes of space heating and cooling and water heating:
a. Provide maximum practical use of passive solar energy system design elements, including daylight lighting designs.
b. Offer life-cycle cost estimates of the energy resource consuming system of the facility.
c. Unless not justified on the basis of a technical and economic feasibility evaluation, incorporate an active solar energy system or photovoltaic solar energy system or other renewable energy resource system.
(i) In this paragraph, “life-cycle costing” means an economic evaluation of purchases or capital construction which considers all relevant costs associated with each purchase or building during its economic life, including, but not limited to, energy costs, acquisition and conversion, money, transportation, warehousing and distribution, training, operation and maintenance and disposition or resale. The building commission shall establish procedures requiring life-cycle costing for the design and location of any new building, structure, major remodeling or building addition as enumerated in the authorized state building program under s. 20.924 (1) (a) and (b), and for such other projects as the building commission determines to be appropriate. The building commission may not authorize the release of funds for construction of any new building, structure, major remodeling or building addition unless the requirements of the life-cycle costing procedures have been satisfied.
(k)
1. In designing the construction or renovation of central steam generating facilities, the building commission shall employ a design for the cogeneration of steam and electricity unless the building commission determines that such a design is not cost-effective and technically feasible. The building commission may not release funds for the construction of a new central steam generating facility unless the requirements of this subdivision have been satisfied.
2. To the greatest extent cost-effective and technically feasible, the building commission shall ensure that state owned or operated steam generating facilities are designed to allow the use of biomass fuels and refuse-derived fuels.
(L) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may supplement authorized state building program project budgets to offset cost overruns resulting from an increase in price levels due to inflation. Moneys cannot be expended under this paragraph without the approval of the joint committee on finance.
(3) State building trust fund. In the interest of the continuity of the program, the moneys appropriated to the state building trust fund under s. 20.867 (2) (f) shall be retained as a nonlapsing building depreciation reserve. Such moneys shall be deposited into the state building trust fund. At such times as the building commission directs, or in emergency situations under s. 16.855 (16) (b), the governor shall authorize releases from this fund to become available for projects and shall direct the department of administration to allocate from this fund such amounts as are approved for these projects. In issuing such directions, the building commission shall consider the cash balance in the state building trust fund, the necessity and urgency of the proposed improvement, employment conditions and availability of materials in the locality in which the improvement is to be made. The building commission may authorize any project costing $1,000,000 or less or, beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, $2,000,000 or less in accordance with priorities to be established by the building commission and may adjust the priorities by deleting, substituting or adding new projects as needed to reflect changing program needs and unforeseen circumstances. The building commission may enter into contracts for the construction of buildings for any state agency, except a project authorized under sub. (10) (c), and shall be responsible for accounting for all funds released to projects. The building commission may designate the department of administration or the agency for which the project is constructed to act as its representative in such accounting.
(4) State agencies to report proposed projects. Whenever any state agency contemplates a project under the state building program it shall report the project to the building commission. The report shall be made on such date and in such manner as the building commission prescribes. This subsection does not apply to projects identified in sub. (10) (c).
(5) Assistance to building commission.
(a) The department of administration shall assist the building commission in the performance of its duties. The department of administration shall, when requested by the building commission, make or cause to be made such studies, preliminary plans and specifications and cost estimates with respect to any proposed project as are necessary to permit the building commission to consider intelligently the approval or disapproval of the project and the appropriation of funds. The costs of such studies shall be charged against the building trust fund.
(b) Whenever the building commission considers any proposal for the construction of a new correctional institution or the expansion of an existing correctional institution, the department of administration shall provide the commission with information concerning annual operating costs, including staffing costs, that will result from such construction or expansion in connection with consideration of that proposal.
(6) Review of projects. All reports submitted as provided by sub. (4) shall be reviewed by the building commission, which shall make its report as soon after November 20 as is possible. Such report shall include specific recommendations and establish priorities for the next 3 biennia from among all projects submitted which the building commission deems essential and shall recommend additional appropriations if necessary for the execution thereof. The building commission shall include in the report any projects proposed by the state fair park board involving a cost of not more than $300,000, together with the method of financing proposed for those projects by the board, without recommendation. Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000. The building commission shall include in its report an appraisal and recommendation of available and alternative methods of financing buildings for the use of state agencies and shall file copies of its report with the governor-elect.
(7) Biennial recommendations. The building commission shall prepare and formally adopt recommendations for the long-range state building program on a biennial basis. The building commission shall include in its report any projects proposed by the state fair park board involving a cost of not more than $300,000, together with the method of financing those projects proposed by the board, without recommendation. Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000. Unless a later date is requested by the building commission and approved by the joint committee on finance, the building commission shall, no later than the first Tuesday in April of each odd-numbered year, transmit the report prepared by the department of administration under s. 16.40 (20) and the commission’s recommendations for the succeeding fiscal biennium that require legislative approval to the joint committee on finance in the form of proposed legislation prepared in proper form.
(8) Expansion at Green Bay Correctional Institution outside of walls prohibited. Further expansion at Green Bay Correctional Institution outside of the walls is prohibited.
(10) Approval by building commission.
(a) Except as provided in par. (c), no state board, agency, officer, department, commission, or body corporate may enter into a contract for the construction, reconstruction, remodeling of, or addition to any building, structure, or facility, in connection with any building project which involves a cost in excess of $300,000 without completion of final plans and arrangement for supervision of construction and prior approval by the building commission. Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000. This section applies to the department of transportation only in respect to buildings, structures, and facilities to be used for administrative or operating functions, including buildings, land, and equipment to be used for the motor vehicle emission inspection and maintenance program under s. 110.20.
(b) This subsection does not apply to any of the following:
1. Contracts by the department of natural resources for construction work related to hazardous substance spill response under s. 292.11 or environmental repair under s. 292.31.
2. Projects approved by the governor in response to emergency situations under s. 16.855 (16) (b) or to allocations from the appropriation made under s. 20.867 (2) for special category projects when the building commission has released funds under sub. (3) and has also approved a plan for the expenditure of those funds. “Special category projects” for the purpose of this subdivision include projects such as special maintenance, energy conservation, handicapped access and advance property acquisition designated by the building commission.
3. Construction or improvement projects of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.
3m. Rehabilitation projects of the Fox River Navigational System Authority.
4. Build-operate-lease or transfer agreements by the department of transportation for transportation projects under s. 84.01 (30).
5. Contracts for construction of any building, structure or facility for the state fair park board involving a cost of not more than $300,000. Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000.
6. Projects of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
(c) Paragraph (a) does not apply to any contract for a UW gifts and grants project, as defined in s. 16.855 (1g) (f), that the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System lets through single prime contracting under s. 16.855 (12m).
(11) Exceptions. Nothing in this section prohibits the use of past policies and existing statutory authority to borrow funds for the construction of buildings.
(12) Privately owned or operated facilities.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), no state board, agency, officer, department, commission or body corporate which has authority to permit a privately owned or operated facility to be constructed on state-owned land may permit a facility that would be privately owned or operated to be constructed on state-owned land without prior approval of the building commission.
(b) This subsection does not apply to any of the following:
1. A facility constructed by or for a business entity having condemnation authority under s. 32.02 (3) to (10) and (13) for purposes for which it would have condemnation authority.
2. A facility constructed by or for the state fair park board, if the cost of constructing the facility does not exceed the amount specified in sub. (3).
3. A facility constructed pursuant to a build-operate-lease or transfer agreement under s. 84.01 (30).
4. A facility constructed by or for the Fox River Navigational System Authority.
5. A facility constructed by or for the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.
(13) Application of laws, rules, codes, ordinances and regulations.
(a) Except as provided in par. (b) or (c), every building, structure or facility that is constructed for the benefit of or use of the state, any state agency, board, commission or department, the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, the Fox River Navigational System Authority, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or any local professional baseball park district created under subch. III of ch. 229 if the construction is undertaken by the department of administration on behalf of the district, shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, rules, codes and regulations but the construction is not subject to the ordinances or regulations of the municipality in which the construction takes place except zoning, including without limitation because of enumeration ordinances or regulations relating to materials used, permits, supervision of construction or installation, payment of permit fees, or other restrictions.
(b) Every building, structure or facility that is constructed at state fair park shall be in compliance with all applicable state laws, rules and codes but is not subject to zoning or any other ordinances or regulations of the municipality in which the park is located.
(c) No construction undertaken by the state for the purpose of renovation of the state capitol building is subject to any state law, rule, code or regulation, or any zoning ordinance or regulation of the city of Madison, governing such construction.
(14) Sale or lease of property.
(a) In this subsection, “agency” has the meaning given in s. 16.52 (7).
(am)
1. Except as provided in this paragraph, the building commission shall have the authority to sell or lease all or any part of state-owned real property unless the sale or lease is prohibited under the state or federal constitution or federal law or the sale is conducted as a part of a procedure to enforce an obligation to this state, and may transfer real property under its jurisdiction among agencies. The commission may sell or lease property under this paragraph with or without the approval of the agency having jurisdiction over the property and regardless of whether the property is included in an inventory submitted under par. (d). The building commission does not have the authority to sell or lease any state-owned real property under this paragraph after the department of administration notifies the commission in writing that an offer of sale or sale or lease agreement with respect to a property is pending under s. 16.848 (1). If the sale or lease is not completed and no further action is pending with respect to the property, the authority of the building commission under this paragraph is restored.
2. If the building commission proposes to sell or lease any property identified in subd. 1., the commission shall first notify the joint committee on finance in writing of its proposed action. The commission shall not proceed with the proposed action unless the proposed action is approved by the committee. Together with any notification, the commission shall also provide all of the following:
a. The estimated value of the property as determined by the department of administration and by at least one qualified privately owned assessor.
b. The full cost of retiring any remaining public debt incurred to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of the property.
c. A cost-benefit analysis that considers the short-term and long-term costs and benefits to the state from selling or leasing the property.
d. The length and conditions of any proposed sale or lease between this state and a proposed purchaser or lessee.
e. The estimated budgetary impact of the proposed sale or lease upon affected state agencies for at least the current and following fiscal biennium.
em. The methodology to ensure the competitive and transparent sale of the property.
f. Any other information requested by the committee.
3. Except with respect to property identified in s. 16.848 (2), if any agency has authority to sell or lease real property under any other law, the authority of that agency does not apply after the commission notifies the agency in writing that an offer of sale or sale, or a lease agreement, is pending with respect to the property under this subdivision. If the sale or lease is not completed and no further action is pending with respect to the property, the authority of the agency to sell or lease the property is restored. If the commission sells or leases any state-owned real property under this subdivision, the commission may attach such conditions to the sale or lease as it finds to be necessary or appropriate to carry out the sale or lease in the best interest of the state.
4. This paragraph does not apply to real property that is exempted from sale or lease by the department of administration under s. 16.848.
5. This paragraph does not apply to agricultural land acquired by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System under s. 36.33 (1).
(b) The building commission shall sell on the basis of either public bids, with the building commission reserving the right to reject any or all bids in the best interest of the state, or on the basis of negotiated prices as determined through a competitive or transparent process. Buildings, structures and land mentioned in this subsection shall be subject to general property taxes levied by those taxing bodies within whose area they lie if used for commercial purposes, and shall be subject to special assessments for public improvements in the same manner and to the same extent as privately owned real property, subject to approval of the building commission when required under s. 66.0703 (6).
(bg) If any property that is proposed to be sold by the commission under par. (am) is co-owned by a nonstate entity, the commission shall afford to that entity the right of first refusal to purchase the share of the property owned by the state on reasonable financial terms established by the commission.
(br) If the building commission sells or leases any real property under par. (am) that was under the jurisdiction of an agency prior to the sale or lease, the agency shall convey all systems, fixtures, or additional property interests specified by the commission to the purchaser or lessee of the property on terms specified by the commission. If the commission sells or leases a state-owned heating, cooling, or power plant that is under the jurisdiction of an agency, the agency shall convey all real and personal property associated with the plant to the purchaser or lessee on terms specified by the commission.
(c) Except as provided in par. (e), if there is any outstanding public debt used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any property that is sold or leased under par. (am), the building commission shall deposit a sufficient amount of the net proceeds from the sale or lease of the property in the bond security and redemption fund under s. 18.09 to repay the principal and pay the interest on the debt, and any premium due upon refunding any of that debt. If there is any outstanding public debt used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any property that is sold or leased under par. (am), the building commission shall then provide a sufficient amount of the net proceeds from the sale or lease of the property for the costs of maintaining federal tax law compliance applicable to the debt. If the property was acquired, constructed, or improved with federal financial assistance, the commission shall pay to the federal government any of the proceeds required by federal law. If the property was acquired by gift or grant or with gift or grant funds, the commission shall adhere to any restriction governing use of the proceeds. Except as required under par. (e) and ss. 20.395 (9) (qd) and 51.06 (6), if there is no such debt outstanding, there are no moneys payable to the federal government, and there is no restriction governing use of the proceeds, and if the net proceeds exceed the amount required to be deposited, paid, or used for another purpose under this subsection, the building commission shall use the net proceeds or remaining net proceeds to pay principal and interest costs on outstanding public debt issued to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of property. If any net proceeds remain thereafter, the commission shall use the proceeds to pay principal and interest costs on other outstanding public debt. For the purpose of paying principal and interest costs on other outstanding public debt under this paragraph, the commission may cause outstanding bonds to be called for redemption on or following their optional redemption date, establish one or more escrow accounts to redeem bonds at their optional redemption date, or purchase bonds in the open market. To the extent practical, the commission shall consider all of the following in determining which public debt to redeem:
1. To the extent that debt service on the property being sold or leased was paid from a segregated fund, other outstanding public debt related to that segregated fund should be redeemed.
2. The extent to which general obligation debt that was issued to acquire, build, or improve the property being sold or leased is subject to current optional redemption, would require establishment of an escrow, or could be assigned for accounting purposes to another statutory bond purpose.
3. The fiscal benefit of redeeming outstanding debt with higher interest costs.
4. The costs of maintaining federal tax law compliance in the selection of general obligation debt to be redeemed.
(cm) If there are any outstanding revenue obligations, issued pursuant to subch. II of ch. 18, used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any property that is sold or leased under par. (am), the commission shall deposit a sufficient amount of the net proceeds from the sale or lease of the property in the respective redemption fund provided under s. 18.561 (5) or 18.562 (3) to repay the principal and pay the interest on the revenue obligations, and any premium due upon refunding any of the revenue obligations. If there are any outstanding revenue obligations, issued pursuant to subch. II of ch. 18, used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any property that is sold or leased under par. (am), the commission shall then provide a sufficient amount of the net proceeds from the sale or lease of the property for the costs of maintaining federal tax law compliance applicable to the revenue obligations. For the purpose of paying principal and interest costs on other outstanding revenue obligations, the commission may cause outstanding revenue obligations to be called for redemption on or following their optional redemption date, establish one or more escrow accounts to redeem obligations at their optional redemption date, or purchase bonds on the open market. Except as required under par. (e) and ss. 20.395 (9) (qd) and 51.06 (6), if the net proceeds exceed the amount required to be deposited, paid, or used for another purpose under this paragraph, the department shall use the net proceeds or the remaining net proceeds to pay principal and interest costs on other similar revenue obligations.
(d) Biennially, beginning on January 1, 2014, each agency other than the investment board shall submit to the department of administration an inventory of all real property under its jurisdiction. Except with respect to the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System, the inventory shall include the estimated fair market value of each property. The agency shall specifically identify any underutilized assets in the inventory. No later than July 1 following receipt of the inventories, the department of administration shall obtain appraisals of all properties in the inventories that are identified by the department for potential sale and shall submit to the building commission an inventory containing the location, description and fair market value of each parcel of property identified for potential sale. This paragraph does not apply to the agricultural land acquired by the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System under s. 36.33 (1).
(e) If the state office building located at 3319 West Beltline Highway in Dane County is sold by the state, the building commission shall ensure that the transferee pays $476,228 from the proceeds of the sale to the Wisconsin Public Broadcasting Foundation, if the foundation exists at the time of the transfer.
(15) Acquisition of leasehold interests. Subject to the requirements of s. 20.924 (1) (i), the building commission shall have the authority to acquire leasehold interests in land and buildings where such authority is not otherwise provided to an agency by law.
(16) Madison downtown state office facilities. The eminent domain authority of the building commission under ch. 32 is limited to the acquisition of such parcels of land as it deems necessary for a site for Madison downtown state office facilities, whenever the building commission is unable to agree with the owner upon the compensation therefor, or whenever the absence or legal incapacity of such owner, or other cause prevents or unreasonably delays such agreement.
(17) Advanced land acquisition. In the interest of preventing land speculation the building commission may acquire property within the blocks bordered by East Washington Avenue, South Webster Street, East Wilson Street and South Hancock Street in the city of Madison for possible future construction.
(18) Acquisition of open spaces. The building commission may acquire property adjacent to or within 2 blocks of any state facility for the purpose of establishing and developing open green spaces or possible future construction. Any acquisition in the city of Madison within block number 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 83, 84, 89, 90, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103 or 104 of the original plat of the city is exempt from enumeration under s. 20.924 (1) if such acquisition is to be solely used to meet the space needs of the state law library, the legislative reference bureau library and legislative and judicial branch agencies and support staffs.
(19) Alternatives to state construction.
(a) Whenever the building commission determines that the use of innovative types of design and construction processes will make better use of the resources and technology available in the building industry, the building commission may waive any or all of s. 16.855, except s. 16.855 (13) and (14m) (a) to (c), if the action is in the best interest of the state and is approved by the building commission.
(b) Subject to the requirements of s. 20.924 (1) (i), the building commission may authorize the lease, lease purchase or acquisition of facilities in lieu of state construction of any project enumerated in the authorized state building program.
(20) Residence halls. Except as provided in sub. (14) (am), the building commission may approve the sale or lease of state-owned residence halls by the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System to another state agency or a nonstate nonprofit agency for purposes provided in s. 36.11 (1) (e).
(20m) Projects.
(a) The building commission shall under this subsection assist construction projects having a public purpose.
(b) The building commission may award a construction project that satisfies par. (a).
(c) The building commission may authorize up to $25,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing under par. (b), including up to $3,000,000 for the project described in par. (d).
(d)
1. The legislature finds and determines that supporting entrepreneurs and innovators, providing facilities for job training, and promoting dynamic community revitalization and development are of vital importance in creating jobs and contributing to economic development and tourism in this state and are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Incourage Community Foundation, Inc., in redeveloping the former Daily Tribune building in the city of Wisconsin Rapids into an economic and community hub.
2. The building commission may under this subsection assist the Incourage Community Foundation, Inc., in redeveloping the former Daily Tribune building in the city of Wisconsin Rapids into an economic and community hub. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Incourage Community Foundation, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for redeveloping the former Daily Tribune building, the building commission shall determine that the Incourage Community Foundation, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project from nonstate revenue sources at least equal to the state’s grant.
3. If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Incourage Community Foundation, Inc., under subd. 2., and if, for any reason, the facility that is redeveloped with funds from the grant is not used for an economic and community hub, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(20s) Center.
(a) The building commission may award under this subsection for a center.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $15,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing under par. (a).
(20t) Psychiatric and behavioral health treatment beds.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that expanding psychiatric bed capacity as described in par. (b) would greatly benefit state residents by expanding access to timely inpatient mental health treatment and other behavioral health services and allowing public financial resources to be better distributed to more effectively improve delivery of mental health services and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to expand psychiatric bed capacity and behavioral health treatment capacity.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to make a grant for the purpose of renovating an existing mental health facility in Marathon County. The renovation shall provide 26 beds for expanded capacity for psychiatric and other behavioral health treatment to an organization that applies to the building commission and meets all of the following criteria:
1. The organization provides mental and behavioral health services in the north central region of the state and has a campus in Marathon County.
2. The organization agrees to renovate an existing mental health facility in Marathon County to provide 16 adult inpatient psychiatric beds, 5 beds for emergency stabilization, and 5 beds for detoxification and substance use treatment. The organization shall serve individuals, including individuals who meet the criteria for emergency detention under s. 51.15 or 51.45, who are from Forest, Langlade, Lincoln, Marathon, Oneida, and Vilas Counties.
3. The organization identifies measures that it believes will serve the needs of area residents with behavioral health needs, especially, as a critical component of the measures, in reducing the burden on state-operated facilities.
4. The organization agrees to annually report to the legislature, in the manner described under s. 13.172 (2), the services provided with the resources funded by the grant awarded under this subsection, including the number of individuals diverted from state-operated mental health institutes.
5. The organization recognizes that it is liable to repay the grant funds to the state if the organization fails to continue to maintain the expanded services and number of beds described under subd. 2. for a minimum of 10 years.
(c) Notwithstanding s. 150.93, a hospital may increase its approved bed capacity for purposes of this subsection.
(d) If, for any reason, the space that is renovated with funds from the grant under par. (b) is not used for the purpose of providing the services described under par. (b) 2., the state shall retain an ownership interest in the renovated space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(20v) Grants for local projects.
(a) The building commission shall establish and operate a grant program under this subsection to assist nonstate organizations to carry out construction projects having a statewide public purpose.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may award a grant to any nonstate organization for a construction project that satisfies par. (a).
(c) Before approving each grant, the building commission shall determine that the nonstate organization carrying out the project has secured additional funding for the project from nonstate revenue sources in an amount that is equal to at least half of the total cost of the project.
(d) If the building commission awards a grant under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the space that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used for one or more public purposes determined by the building commission under par. (a), the state shall retain an ownership interest in the constructed space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(e) The building commission is prohibited from awarding a grant under par. (b) unless the department of administration has reviewed and approved plans for the construction project associated with the grant. Notwithstanding ss. 16.85 (1) and 16.855 (1m), the department of administration is prohibited from supervising any services or work or letting any contract for the project. Section 16.87 does not apply to the project.
(20x) Grants for local construction projects.
(a) The building commission shall establish and operate a grant program under this subsection to assist nonstate organizations to carry out construction projects having a statewide public purpose. The building commission is prohibited from awarding a grant for a construction project under this subsection unless the commission finds that the project is in the public interest and serves one or more statewide public purposes.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (m), the building commission may award a grant to any nonstate organization for a construction project that satisfies par. (a).
(c) Before the building commission’s initial review of each application for a grant under par. (b), the grant applicant shall demonstrate to the commission’s satisfaction that the nonstate organization carrying out the project has secured additional funding for the project from nonstate revenue sources in an amount that is equal to at least 50 percent of the total cost of the project.
(d) If the building commission awards a grant under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the space that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used for one or more statewide public purposes determined by the building commission under par. (a), the state shall retain an ownership interest in the constructed space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(e) The building commission is prohibited from awarding a grant under par. (b) unless the department of administration has reviewed and approved plans for the construction project associated with the grant. Notwithstanding ss. 16.85 (1) and 16.855 (1m), the department of administration is prohibited from supervising any services or work or let any contract for the project. Section 16.87 does not apply to the project.
(f) The building commission may not award grants under par. (b) totaling more than $50,000,000 in the aggregate.
(21) Debt increase for Medical College of Wisconsin.
(a) The building commission may authorize up to $8,000,000 of general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a basic science education facility at the Medical College of Wisconsin. Prior to the approval of any state funding commitment, the building commission must satisfy itself that the Medical College of Wisconsin has secured additional funding commitments of at least $34,000,000 from other nonstate revenue sources; that such revenue sources are reasonable and available; that the nonstate funding commitments will not exceed $10,000,000 in borrowed funds, the repayment of which shall be amortized over a period of years equal to at least three-fourths of the amortization period for retirement of the bond issue authorized under s. 20.866 (2) (zb), and that the nonstate funding commitment will not jeopardize the operating funds of the medical college; and that the total funding commitments will enable the signing of contracts for the construction of a complete basic sciences educational facility. If the building commission authorizes a construction grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, the medical college, in return, shall provide the state with an option-to-purchase with the following provisions:
1. The option price shall be the appraised fair market value at the time the option is exercised, less a credit recognizing the amount of the state’s initial grant. The option shall be subject to any mortgage or other security interest of any private lenders and to the lease existing between the college and Milwaukee County.
2. The option could be exercised only upon the occurrence of any one of the 3 following events:
a. Suspension of operation of a medical school by the Medical College of Wisconsin or any successor organization;
b. Foreclosure of the mortgage by a private lender; or
c. Termination of the lease by Milwaukee County.
(b) If the state does not wish to exercise the option, and if the building is sold to any 3rd party, such agreement shall provide that the state has the right to receive an amount equal to construction grant from the net proceeds of any such sale after the mortgage has been satisfied and all other secured debts have been paid. This right shall be paramount to the right of the college to the proceeds upon such sale.
(22) Sale or lease of capitol area lands. The building commission may lease or resell lands acquired in the capitol planning area for public or private redevelopment and may set such conditions of sale or lease as it deems necessary to ensure development compatible with the needs of the community and the state. This subsection does not apply to lands that are authorized to be sold or leased under s. 16.848 while an offer of sale, sale, or lease agreement is pending or while the lands are leased.
(23) Lease of space for commercial use. Except as provided in sub. (14) (am), the building commission may lease space in state office buildings for commercial use, including without limitation because of enumeration, retail, service and office uses. In doing so the building commission shall consider the cost and fair market value of the space as well as the desirability of the proposed use. Such leases may be negotiated or awarded by competitive bid procedures. All such leases of space in state office buildings shall provide for payments in lieu of property taxes.
(24) Terms on debt for maintenance projects. The building commission shall limit the term of debt issued to finance maintenance projects.
(25) Wisconsin initiative for state technology and applied research. There is created a program, to be known as the Wisconsin initiative for state technology and applied research, for the purpose of providing financial support to maintain the ability of the University of Wisconsin System and other state agencies, as defined in s. 20.001 (1), to attract federal and private research funds which enable the state to engage in high-technology endeavors, which expand the state’s economy and which influence the ability of the state and nation to compete in an increasingly complex world. To carry out the program, the building commission may authorize new construction projects and projects to repair and renovate existing research facilities and supporting systems. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (z) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(25m) Healthstar program. There is created a program, to be known as the healthstar program, for the purpose of providing financial support to attract federal and private funds to construct health science facilities to spur interdisciplinary education and research activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Projects financed under the program shall be designed to provide interdisciplinary health sciences education and research facilities, ancillary systems and supporting infrastructure. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (z) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(25p) Biostar initiative. There is created a program, to be known as the biostar initiative, for the purpose of providing financial support to attract federal and private funds to construct biological sciences facilities to spur biological sciences education and research activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Projects financed under the program shall be designed to provide biological sciences education and research facilities, ancillary systems, and supporting infrastructure. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (z) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(25r) Wisconsin Institute for Discovery initiative. There is created a program, to be known as the Wisconsin Institute for Discovery initiative, for the purpose of providing financial support to attract federal and private funds to construct facilities for biotechnology, nanotechnology, and information technology education and research activities at the University of Wisconsin. Projects financed under the program shall be designed to provide computational and biological sciences education and research facilities, ancillary systems, and supporting infrastructure. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (z) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(25s) Milwaukee initiative. There is created a program, to be known as the Milwaukee initiative, for the purpose of providing financial support to attract federal and private funds to construct research and academic facilities to spur science education and research activities at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Projects financed under the program shall be designed to provide engineering, science, freshwater science and health education and research facilities, ancillary systems, and supporting infrastructure. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation account under s. 20.866 (2) (s) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program, except that total funding commitments shall not exceed $240,000,000, with up to $123,410,000 in general fund supported borrowing; $55,590,000 in program revenue supported borrowing; $60,000,000 in funding from gifts, grants, and receipts; and $1,000,000 in funding from moneys in the state building trust fund.
(25t) Wisbuild initiative. There is created a program, to be known as the “Wisbuild initiative”, for the purpose of providing financial support for the maintenance, repair and renovation of state-owned buildings. Funding may be provided under the initiative for high priority, comprehensive building renovation projects, as well as for the maintenance and repair of the exterior components of buildings and, without limitation because of enumeration, systems such as mechanical, electrical, plumbing and other building systems. Funding may also be provided under the initiative for projects to remove barriers that reduce access to and use of state facilities by persons with disabilities. The building commission shall allocate available funding for the initiative. Projects funded as a part of the initiative shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (z) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(25x) History preservation partnership initiative. There is created a program, to be known as the “History Preservation Partnership Initiative,” for the purpose of providing financial support to attract private and federal funds to acquire, construct, develop, enlarge, and improve facilities for collections care, public programs, and visitor services at the historic sites owned by the historical society and at the headquarters of the historical society. Projects financed under the program shall be designed to provide facilities for collections care, public programs, and visitor services at those historic sites and at that headquarters, ancillary systems, and supporting infrastructure. Projects shall be financed from the appropriation under s. 20.866 (2) (zfm) or as otherwise provided in the authorized state building program.
(26) Environmental improvement annual finance plan approval. The building commission shall review the versions of the biennial finance plan and any amendments to the biennial finance plan submitted to it by the department of natural resources and the department of administration under s. 281.59 (3) (bm) and the recommendations of the joint committee on finance and the standing committees to which the versions of the biennial finance plan and any amendments were submitted under s. 281.59 (3) (bm). The building commission shall consider the extent to which that version of the biennial finance plan that is updated to reflect the adopted biennial budget act will maintain the funding for the clean water fund program and the safe drinking water loan program, in the environmental improvement fund, in perpetuity. The building commission shall consider the extent to which the implementation of the clean water fund program and the safe drinking water loan program, as set forth in the biennial finance plan updated to reflect the adopted biennial budget act, implements legislative intent on the clean water fund program and the safe drinking water loan program. The building commission shall, no later than 60 days after the date of enactment of the biennial budget act, either approve or disapprove the biennial finance plan that is updated to reflect the adopted biennial budget act. If the building commission disapproves the version of the biennial finance plan that is updated to reflect the adopted biennial budget act, it must notify the department of natural resources and the department of administration of its reasons for disapproving the plan, and those departments must revise that version of the biennial finance plan and submit the revision to the building commission.
(27) Lease of correctional facilities. Subject to the requirements of s. 20.924 (1) (i), the building commission may lease any facility for use of the department of corrections as a part of the authorized state building program, with an option to purchase the facility by the state. Any lease shall provide for the facility to be constructed in accordance with requirements and specifications approved by the department of administration and shall permit inspection of the site and facility by agents of the department.
(27m) Secured residential care centers for children and youth.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the legislative intent set forth under s. 938.01 (2) is served by the design and construction of secured residential care centers for children and youth and attached juvenile detention facilities and that the design and construction of such facilities is a statewide concern of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist counties in designing and constructing secured residential care centers for children and youth and attached juvenile detention facilities.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to a total of $40,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist counties in establishing or constructing secured residential care centers for children and youth and attached juvenile detention facilities. The building commission may authorize up to a total of $40,000,000 in additional general fund supported borrowing for those purposes. Any such state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to a county issued under 2017 Wisconsin Act 185, section 110 (4).
(c) If for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used for the purposes identified in the grant under 2017 Wisconsin Act 185, section 110 (4), the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(28) State property leased to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. The building commission may not authorize public debt to construct or improve any on-campus facilities, as defined under s. 233.01 (7), if the building commission believes, at the time that the public debt is authorized, that the facilities are or will be leased to the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.
(28m) Carroll University.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that there is a growing shortage of primary medical care workers in this state, particularly for medically underserved populations in rural and urban areas of the state, and that assisting institutions of higher education in training primary medical care workers is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Carroll University in the construction of a science laboratory facility.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $3,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist Carroll University in the construction of a science laboratory facility. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Carroll University. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that Carroll University has secured additional funding for the project of at least $23,500,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Carroll University under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a science laboratory facility, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(28p) Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing education, programming, and access to arts and culture vastly enriches the lives of the citizens of this state and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc., in the construction of a regional arts center in Eau Claire County.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $15,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc., in the construction of a regional arts center in Eau Claire County. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such a center, the building commission shall determine that Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project from nonstate revenue sources at least equal to the state’s grant.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Eau Claire Confluence Arts, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the center that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a regional arts center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the center equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(28r) Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that educating the citizens of this state on where our food comes from and its impact on our lives, and that promoting the dairy and agriculture industries of this state is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc., in the construction of an agriculture education center in Manitowoc County.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc., in the construction of an agriculture education center in Manitowoc County. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such a center, the building commission shall determine that the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $6,626,800 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Wisconsin Agriculture Education Center, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the center that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as an agriculture education center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the center equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(29) Simplified policies and procedures for construction projects. Except as otherwise required under s. 16.855 (10m), the building commission may prescribe simplified policies and procedures to be used in lieu of the procedures provided in s. 16.855 for any construction project involving a cost of not more than $300,000, except projects specified in sub. (10) (c). Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000.
(30) Broadband expansion grants.
(a) In this section, “unserved area” has the meaning given in s. 196.504 (1) (c).
(b) The legislature finds and determines that the provision of broadband Internet access is essential to the welfare of the citizens of this state and to economic development in this state, and therefore the provision of broadband Internet access is a government function and a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. The legislature further determines that sufficient private capital has been and continues to be unavailable to fulfill the need for the development of broadband Internet access in unserved areas in this state. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the public service commission in making broadband expansion grants under s. 196.504 (2) (a) for the purpose of constructing broadband infrastructure in unserved areas of this state.
(c) The building commission may authorize up to $125,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing. The amount is for use under s. 196.504 (2) (a).
(d) If the building commission authorizes borrowing under par. (c), and if, for any reason, a grant funded from the proceeds of such borrowing is not used for the construction of broadband infrastructure, as specified in par. (b), the state shall retain an ownership interest in the project funded from the grant equal to the amount of those proceeds.
(31) Debt increase for construction of a biomedical research and technology incubator and for a cancer research facility at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that it is in the public interest to promote the public health and welfare and to provide for economic development in this state by ensuring a fundamental and expanding capacity to conduct biomedical research and to create new technologies; by training students in the substance and methodology of biomedical research; and by providing scientific support to individuals and organizations in this state who are engaged in biomedical research and technological innovation. It is therefore the public policy of this state to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., in the construction of and installation of equipment at facilities that will be used for biomedical research and the creation of new technologies.
(b) On or after July 1, 2003, the building commission may authorize up to $35,000,000 of general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of and installation of equipment at a biomedical research and technology incubator at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. The state funding commitment for the construction of and installation of equipment at the incubator shall be in the form of a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. Before the building commission may award the grant under this paragraph, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., must certify to the building commission that the total funding commitments of the state and nonstate sources will pay for the construction cost of and the cost of installation of equipment at the incubator.
(c) If the building commission awards a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., under this subsection, the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., shall provide the state with an option to purchase the biomedical research and technology incubator under the following conditions:
1. The option price shall be the appraised fair market value at the time that the option is exercised, less a credit recognizing the amount of the state’s construction grant. The option shall be subject to any mortgage or other security interest of any private lenders.
2. The option may be exercised only upon the occurrence of any of the following:
a. Suspension of operation of a program of biomedical research and technology at the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., or any successor organization.
b. Foreclosure of any mortgage on the incubator by a private lender.
(d) If the state does not exercise the option to purchase the biomedical research and technology incubator under par. (c), and if the incubator is sold to any 3rd party, any agreement to sell the incubator shall provide that the state has the right to receive an amount equal to the grants awarded to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., under this subsection from the net proceeds of any such sale after any mortgage on the incubator has been satisfied and all other secured debts have been paid. This right shall be paramount to the right of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., to the proceeds upon such sale.
(e) The legislature finds and determines that cancer is the leading cause of death of the citizens of this state and that research into the causes, prevention, and cures of cancer is of vital importance to the health and well-being of all citizens of this state and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., in the construction of a cancer research facility in Milwaukee County.
(f) The building commission may authorize up to $10,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., in the construction of a cancer research facility in Milwaukee County. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction of the cancer research facility, the building commission shall determine that the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $8500000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(g) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., under par. (f), and if, for any reason, the space that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used for cancer research, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the constructed space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(31m) Medical College of Wisconsin eye institute.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that expanding research on eye disorders, developing new vision care treatments, enhancing vision education, addressing the growing demand for vision care and research, and creating jobs in this state is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., to construct and equip a new eye institute in the city of Wauwatosa.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $10,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., with the eye institute construction project specified in par. (a). The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for the project, the building commission shall determine that the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $31,599,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used for purposes of an eye institute, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(32) Debt increase for construction of a dental clinic and education facility at Marquette University.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that it is in the public interest to promote the health and well-being of residents of this state by ensuring the availability of a sufficient number of dentists to meet the needs of residents of this state; it is in the public interest, advantage and welfare to ensure the continued availability of dental education in this state; and Marquette University operates the only dental school in this state. It is, therefore, the public policy of this state to assist private institutions in this state, including Marquette University, in the construction of facilities that will be used to provide dental education.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $25,000,000 of general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a dental clinic and education facility at Marquette University. The state funding commitment for the construction of the facility shall be in the form of a construction grant to Marquette University. Before approving any state funding commitment for such a facility and before awarding the construction grant to Marquette University, the building commission shall determine that all of the following conditions have been met:
1. Marquette University has secured additional funding commitments of at least $25,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources, the nonstate revenue sources are reasonable and available and the total funding commitments of the state and the nonstate sources will permit Marquette University to enter into contracts for the construction of the dental clinic and education facility.
2. The dental clinic and education facility will not be used for the purpose of devotional activities, religious worship or sectarian instruction.
3. No religious instruction shall be required as a condition for admission to, or graduation from, the Marquette University School of Dentistry.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a construction grant to Marquette University under par. (b), Marquette University shall provide the state with an option to purchase the dental clinic and education facility under the following conditions:
1. The option price shall be the appraised fair market value at the time that the option is exercised, less a credit recognizing the amount of the state’s construction grant. The option shall be subject to any mortgage or other security interest of any private lenders.
2. The option may be exercised only upon the occurrence of any of the following:
a. Suspension of operation of a program of dental education at Marquette University or any successor organization.
b. Foreclosure of the mortgage by a private lender.
(d) If the state does not exercise the option to purchase the dental clinic and education facility, and if the facility is sold to any 3rd party, any agreement to sell the facility shall provide that the state has the right to receive an amount equal to the construction grant under par. (b) from the net proceeds of any such sale after the mortgage has been satisfied and all other secured debts have been paid. This right shall be paramount to the right of Marquette University to the proceeds upon such sale.
(32c) Marquette University School of Dentistry upgrades.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that improving the experiences and training of Marquette University School of Dentistry dental students, increasing the chances of continuing the supply of dentists throughout this state in future years, and improving access to oral health care statewide, particularly for Wisconsin’s underserved populations via the Marquette University School of Dentistry’s Main Campus Clinic and its affiliated statewide clinics, is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Marquette University in carrying out construction and equipment upgrades to the Marquette University School of Dentistry’s main campus clinic and classrooms, affiliated clinics and classrooms statewide, and patient experience center.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may authorize a grant to Marquette University of up to $10,750,000 to assist the Marquette University School of Dentistry in carrying out construction and equipment upgrades to its main campus clinic and classrooms, affiliated clinics and classrooms statewide, and patient experience center. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction and equipment upgrades under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that Marquette University has secured additional funding for the project of at least $17,250,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Marquette University under par. (b), and if, for any reason, a facility receiving construction or equipment upgrades, or both, with funds from the grant is not used for dentistry purposes, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(33e) La Crosse Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the meetings and conventions and the sports and entertainment industries are of vital importance in creating jobs and contributing to economic development and tourism in this state and are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the city of La Crosse in the remodeling and expansion of the La Crosse Center.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist the city of La Crosse in the remodeling and expansion of the La Crosse Center. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the city of La Crosse. Before approving any state funding commitment for the remodeling and expansion of the La Crosse Center, the building commission shall determine that the city of La Crosse has secured additional funding for the project of at least $42,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the city of La Crosse under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the space that is remodeled and expanded with funds from the grant is not used for meetings and conventions or sports and entertainment, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the remodeled and expanded space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(33m) St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc.; Bucyrus Campus.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the improvement of the health and well-being of residents of all ages of this state and the promotion of community and economic development are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. The legislature further finds and determines that St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc., provides vital intergenerational care at its Bucyrus Campus in the city of Milwaukee that includes services for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, services for individuals with mental and physical disabilities, services for minority and economically disadvantaged children and their families, and services that encourage entrepreneurship and business development. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc., in the completion of its Bucyrus Campus.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc., in the completion of its Bucyrus Campus. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for completion of the Bucyrus Campus, the building commission shall determine that St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $20,268,200 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to St. Ann Center for Intergenerational Care, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the Bucyrus Campus is not used for the provision of intergenerational care, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the Bucyrus Campus equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(33s) Brown County innovation center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that meeting manufacturing workforce needs and supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the manufacturing industry in this state are of vital importance in expanding the manufacturing industry in this state, creating jobs, and improving the municipal, regional, and state economies and are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Brown County in the construction of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovation center located on or adjacent to the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay campus.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist Brown County in the construction of a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovation center located on or adjacent to the University of Wisconsin - Green Bay campus. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Brown County. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction of the innovation center, the building commission shall determine that Brown County has secured additional funding for the project of at least $10,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Brown County under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the center that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics innovation center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the center equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(34) Debt increase for the construction of a youth activities center by the Milwaukee Police Athletic League.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that preventing youth from engaging in delinquent behavior, encouraging positive moral development in youth and providing youth with opportunities for positive interaction with the police are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. The legislature also finds and determines that the youth of the city of Milwaukee are disproportionately represented in the state’s juvenile correctional system and that, because those youth are so disproportionately represented, the state has a specific concern in preventing those youth from engaging in delinquent behavior, encouraging positive moral development in those youth and providing those youth with opportunities for positive interaction with the police. In addition, the legislature finds and determines that the Milwaukee Police Athletic League prevents that delinquent behavior, encourages that positive moral development and provides those opportunities for positive interaction through the recreational, educational, social and cultural activities that it provides for the youth of the greater Milwaukee community. The legislature, therefore, finds and determines that assisting the Milwaukee Police Athletic League in the construction of a youth activities center at which the Milwaukee Police Athletic League will provide recreational, educational, social and cultural activities for the youth of the greater Milwaukee community under the supervision of volunteer police officers of the city of Milwaukee will have a direct and immediate effect on that specific statewide concern and on those state responsibilities of statewide dimension.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $1,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a youth activities center by the Milwaukee Police Athletic League at the northeast corner of N. 24th Street and Burleigh Street in the city of Milwaukee. The state funding commitment for the construction of the center shall be in the form of a grant to the Milwaukee Police Athletic League. Before approving any state funding commitment for the center, the building commission shall determine that the Milwaukee Police Athletic League has secured additional funding at least equal to $4,074,000 from nonstate donations for the purpose of constructing the youth activities center.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Milwaukee Police Athletic League under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a youth activities center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(35) HR Academy, Inc., youth and family center.
(ah) The legislature finds and determines that deterring delinquent behavior, building strong families, and creating viable communities are statewide responsibilities of statewide dimension. The legislature finds and determines also that community centers, where youth and families may gather, deter delinquent behavior by permitting youth to gather at locations that are supervised by adults, strengthen families by offering programs and activities that increase parenting and other life skills, and increase the viability of communities by providing accessible and safe meeting places. In addition, the legislature finds and determines that HR Academy, Inc., has the expertise and commitment to successfully operate a community center in the city of Milwaukee. The legislature, therefore, finds and determines that assisting HR Academy, Inc., in the construction of a youth and family center in the city of Milwaukee will deter delinquent behavior, build strong families, and create viable communities and will have a direct and immediate effect on these state responsibilities of statewide dimension.
(am) The building commission may authorize up to $1,500,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a youth and family center to be open to the public and operated by HR Academy, Inc., in the city of Milwaukee. The state funding commitment under this paragraph shall be in the form of a grant to HR Academy, Inc. Before any such state funding commitment is made, the secretary of administration shall determine that HR Academy, Inc., has secured additional funding at least equal to $3,500,000 from nonstate donations for the purpose of constructing a youth and family center, that no part of the youth and family center will be used for the purpose of devotional activities, religious worship, or sectarian instruction, and that HR Academy, Inc., owns interests in real estate that are adequate for the siting and operation of the center.
(b) If the building commission authorizes a grant to HR Academy, Inc., under par. (am), HR Academy, Inc., shall enter into a land use restriction agreement limiting the use of the facilities funded by the grant to a youth and family center. The land use restriction agreement shall provide that, if for any reason the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not operated as a youth and family center that is open to the public or if it is used for the purpose of devotional activities, religious worship, or sectarian instruction, the state, at the option of the secretary of administration, may pursue any legal remedies available including requiring specific performance of the covenants contained in the agreement.
(36) Hmong cultural center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that a significant number of Hmong people are citizens of this state, that the Hmong people have a proud heritage that needs to be recognized and preserved, and that the Hmong people have experienced difficulties assimilating in this state. The legislature finds that supporting the Hmong people in their efforts to recognize their heritage and to realize the full advantages of citizenship in this state is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. Because it will better ensure that the heritage of the Hmong people is preserved and will better enable the Hmong people to realize the full advantages of citizenship in this state, the legislature finds that it will have a direct and immediate effect on a matter of statewide concern for the state to facilitate the purchase or construction and operation of a Hmong cultural center.
(c)
1. The building commission may authorize up to $250,000 in general fund supported borrowing to make a grant to an organization designated by the secretary of administration that represents the cultural interests of Hmong people for purchase or construction of a Hmong cultural center in La Crosse County. Before awarding the grant, the organization shall submit to the building commission and the commission shall review and approve an initial budget and business plan for the operation of the center that is acceptable to the commission. As a condition of receiving the grant, the organization must enter into an agreement with the secretary guaranteeing that the center will be operated to serve the nonsectarian cultural interests of the Hmong people.
2. If, for any reason, the facility that is purchased or constructed with funds from the grant under subd. 1. is not used as a Hmong cultural center in La Crosse County, or the center is not operated to serve the nonsectarian cultural interests of the Hmong people, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(36p) Bond Health Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that improving the health of the citizens of this state and increasing access to health care in this state is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. In addition, the legislature finds and determines that the Bond Health Center in the city of Oconto plays a vital role in improving the health of the citizens of this state and is a quality health care facility. The legislature, therefore, finds and determines that assisting the Bond Health Center in the city of Oconto in expanding a health care facility will have a direct and immediate effect on this state responsibility of statewide dimension.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $1,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to make a grant to the Bond Health Center in the city of Oconto for construction costs related to hospital expansion. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction costs relating to the hospital expansion and before awarding the grant, the building commission shall determine that the Bond Health Center has secured all necessary additional funding commitments from nonstate revenue sources for the expansion.
(c) If, for any reason, the facility that is expanded with funds from the grant under par. (b) is not used as a hospital, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(37) Children’s research institute.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that there is a critical need for pediatric research to be conducted in the Milwaukee metropolitan area at a unified site and that state support for the construction of a children’s research institute at a location that permits interconnection with functionally related facilities of the Medical College of Wisconsin, Inc., will contribute to the advancement of public health in this state. The legislature further finds that pediatric research is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. Because it will better ensure that this important responsibility is undertaken in the manner that is most advantageous to the people of this state, the legislature finds that it will have a direct and immediate effect on a matter of statewide concern for the state to facilitate the construction and operation of a children’s research institute.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $10,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to make a grant to the Children’s Hospital and Health System for construction of a children’s research institute in the city of Wauwatosa. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction of the institute and before awarding the grant, the building commission shall determine that the Children’s Hospital and Health System has secured additional funding commitments of at least $30,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources for construction of the institute.
(c) If, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant under par. (b) is not used as a children’s research institute in the city of Wauwatosa, or the institute is not operated to conduct pediatric research, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(37m) Children’s Hospital and Health System dental clinic expansion.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that reducing wait times and improving accessibility of dental care at the dental clinic of Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., will improve health outcomes for children in this state, and reducing the burden on urgent care and emergency services at Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., and improving economic development in the state by increasing the capacity of the pediatric dental residency program at the dental clinic at Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., main Milwaukee campus, are a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., in carrying out the expansion of its dental clinic at its main Milwaukee campus.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may authorize a grant to Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., of up to $4,789,000 to assist Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., to expand the dental clinic at its main Milwaukee campus. Before approving any state funding commitment for the expansion of the dental clinic, the building commission shall determine that Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $4,789,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Children’s Hospital and Health System, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the money received for expansion of the dental clinic at its main Milwaukee campus from funds from the grant is not used for dentistry purposes, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the clinic equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(38) Civil War exhibit at the Kenosha Public Museums.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the Civil War was an event of unequaled importance in the historical development of the United States; that Wisconsin citizens fought bravely and valiantly in assisting the Union to achieve victory in the Civil War; and that the study of the Civil War will deepen our understanding and appreciation of the history of the United States and of Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Kenosha Public Museums in the construction of facilities that will be used for a Civil War exhibit.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $500,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a Civil War exhibit as part of the Kenosha Public Museums in the city of Kenosha. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Kenosha Public Museums. Before approving any such state funding commitment and before awarding the construction grant, the building commission shall determine that the Kenosha Public Museums has secured additional funding at least equal to $2,000,000 from nonstate donations for the purpose of constructing a Civil War exhibit.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Kenosha Public Museums under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a Civil War exhibit, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39) AIDS Network, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related illnesses, including core and support services facilitating the enhanced well-being and quality of life of affected individuals, is necessary for preserving public health in Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the AIDS Network, Inc., in the construction and renovation of facilities and purchase of equipment for providing such care and prevention services.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $300,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction and renovation of facilities and purchase of equipment for the AIDS Network, Inc. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the AIDS Network, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the AIDS Network, Inc., has secured additional cash or goods from nonstate persons for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the AIDS Network, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed or renovated with funds from the grant, or the equipment that is purchased, is not used for providing comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related illnesses, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility and equipment equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39c) Grand Opera House in Oshkosh.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that public support for the performing and cultural arts contributes to the education, enjoyment, and quality of life of Wisconsin residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the city of Oshkosh in the repair and restoration of the Grand Opera House.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $500,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the repair and restoration of the Grand Opera House in Oshkosh. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the city of Oshkosh. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the city of Oshkosh has secured at least $1,000,000 in additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the city of Oshkosh under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is repaired and restored with funds from the grant is not used as a venue for the performing and cultural arts, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39d) Aldo Leopold climate change classroom and interactive laboratory.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that studying the environment and connecting children and their families to the outdoors enhances the quality of life in Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Inc., in the construction of a climate change classroom and interactive laboratory.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $500,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a climate change classroom and interactive laboratory that will border the cities of Madison and Monona. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Inc., has secured at least $2,200,000 in additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Aldo Leopold Nature Center, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a climate change classroom and interactive laboratory, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39e) L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that increased access to public libraries strengthens education and increases the opportunities for civic engagement by residents of Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the city of Eau Claire in the remodeling of the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $125,000 in existing general fund supported borrowing to aid in the remodeling of the L. E. Phillips Memorial Public Library in the city of Eau Claire. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the city of Eau Claire. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the city of Eau Claire has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the city of Eau Claire under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is remodeled with funds from the grant is not used as a public library, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39f) Stone Barn historic site in town of Chase.
(a) The building commission may authorize up to $100,000 to aid in the restoration of the Stone Barn historic site in the town of Chase. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the town of Chase. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the town of Chase has secured at least $300,000 in additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(b) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the town of Chase under par. (a) and if, for any reason, the historic site that is restored with funds from the grant is not used as a historic site, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the historic site equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39g) City of Beloit Turtle Island Park. The building commission may authorize up to $35,000 to aid in the restoration of Turtle Island Park in the city of Beloit. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the city of Beloit. Before approving any state funding commitment under this subsection, the building commission shall determine that the city of Beloit has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(39i) Family justice center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that domestic violence affects families, especially women and children, throughout all communities in Wisconsin and that coordinating and centralizing victim and victim advocacy services in communities would greatly benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the construction of a facility, to be located in the city of Milwaukee, to coordinate and centralize victim and victim advocacy services for families affected by domestic violence.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $10,625,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a facility, to be located at 619 West Walnut Street in the city of Milwaukee, to coordinate and centralize victim and victim advocacy services for families affected by domestic violence. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project in an amount at least equal to the amount of the grant.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Children’s Hospital of Wisconsin under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a center for families affected by domestic violence, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39j) Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that domestic violence affects families, especially women and children, throughout all communities in Wisconsin and that the construction of shelter facilities and offices for providing services to domestic abuse victims would greatly benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the construction and remodel of a shelter facility and offices, to be located in the city of Madison, to provide services to domestic abuse victims.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $560,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction and remodel of a shelter facility and offices, to be located at 2102 Fordem Avenue in the city of Madison, to provide shelter and services to domestic abuse victims. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for expansion of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc., has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Domestic Abuse Intervention Services, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed and remodeled with funds from the grant is not used as a shelter facility and offices to provide services to domestic abuse victims, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39k) Medical College of Wisconsin; community medical education facilities.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that expanding access to health care teaching institutions would greatly benefit state residents by addressing the increasing shortage of health care professionals available to provide care to state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Medical College of Wisconsin in the remodel, development, and renovation of 2 community medical education facilities in northeast Wisconsin and central Wisconsin.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $7,384,300 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the remodel, development, and renovation of 2 community medical education facilities in northeast Wisconsin and central Wisconsin. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin. Before approving any state funding commitment for the remodel, development, and renovation of such facilities, the building commission shall determine that the Medical College of Wisconsin has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project in an amount at least equal to the amount of the grant.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Medical College of Wisconsin under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facilities that are remodeled, developed, and renovated with funds from the grant are not used as community medical education facilities, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facilities equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39L) Dane County; livestock facilities.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the livestock and dairy industry is of vital importance to the economy, workforce, and unique way of life in Wisconsin and that the promotion of this industry would greatly benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the construction of livestock facilities at the Alliant Energy Center in the city of Madison.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $9,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of livestock facilities at the Alliant Energy Center in the city of Madison. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Dane County. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such facilities, the building commission shall determine that Dane County has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project in an amount at least equal to the amount of the grant.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Dane County under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facilities that are constructed with funds from the grant are not used for livestock purposes, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facilities equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39m) K I Convention Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the meetings and conventions industry is of vital importance in creating jobs and contributing to economic development throughout Wisconsin and that the promotion of this industry would greatly benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the expansion of the K I Convention Center in the city of Green Bay.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $2,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the expansion of the K I Convention Center in the city of Green Bay. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the city of Green Bay. Before approving any state funding commitment for expansion of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that the city of Green Bay has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the city of Green Bay under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the expanded space that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used to expand the K I Convention Center in the city of Green Bay, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the expanded space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39n) Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the maritime and shipbuilding industry is of vital importance in creating jobs and contributing to economic development throughout Wisconsin and that the promotion of this industry would greatly benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the construction of the Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence in Marinette County.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of the Wisconsin Maritime Center of Excellence in Marinette County. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for construction of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Marinette County Association for Business and Industry, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used to promote Wisconsin’s maritime and shipbuilding industry, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(39o) Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that preserving the historical and archaeological heritage of the many immigrant groups and American Indian tribes or bands who have contributed in countless ways to Wisconsin’s cultural, social, and economic life would substantially benefit state residents. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to aid in the development of the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center heritage site in Vernon County.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $1,048,300 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the development of the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center heritage site in Vernon County. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center. Before approving any state funding commitment for development of such a site, the building commission shall determine that the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center has secured additional funding from nonstate sources for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Norskedalen Nature and Heritage Center under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the site that is developed with funds from the grant is not used as a historic site, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the site equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(40) AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related illnesses, including core and support services facilitating the enhanced well-being and quality of life of affected individuals, is necessary for preserving public health in Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc., in the construction and renovation of facilities in the cities of Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Kenosha and purchase of equipment for providing such care and prevention services.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $800,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction and renovation of facilities in the cities of Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Kenosha and purchase of equipment for the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc., has secured at least $800,000 in additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the AIDS Resource Center of Wisconsin, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed or renovated with funds from the grant, or the equipment that is purchased, is not used for providing comprehensive care and prevention services for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and related illnesses, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility and equipment equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(40m) Lac du Flambeau Indian Tribal Cultural Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has played a vital part in the course of Wisconsin history and has contributed in countless and significant ways to the cultural richness and diversity of this state. Moreover, the legislature finds and determines that Wisconsin citizens, including students, can benefit from learning more about the history and the culture of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa in the construction of a tribal cultural center.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $250,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a tribal cultural center for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has secured at least $1,373,000 in additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a tribal cultural center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(41) Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that sports and entertainment facilities encourage economic development and tourism in this state, by reducing unemployment and by bringing needed capital into the city of Milwaukee and Milwaukee County. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation in the capital maintenance and repair of its sports and entertainment facility under ch. 232.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation in the capital maintenance and repair of its sports and entertainment facility under ch. 232. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Bradley Center Sports and Entertainment Corporation under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is maintained or repaired with funds from the grant is not used as a sports and entertainment facility under ch. 232, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(41m) Badgerland After School Enrichment Program facility.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing out-of-school care that inspires local youth to be contributing, productive, and responsible members of their communities through intentional programming that supports positive character development and unique opportunities to grow as individuals is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program, Inc., in the purchase and renovation of a building to serve as a facility to provide out-of-school care to youth.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may provide a grant of up to $1,000,000 to assist the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program, Inc., in the purchase and renovation of a building to serve as a facility to provide out-of-school care to youth. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction of such a facility, the building commission shall determine that the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program has secured additional funding for the project of at least $10,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Badgerland After School Enrichment Program, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the facility that is purchased and renovated with funds from the grant is not used as a facility for out-of-school care, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(42) Madison Children’s Museum.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that connecting children with their families, their communities, and the world beyond through discovery learning and creative play enhances the intellectual and cultural development of children and builds strong communities. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist the Madison Children’s Museum in the construction of a museum facility in Madison.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $250,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of a museum facility in Madison for the Madison Children’s Museum. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to the Madison Children’s Museum. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that the Madison Children’s Museum has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to the Madison Children’s Museum under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant, or the equipment that is purchased, is not used as a museum for the Madison Children’s Museum, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(42m) Museum of nature and culture.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing education, programming, and immersive exhibits concerning Wisconsin’s natural history and the intersection of nature and culture in Wisconsin and the world vastly enriches the lives of the citizens of this state and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Historic Haymarket Milwaukee, LLC, in the construction of a new building to serve as a museum of nature and culture in the city of Milwaukee.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $40,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist Historic Haymarket Milwaukee, LLC, in the construction of a museum of nature and culture to be located on the northeast corner of 6th Street and McKinley Avenue in the city of Milwaukee. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Historic Haymarket Milwaukee, LLC. Before approving any state funding commitment for the construction of the museum, the building commission shall determine that Historic Haymarket Milwaukee, LLC, has secured additional funding for the project of at least $85,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Historic Haymarket Milwaukee, LLC, under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a museum of nature and culture, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(43) Dane County Yahara River Watershed Project.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the protection of water quality through reduction in manure nutrient loadings, in particular phosphorus, from agricultural enterprises is necessary for preserving public health in Wisconsin. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Dane County in the construction of anaerobic digesters for the Dane County Yahara River Watershed Project.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $6,600,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid Dane County in the construction of anaerobic digesters for the Dane County Yahara Watershed Project. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Dane County. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that Dane County has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Dane County under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the anaerobic digesters that are constructed are not used for the purpose of protecting water quality in Dane County, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the digesters equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(44) Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that creating a unique destination with dynamic educational programming on the environment, interactive displays, and live animal exhibits will advance the appreciation and conservation of this state’s natural resources. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc., in the construction of an educational center facility in the city of La Crosse.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $500,000 in general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of an educational center facility in the city of La Crosse for Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment under this paragraph, the building commission shall determine that Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc., has secured additional funding from nonstate donations for the project.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Myrick Hixon EcoPark, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the facility that is constructed with funds from the grant is not used as an educational center facility, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(45) University of Wisconsin parking facilities. The building commission may not authorize any general fund supported borrowing to aid in the construction of parking facilities at any institution, as defined in s. 36.05 (9), of the University of Wisconsin System.
(46p) Beyond Vision; new facility.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that the employment of individuals who are blind or visually impaired, including statewide remote employment, and the provision of other related services to those individuals improves those individuals’ lives, increases the workforce and reduces unemployment in this state, and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Wiscraft, Inc., doing business as Beyond Vision, in the purchase and renovation of a new facility in Milwaukee County, to be known as the VisABILITY Center, for the employment of and provision of other related services to blind and visually impaired individuals.
(b) The building commission may authorize up to $5,000,000 in general fund supported borrowing to assist Wiscraft, Inc., in the purchase and renovation of a new facility in Milwaukee County for the employment of and provision of other related services to blind and visually impaired individuals. The state funding commitment shall be in the form of a grant to Wiscraft, Inc. Before approving any state funding commitment for the purchase and renovation of the new facility, the building commission shall determine that Wiscraft, Inc., has secured additional funding for the project of at least $14,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission authorizes a grant to Wiscraft, Inc., under par. (b) and if, for any reason, the space that is purchased and renovated with funds from the grant is not used for the employment of and provision of other related services to blind and visually impaired individuals, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the renovated space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(46s) Food and Farm Exploration Center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that providing hands-on learning experiences to teach students about agricultural innovation and sustainability will attract more interest in agricultural careers; assist in workforce and development training for elementary, secondary, technical college, and university students; and help the state retain talent and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is the public policy of this state, and it is in the interest of the state, to assist Farming for the Future Foundation, Inc., with the construction of the Food and Farm Exploration Center.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may award a grant to Farming for the Future Foundation, Inc. The amount authorized for the grant is $3,000,000. The grant shall be to assist in the construction of the Food and Farm Exploration Center. Farming for the Future Foundation, Inc., shall secure additional funding for the project of at least $38,000,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission awards a grant to Farming for the Future Foundation, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the Food and Farm Exploration Center constructed with funds from the grant is not used for agricultural education, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the facility equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(48) Versiti Wisconsin, Inc.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that research focused on blood health, including research in the areas of blood cancers, benign hematology, cellular therapy, and immunology is essential to the health and well-being of the people of this state and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Versiti Wisconsin, Inc., in the expansion of Versiti Wisconsin for purposes of blood research.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may award a grant to Versiti Wisconsin, Inc. The amount authorized for the grant is $10,000,000. The grant shall be to assist in the expansion of Versiti Wisconsin. Versiti Wisconsin, Inc., shall secure additional funding for the project of at least $53,500,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission awards a grant to Versiti Wisconsin, Inc., under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the expanded space constructed with funds from the grant is not used for blood research, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the expanded space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
(49) Regional forensic science center.
(a) The legislature finds and determines that offering training and continuing education opportunities to coroners and medical examiners, law enforcement, district attorney offices, and emergency medical and health services providers will improve the quality of the death investigation process for central and northern Wisconsin and is a statewide responsibility of statewide dimension. It is therefore in the public interest, and it is the public policy of this state, to assist Marathon County with the construction of a regional forensic science center.
(b) From the appropriation under s. 20.867 (3) (x), the building commission may award a grant to Marathon County. The amount authorized for the grant is $7,000,000. The grant shall be to assist in the construction of a regional forensic science center. Marathon County shall secure additional funding for the project of at least $7,800,000 from nonstate revenue sources.
(c) If the building commission awards a grant to Marathon County under par. (b), and if, for any reason, the space constructed with funds from the grant is not used as a regional forensic science center, the state shall retain an ownership interest in the expanded space equal to the amount of the state’s grant.
Wis. Stat. § 13.50 Joint survey committee on retirement systems
(1) Creation. There is created a joint survey committee on retirement systems composed of 10 members, as follows:
(a) Two majority party senators, one minority party senator, 2 majority party representatives to the assembly and one minority party representative to the assembly, appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses.
(b) An assistant attorney general to be appointed by the attorney general.
(c) A member of the public who is not a participant in any public retirement system in this state, to be selected by the governor. It is the intent of the legislature that the member appointed under this paragraph shall represent the interests of the taxpayers of this state and shall not be representative of public employee or employer interests.
(d) The commissioner of insurance or an experienced actuary in the commissioner’s office designated by the commissioner.
(e) The secretary of employee trust funds or his or her designee.
(1m) Officers. The officers of this committee shall be a senate cochairperson and vice cochairperson, and an assembly cochairperson and vice cochairperson selected as are the officers of standing committees in their respective houses, and a secretary elected by the committee from among its nonlegislator members.
(2) Terms of committee. Each appointment under sub. (1) (a), (b) and (c) shall be for a period of 4 years and until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any member shall cease to be a member of the committee upon losing the status upon which the appointment was based.
(3) Membership compatible with other public office. Membership on the committee shall not be incompatible with any other public office.
(4) Staff. The legislative council staff shall provide staff to assist the committee in the performance of its functions. The committee may contract for actuarial assistance outside the classified service.
(5) Committee action. All actions of the committee shall require the approval of a majority of all the members.
(6) Powers and duties. The committee shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) No bill or amendment thereto creating or modifying any system for, or making any provision for, the retirement of or payment of pensions to public officers or employees, shall be acted upon by the legislature until it has been referred to the joint survey committee on retirement systems and such committee has submitted a written report on the bill or amendment. Such report shall pertain to the probable costs involved, the effect on the actuarial soundness of the retirement system and the desirability of such proposal as a matter of public policy.
(am) The cochairpersons of the joint survey committee on retirement systems or the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, with respect to any bill or amendment specified in par. (a), or the presiding officer of either house of the legislature, with respect to any bill or amendment specified in par. (a) that is pending in his or her house, may make a determination, based on any available information, that the bill or amendment may have a significant fiscal impact on the costs, actuarial balance or goals of the Wisconsin Retirement System and order the attachment of an independent actuarial opinion on such impact. The cochairpersons or presiding officer ordering such an opinion shall direct the staff under sub. (4) to obtain the opinion. The staff shall make payment for the opinion from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (3) (ec).
(b) No bill or amendment thereto creating or modifying any system for the retirement of public employees shall be considered by either house until the written report required by par. (a) and the actuarial opinion ordered under par. (am), if any, have been submitted to the chief clerk. Each such bill or amendment shall then be referred to a standing committee of the house in which introduced. The report of the joint survey committee and actuarial opinion, if any, shall be printed as an appendix to the bill and attached thereto as are amendments.
Wis. Stat. § 13.52 Joint survey committee on tax exemptions
(1) Creation. There is created a joint survey committee on tax exemptions composed of 9 members, as follows:
(a) Two majority party senators, one minority party senator, 2 majority party representatives to the assembly and one minority party representative to the assembly, selected as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses;
(b) A representative of the department of justice selected by the attorney general;
(c) The secretary of revenue or the secretary’s designated representative; and
(d) A public member, selected by the governor by January 15 of each odd-numbered year, who is familiar with the tax problems of subordinate levels of government throughout the state.
(1m) Officers. The officers of this committee shall be a senate chairperson and vice chairperson, an assembly chairperson and vice chairperson and a secretary. The senate chairperson and vice chairperson shall be selected as are chairpersons and vice chairpersons of senate committees. The assembly chairperson and vice chairperson shall be appointed by the speaker. The secretary shall be elected by the committee from among its nonlegislator members.
(2) Vacancies. Vacancies shall be filled as are original appointments.
(3) Term. The terms of all members shall expire on January 15 of the odd-numbered years, and each member shall serve until a successor is appointed and qualified. Any member shall cease to be a member upon losing the status upon which the appointment is based.
(4) Committee action. All actions of the committee shall require the approval of a majority of all the members.
(5) Powers and duties. It is the purpose of this committee to provide the legislature with a considered opinion of the legality of the proposal, of the fiscal effect upon the state and its subdivisions and of the desirability as a matter of public policy of each legislative proposal which would modify existing laws or create new laws relating to the exemption of property or persons from any state or local taxes or special assessments. To this end the committee shall:
(a) Make such investigations as are required to carry out the duties assigned to it.
(b) Hold such hearings as are required to elicit information required to make its reports. Any member is empowered to administer oaths and examine witnesses. By subpoena, issued over the signature of the cochairpersons and served in the manner in which circuit court subpoenas are served, it may summon and compel the attendance of witnesses and the production of records necessary or convenient to be examined or used by them in carrying out their functions. Any subpoenaed witness who fails to appear, refuses to answer inquiries, or fails or refuses to produce records within his or her control when demanded shall be reported by the committee to the circuit court of Dane County, whose duty it is to compel obedience to any such subpoena by attachment proceedings for contempt as in case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from said court or a refusal to testify therein.
(6) Report. Upon the introduction in either house of the legislature of any proposal which affects any existing statute or creates any new statute relating to the exemption of any property or person from any state or local taxes or special assessments, such proposal shall at once be referred to the joint survey committee on tax exemptions by the presiding officer instead of to a standing committee, and such proposal shall not be considered further by either house until the joint survey committee on tax exemptions has submitted a report, in writing, setting forth an opinion on the legality of the proposal, the fiscal effect upon the state and its subdivisions and its desirability as a matter of public policy and such report has been printed as an appendix to the bill and attached thereto as are amendments. Such printing shall be in lieu of inclusion in the daily journal of the house in which the bill was introduced.
(7) Staff. The committee may employ such personnel as are required for the performance of its duties. Any intermittent employment of professional, technical or research personnel may be made outside the classified service.
Wis. Stat. § 13.53 Joint legislative audit committee
(1) Creation. There is created a joint legislative audit committee consisting of the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, 2 other majority and 2 minority party senators and 2 other majority and 2 minority party representatives to the assembly, appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses. In making appointments of the members from each house other than the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, each house shall designate a cochairperson. The committee shall be staffed as are other standing committees of the legislature. The committee shall meet as often as necessary to perform its duties and functions.
(2) Responsibilities. The joint legislative audit committee shall have advisory responsibilities for the legislative audit bureau. The committee’s responsibility is subject to general supervision of the joint committee on legislative organization. The joint legislative audit committee may:
(a) Evaluate the qualifications of the candidates for the position of state auditor and make recommendations to the joint committee on legislative organization.
(b) Study and review the postaudit or other reports submitted by the legislative audit bureau, confer with the state auditor and assistants and with other legislative committees in regard to such reports and, when necessary, confer with representatives of the entities audited in order to obtain full and complete information in regard to any fiscal transactions and governmental operations within the state.
(c) Refer to the legislature or to an appropriate standing committee information that, in its opinion, warrants action by the legislature or by the committee. It may request from a standing committee information on such action as is taken. The committee shall seek the advice of the appropriate standing committees with respect to the program portion of an audit relating to an entity which is within the purview of such committee.
(3) Postaudit report consideration.
(a) In any instance in which a postaudit report of the legislative audit bureau cites cases of improper payments; inadequate accounting, operating, or administrative system controls, procedures, or related records; inaccuracies; waste or extravagance; unauthorized or unintended activities or programs; or other deficiencies required by statute to be reported, the head of the entity to which the audit report pertains shall, within a time period specified by the committee, advise the cochairpersons of the committee, the chairperson of the joint committee on legislative organization and to each appropriate standing committee of any remedial actions taken or to be taken on matters cited in the report. Where such advice is not forthcoming from the head of the entity within the time period specified by the committee, or where the committee determines that suitable action has not been taken, the committee may report the matter immediately to the joint committee on legislative organization and to each appropriate standing committee.
(b) The committee may, in any case, propose specific corrective action to remedy undesirable practices, including changes in applicable laws, rules and procedures, but with respect to the program portion of an audit, it shall first seek the advice of the appropriate standing committees which have purview over the entity under review. If the committee introduces a bill, it shall be referred to the appropriate standing committee. The appropriate standing committees may propose corrective legislation wherever they find that the program portion of the audit indicates that a law is not being implemented in the manner intended by the legislature when the law was enacted.
(c) Each appropriate standing committee, and the joint legislative audit committee, may hold a hearing on the contents of a postaudit report by the legislative audit bureau. An appropriate standing committee may request the joint legislative audit committee to hold such a hearing. Nothing in this paragraph precludes joint hearings by 2 or more committees.
(4) Fiscal and performance evaluations. The committee may at any time, without regard to whether the legislature is then in session, request the joint committee on legislative organization to investigate any matter within the scope of a postaudit completed or being conducted by the legislative audit bureau. It may also request investigation and consideration of any matter relative to the expenditures and revenues as well as the fiscal and performance activities of entities pursuant to the objectives of the committee and the legislative audit bureau.
(5) Interference; special duties. No member of the joint legislative audit committee, the joint committee on legislative organization or other member of the legislature may interfere in any way with the state auditor in the conduct of audit examinations. The state auditor shall carry out the auditor’s professional responsibilities in accordance with accepted professional auditing standards and shall conduct examinations within the framework of the ethics of the auditing profession. This subsection does not preclude an individual legislator or a standing committee from requesting the joint legislative audit committee or the joint committee on legislative organization to direct the state auditor to undertake specific audits. All such requests shall be reviewed by the committee to which they are directed before such committee directs the state auditor to conduct such audits. The joint committee on legislative organization may consult with the joint legislative audit committee and the legislative audit bureau prior to giving its directions to the state auditor. Nothing in this subsection precludes the joint legislative audit committee or the joint committee on legislative organization from instructing the state auditor to undertake examinations of specific activities when the committee deems it to be necessary.
Wis. Stat. § 13.55 Commission on uniform state laws
(1) Creation.
(a)
1. There is created a commission on uniform state laws to advise the legislature with regard to uniform laws and model laws. Except as provided under par. (b), the commission shall consist of all of the following:
a. The director of the legislative council staff or a professional employee of the legislative council staff designated by the director.
b. The chief of the legislative reference bureau or a professional employee under s. 13.92 (1) (b) designated by the chief.
d. Two senators and 2 representatives to the assembly from the 2 major political parties appointed as are members of standing committees for 2-year terms.
e. Two public members appointed by the governor for 4-year terms.
f. Members having the status of life members of the national Uniform Law Commission as delegates of this state, appointed by the commission members specified in subd. 1. a. to e., for 4-year terms.
2. The terms of members appointed under subd. 1. e. or f. shall expire on May 1 of an odd-numbered year.
(b)
1. Except as otherwise provided in subds. 2. and 3., only senators and representatives to the assembly who are members of the bar association of this state may be appointed to seats designated for the offices of senator and representative to the assembly under par. (a).
2. A seat designated for the office of senator or representative to the assembly under par. (a) that cannot be filled because of the requirement under subd. 1., or because a senator or representative to the assembly is unwilling or unable to serve on the delegation, may be filled by a former senator or representative to the assembly from the applicable political party who served on the commission during his or her term as a senator or representative to the assembly and who is a member of the bar association of this state.
3. A seat designated for the office of senator or representative to the assembly under par. (a) that cannot be filled as provided in subd. 1. or 2. because there is no individual meeting the described eligibility criteria who is able or willing to serve on the delegation may be filled by any member of the bar association of this state.
4. A former senator or representative to the assembly or other person may be appointed as provided in subd. 2. or 3. as are members of standing committees and shall serve for a 2-year term as provided under par. (a).
5. This paragraph does not apply if the national Uniform Law Commission permits individuals to become voting commissioners or associate members of the national Uniform Law Commission without regard to membership in the bar of the state that the individual represents.
(c) Except as provided in sub. (2), members of the commission appointed under par. (a) 1. f. shall have the same rights and responsibilities as all other members, including voting rights.
(2) Quorum; scheduled meetings. Any 5 members of the commission shall constitute a quorum. For purposes of determining whether a quorum exists, members appointed under sub. (1) (a) 1. f. may not be counted. The commission shall meet at least once every 2 years.
(3) National conference. Each commissioner may attend the annual meeting of the national Uniform Law Commission and shall do all of the following:
(a) Examine subjects on which uniformity of legislation is desirable.
(b) Ascertain the best methods to effect uniformity.
(c) Cooperate with commissioners in other states in the preparation of uniform acts.
(d) Prepare bills adapting such uniform acts to the Wisconsin statutes, for introduction in the legislature.
(4) Report. The commission shall make a biennial report to the law revision committee of the joint legislative council.
Wis. Stat. § 13.56 Joint committee for review of administrative rules
(1) Creation. There is created a joint committee for review of administrative rules, consisting of 5 senators and 5 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses from the majority and minority political parties in each house. In making the appointments, each house shall designate a cochairperson. The committee shall meet at the call of one of its cochairpersons.
(2) Participation in certain proceedings. The cochairpersons of the joint committee for review of administrative rules or their designated agents shall accept service made under ss. 227.40 (5) and 806.04 (11). If the committee determines that the legislature should be represented in the proceeding, it shall request the joint committee on legislative organization to intervene in the proceeding as provided under s. 806.04 (11). The costs of participation in the proceeding shall be paid equally from the appropriations under s. 20.765 (1) (a) and (b), except that such costs incurred by the department of justice shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.455 (1) (d).
(3) Powers and duties. The committee has the powers and duties specified under ss. 227.19, 227.24 and 227.26.
Wis. Stat. § 13.57 National conference of state legislatures
(1) The legislative delegates to the national conference of state legislatures shall be designated by the committee on senate organization for the senate and by the speaker for the assembly. Vouchers to reimburse the actual and necessary expenses of the delegates to the conference shall be certified by the chairperson of the committee on senate organization for the senate and by the speaker for the assembly.
(2) Officers or employees under this chapter may be designated as delegates to the conference by the appropriate legislative officer or as provided by the appropriate governing body. Vouchers to reimburse the actual and necessary expenses of these delegates to the conference shall be certified by the chairperson of the appropriate governing body or by the appropriate legislative officer.
(3) All expenses under sub. (1) shall be reimbursed from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b).
Wis. Stat. § 13.58 Joint committee on information policy and technology
(1) Creation. There is created a joint standing committee on information policy and technology composed of 3 majority party and 2 minority party senators and 3 majority and 2 minority party representatives to the assembly, appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses.
(2) Officers. In making appointments of the members of each house, each house shall designate a cochairperson.
(3) Staff. The committee shall be staffed as are other standing committees of the legislature.
(4) Meetings. The committee shall meet as often as necessary to perform its duties and functions.
(5) Powers and duties.
(a) The committee shall do all of the following:
1. Review information management and technology systems, plans, practices and policies of state and local units of government, including their responsiveness to the needs of state and local units of government for delivery of high-quality services on an efficient, effective and economical basis, their data security and integrity, their protection of the personal privacy of individuals who are subjects of databases of state and local governmental agencies and their provision of access to public records under s. 19.35 (1).
2. Review the effects on the needs identified under subd. 1. of proposals for the expansion of existing information technology and the implementation of new information technology by the state.
3. Review the impact of proposed legislation on existing technology utilization by state and local units of government.
5. Upon receipt of strategic plans from the department of administration, the joint committee on legislative organization and the director of state courts, review and transmit comments concerning the plans to the entities submitting the plans.
(b) The committee may do any of the following:
1. Direct the department of administration to conduct studies or prepare reports on items related to the committee’s duties under par. (a).
2. Make recommendations to the governor, the legislature, state agencies or local units of government regarding the policies, practices, proposals, legislation and reports reviewed under subd. 1. and par. (a).
3. Direct the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System to prepare and submit to the committee such reports as the committee requests pursuant to the committee’s responsibilities under par. (a).
4. With the concurrence of the joint committee on finance, direct the department of administration to report semiannually to the committee and the joint committee on finance concerning any specific information technology system project which is being designed, developed, tested or implemented and which the committees anticipate will have a total cost to the state exceeding $1,000,000 in the current or any succeeding fiscal biennium. The report shall include all of the following:
a. The major stages and substages of the project, including an assessment of need, design, implementation and testing stages and their major substages.
b. The scheduled, estimated and actual completion dates for each major stage and substage of the project.
c. The budgeted amounts and amounts actually expended on each major stage and substage of the project.
d. An evaluation of the project, including any problems encountered or risks associated with proceeding to the next stage of the project, if any.
6. Review any University of Wisconsin System, institution, or college campus information technology project identified in a report submitted to the committee by the Board of Regents under s. 36.59 (7) to determine whether the project should be continued or implemented. The committee may forward any recommendations regarding the project to the governor and to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2).
Wis. Stat. § 13.61 Lobbying regulated; legislative purpose
The legislature declares that the operation of an open and responsible government requires that the fullest opportunity be afforded to the people to petition their government for the redress of grievances and to express freely to any officials of the executive or legislative branch their opinions on legislation, on pending administrative rules and other policy decisions by administrative agencies, and on current issues. Essential to the continued functioning of an open government is the preservation of the integrity of the governmental decision-making process. In order to preserve and maintain the integrity of the process, the legislature determines that it is necessary to regulate and publicly disclose the identity, expenditures and activities of persons who hire others or are hired to engage in efforts to influence actions of the legislative and executive branches.
Wis. Stat. § 13.62 Definitions
In this subchapter:
(1) “Administrative action” means the proposal, drafting, development, consideration, promulgation, amendment, repeal or rejection by any agency of any rule promulgated under ch. 227.
(2) “Agency” means any board, commission, department, office, society, institution of higher education, council, or committee in the state government, or any authority created in subch. II of ch. 114 or in ch. 231, 232, 233, 234, 237, 238, or 279, except that the term does not include a council or committee of the legislature.
(3) “Agency official” means a member, officer, employee or consultant of any agency who as part of such person’s official responsibilities participates in any administrative action in other than a solely clerical, secretarial or ministerial capacity.
(4m) “Budget bill subject” means a subject specified by the commission that is included in the executive budget bill or bills introduced under s. 16.47.
(5) “Business entity” means any organization or enterprise operated for profit, including but not limited to a proprietorship, partnership, firm, business trust, joint venture, syndicate, corporation, limited liability company or association.
(5g) “Candidate” has the meaning given under s. 11.0101 (1).
(5j) “Candidate committee” has the meaning given in s. 11.0101 (2).
(5m) “Commission” means the ethics commission.
(5r) “Communications media” means newspapers, periodicals, commercial billboards, and radio and television stations, including community antenna television stations.
(5u) “Contribution” has the meaning given in s. 11.0101 (8).
(6) “Elective state official” means any person who holds an elective state office as defined in s. 5.02 (23) or has been elected to an elective state office but has not yet taken office. A person who is appointed to fill a vacant elective state office is an elective state official.
(8) “Legislative action” means the development, drafting, introduction, consideration, modification, adoption, rejection, review, enactment or defeat of any bill, resolution, amendment, report, nomination, proposed administrative rule or other matter by the legislature or by either house or any committee, subcommittee, joint or select committee thereof, or by a legislator or employee of the legislature acting in an official capacity. “Legislative action” also means the action of the governor in approving or vetoing any bill or portion thereof, and the action of the governor or any agency in the development of a proposal for introduction in the legislature.
(8m) “Legislative employee” means a member or officer of the legislature, an individual employed under s. 13.20 or an employee of a legislative service agency, as defined in s. 16.70 (6).
(8s) “Legislative proposal” means a bill, resolution or joint resolution.
(10) “Lobbying” means the practice of attempting to influence legislative or administrative action by oral or written communication with any elective state official, agency official or legislative employee, and includes time spent in preparation for such communication and appearances at public hearings or meetings or service on a committee in which such preparation or communication occurs.
(10g) “Lobbying communication” means an oral or written communication with any agency official, elective state official or legislative employee that attempts to influence legislative or administrative action, unless exempted under s. 13.621.
(10r) “Lobbying expenditure” means an expenditure related to the performance of lobbying, whether received in the form of an advance or subsequent reimbursement. The term includes an expenditure for conducting research or for providing or using information, statistics, studies or analyses in communicating with an official that would not have been incurred but for lobbying.
(11) “Lobbyist” means an individual who is employed by a principal, or contracts for or receives economic consideration, other than reimbursement for actual expenses, from a principal and whose duties include lobbying on behalf of the principal. If an individual’s duties on behalf of a principal are not limited exclusively to lobbying, the individual is a lobbyist only if he or she makes lobbying communications on each of at least 5 days within a reporting period.
(11m) “Local official” means any person who holds a local office as defined in s. 5.02 (9) or has been elected to a local office but has not yet taken office, and every person who is employed by a county, city, town, village or school district who is not employed principally to influence legislative or administrative action. A person who is appointed to fill a vacant local office is a local official.
(11p) “Partisan elective state office” means the office of governor, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer, attorney general, state senator or state representative to the assembly.
(11r) “Partisan elective state official” means any individual holding a partisan elective state office.
(12) “Principal” means any person who employs a lobbyist. If an association, corporation, limited liability company or partnership engages a lobbyist, an officer, employee, member, shareholder or partner of the association, corporation, limited liability company or partnership shall not be considered a principal.
(12g) “Relative” means a parent, grandparent, child, grandchild, brother, sister, parent-in-law, grandparent-in-law, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, uncle, aunt, nephew, niece, spouse, fiance or fiancee.
(12r) “Reporting period” means any 6-month period beginning with January 1 and ending with June 30 or beginning with July 1 and ending with December 31.
(12t) “Special election” means an election other than a spring primary, spring election, partisan primary, or general election that is called to fill a vacancy in a state office, as defined in s. 5.02 (23). “Special election” includes an election to fill a vacancy in a state office, as defined in s. 5.02 (23), that is being conducted concurrently with a spring primary, spring election, partisan primary, or general election.
(13) “State office” has the meaning given under s. 5.02 (23).
(14) “Tribal official” means any person who holds an elective office of the government of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state, or has been elected to such an office but has not yet taken office, and any person who is employed by a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state and who is not employed principally to influence state legislative or administrative action. A person who is appointed to fill a vacant elective office of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state is a tribal official.
Wis. Stat. § 13.63 Licenses for lobbyists; suspension or revocation
(1) Licenses.
(a) An applicant for a license to act as a lobbyist may obtain an application from and file the application with the commission. Except as authorized under par. (am), an applicant shall include his or her social security number and may include the address of his or her primary residence on the application. The applicant shall, under the penalty for making false statements under s. 13.69 (6m), sign the application. The applicant shall submit with the application the applicable fee under s. 13.75 (1g) (a) or (am). Upon approval of the application by the commission, the commission shall issue a license to the applicant. A license issued under this paragraph entitles the licensee to practice lobbying on behalf of each registered principal for whom or which an authorization for that lobbyist, as required under s. 13.65, has been filed and for whom or which the authorization fee under s. 13.75 (1g) (d) has been paid. A license issued under this paragraph shall expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year.
(am) If an individual who applies for a license under this section does not have a social security number, the individual, as a condition of obtaining that license, shall submit a statement made or subscribed under oath or affirmation to the commission that the individual does not have a social security number. The form of the statement shall be prescribed by the department of children and families. A license issued in reliance upon a false statement submitted under this paragraph is invalid.
(b) Except as provided under par. (am), the commission shall not issue a license to an applicant who does not provide his or her social security number. The commission shall not issue a license to an applicant or shall revoke any license issued to a lobbyist if the department of revenue certifies to the commission that the applicant or lobbyist is liable for delinquent taxes under s. 73.0301 or if the department of workforce development certifies to the commission that the applicant or lobbyist is liable for delinquent unemployment insurance contributions under s. 108.227. The commission shall refuse to issue a license or shall suspend any existing license for failure of an applicant or licensee to pay court-ordered payments of child or family support, maintenance, birth expenses, medical expenses or other expenses related to the support of a child or former spouse or failure of an applicant or licensee to comply, after appropriate notice, with a subpoena or warrant issued by the department of children and families or a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and related to paternity or child support proceedings, as provided in a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857. No application may be disapproved by the commission except an application for a license by a person who is ineligible for licensure under this subsection or s. 13.69 (4) or an application by a lobbyist whose license has been revoked under this subsection or s. 13.69 (7) and only for the period of such ineligibility or revocation.
(c) Denial of a license on the basis of a certification by the department of revenue or the department of workforce development may be reviewed under s. 73.0301 or 108.227, whichever is applicable. Except with respect to a license that is denied or suspended pursuant to a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857, denial or suspension of any other license may be reviewed under ch. 227.
(2) Revocation of lobbying privileges. No lobbyist whose license has been revoked under s. 13.69 (7) may engage in lobbying as a lobbyist for any principal until such person has been reinstated to the practice of lobbying and duly licensed.
Wis. Stat. § 13.64 Lobbying registry
(1) Every principal who makes expenditures or incurs obligations in an aggregate amount exceeding $500 in a calendar year for the purpose of engaging in lobbying which is not exempt under s. 13.621 shall, within 10 days after exceeding $500, cause to be filed with the commission a registration statement specifying the principal’s name, business address, the general areas of legislative and administrative action which the principal is attempting to influence, the names of any agencies in which the principal seeks to influence administrative action, and information sufficient to identify the nature and interest of the principal. The statement shall be signed, under the penalty for making false statements under s. 13.69 (6m), by an individual identified under par. (e) who is authorized to represent the principal. The statement shall include:
(a) If the principal is an individual, the name and address of the individual’s employer, if any, or the individual’s principal place of business if self-employed, a description of the business activity in which the individual or the individual’s employer is engaged and, except as authorized in sub. (2m), the individual’s social security number.
(b) If the principal is a business entity, a description of the business activity in which the principal is engaged and the name of its chief executive officer, or in the case of a partnership or limited liability company the names of the partners or members.
(c) If the principal is an industry, trade or professional association, a description of the industry, trade or profession which it represents including a specific description of any segment or portion of the industry, trade or profession which the association exclusively or primarily represents and the name of the chief executive officer and the approximate number of its members.
(d) If the principal is not an individual, business entity or industry, trade or professional association, a statement of the principal’s nature and purposes, including a description of any industry, trade, profession or other group with a common interest which the principal primarily represents or from which its membership or financial support is primarily derived and the approximate number of its members.
(e) The name and position or relationship to the principal of any designee who is authorized to sign other documents required under this section or s. 13.65, 13.67 or 13.68 (1).
(2) The registration shall expire on December 31 of each even-numbered year. Except as provided in sub. (2m), the commission shall refuse to accept a registration statement filed by an individual who does not provide his or her social security number. The commission shall refuse to accept a registration statement filed by an individual or shall suspend any existing registration of an individual for failure of the individual or registrant to pay court-ordered payments of child or family support, maintenance, birth expenses, medical expenses or other expenses related to the support of a child or former spouse or failure of the individual or registrant to comply, after appropriate notice, with a subpoena or warrant issued by the department of children and families or a county child support agency under s. 59.53 (5) and related to paternity or child support proceeding, as provided in a memorandum of understanding entered into under s. 49.857. If all lobbying by or on behalf of the principal which is not exempt under s. 13.621 ceases, the commission shall terminate the principal’s registration and any authorizations under s. 13.65 as of the day after the principal files a statement of cessation and expense statements under s. 13.68 for the period covering all dates on which the principal was registered. Refusal to accept a registration statement or suspension of an existing registration pursuant to a memorandum of understanding under s. 49.857 is not subject to review under ch. 227.
(2m) If an individual who applies for registration under this section does not have a social security number, the individual, as a condition of obtaining registration, shall submit a statement made or subscribed under oath or affirmation to the commission that the individual does not have a social security number. The form of the statement shall be prescribed by the department of children and families. A registration accepted in reliance upon a false statement submitted under this subsection is invalid.
(3) Each principal registered under this section shall, before the principal or a lobbyist for the principal attempts to influence legislative or administrative action in any general area or agency not previously filed with the commission, provide written notice to the commission of the general area or agency in which the principal or a lobbyist for the principal will attempt to influence legislative or administrative action and in relation to which a lobbyist is employed.
Wis. Stat. § 13.65 Lobbyist authorization
Before engaging in lobbying on behalf of a principal, a lobbyist or the principal who employs a lobbyist shall file with the commission a written authorization for the lobbyist to represent the principal, signed by or on behalf of the principal. A lobbyist or principal shall file a separate authorization for each principal represented by a lobbyist.
Wis. Stat. § 13.66 Restrictions on practice of lobbying
Except as authorized under s. 13.621, no person may engage in lobbying as a lobbyist unless the person has been licensed under s. 13.63 and has been authorized to act as a lobbyist for the principal whom the lobbyist represents under s. 13.65. Except as authorized under s. 13.621, no principal may authorize its lobbyist to engage in lobbying until the lobbyist is licensed and the principal is registered under s. 13.64.
Wis. Stat. § 13.67 Identification of legislative and administrative proposals and topics
(1) Except as authorized under s. 13.621, no person may engage in lobbying as a lobbyist on behalf of a principal and no principal may authorize a lobbyist to engage in lobbying on its behalf unless the principal reports to the commission, in such manner as the commission may prescribe, each legislative proposal, budget bill subject and proposed administrative rule number in connection with which the principal has made or intends to make a lobbying communication or, if the lobbying does not relate to a legislative proposal or proposed administrative rule that has been numbered or a budget bill subject, each topic of a lobbying communication made or intended to be made by the principal. A principal shall describe any topic of a lobbying communication with reasonable specificity, sufficient to identify the subject matter of the lobbying communication and whether the communication is an attempt to influence legislative or administrative action, or both. The principal shall file the report no later than the end of the 15th day after the date on which the principal makes a lobbying communication with respect to a legislative proposal, proposed administrative rule, budget bill subject or other topic not previously reported by the principal under this section during the biennial period for which the principal is registered. The report shall be made by a person who is identified by the principal under s. 13.64 (1) (e).
(2) Any person who is not a principal may, upon payment of the fee prescribed under s. 13.75 (1g) (e), register with the commission an interest in any legislative proposal, proposed administrative rule, budget bill subject or other topic.
Wis. Stat. § 13.68 Principal’s expense statement
(1) Statement. Every principal which is registered under s. 13.64 shall, on or before July 31 and January 31, file with the commission an expense statement covering the preceding reporting period. The statement shall be signed, under the penalty for making false statements provided in s. 13.69 (6m), by an individual identified under s. 13.64 (1) (e) who is authorized to represent the principal. The statement shall contain the following information:
(a) The aggregate total amount of lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for lobbying by the principal and all lobbyists for the principal, excluding lobbying expenditures and obligations for the principal’s clerical employees, lobbying expenditures and obligations for any employee of the principal who is not a lobbyist and who devotes not more than 10 hours to lobbying during a reporting period, and lobbying expenditures and obligations specified in pars. (b), (d) and (e). With respect to expenditures and obligations included in the amount reported under this paragraph:
1. Lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for lobbying shall include compensation to lobbyists for lobbying, whether in cash or in-kind, and reimbursements to lobbyists and to the principal or officers or employees of the principal for lobbying or expenses.
2. Except as provided in subd. 3., lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred in preparing for lobbying shall be included in the aggregate total.
3. A reasonable estimate of lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for conducting, compiling or preparing research, information, statistics, studies or analyses used in lobbying shall be included in the aggregate total. Lobbying expenditures and obligations shall not be reported under this subdivision if the use in lobbying occurs more than 3 years after the completion of the research or the compilation or preparation of the information, statistics, studies or analyses. If the research, information, statistics, studies or analyses are used by the principal both for lobbying and for purposes other than lobbying, the principal shall allocate the lobbying expenditures and obligations among the purposes for which the research, information, statistics, studies or analyses are used and include the portion allocated to lobbying in the aggregate total.
4. Lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for providing or using research, information, statistics, studies or analyses in lobbying shall be included in the aggregate total.
5. Lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for paid advertising and any other activities conducted for the purpose of urging members of the general public to attempt to influence legislative or administrative action shall be included in the aggregate total, if the total amount of all such lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred exceeds $500 during the reporting period.
6. If the total amount of lobbying expenditures and obligations, included in the aggregate total under this paragraph, made or incurred to any lobbyist for the principal exceeds $200 during the reporting period, the name and address of the lobbyist and the total amount of the lobbying expenditures made or obligations incurred to the lobbyist during the reporting period shall be listed.
(b) If a lobbyist is an employee, officer or director of a principal and the lobbyist is paid a salary or given consideration other than reimbursement of expenses, the aggregate total amount of lobbying expenditures made or obligations incurred by the principal for office space, utilities, supplies and compensation of employees who are utilized in preparing for lobbying communications. Any lobbying expenditures made or obligations incurred for office overhead costs which are included in the amount reported under par. (a) 1. shall not be included in the amounts reported under this paragraph.
(bn) For each legislative proposal, proposed administrative rule, budget bill subject or other topic that accounts for 10 percent or more of the principal’s time spent in lobbying during the reporting period, the principal’s reasonable estimate of the proportion of its time spent in lobbying associated with that legislative proposal, proposed administrative rule, budget bill subject or other topic.
(c) A record disclosing the amount of time spent to influence legislative or administrative action. The record shall be supplied on a form provided by the commission and shall include a daily itemization of the time, except the time of a clerical employee, the time of an employee who is not a lobbyist and who devotes not more than 10 hours to lobbying during a reporting period and the time of an unpaid volunteer, spent by the principal on:
1. Meeting with elective state officials, agency officials, legislative employees of the state and other state employees having decision-making authority.
2. Research, preparation and any other activity which includes lobbying.
(cm) The name of any employee of the principal, other than a clerical employee, who is not a lobbyist and who devoted time to lobbying communications during the reporting period.
(d) The name of any agency official, legislative employee, elective state official, or candidate for elective state office to whom the principal or any lobbyist for the principal provided reimbursement authorized under s. 13.621 (7) (a) and the date and amount reimbursed.
(e) The total lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for personal travel and living expenses, except for expenditures made or obligations incurred for the travel and living expenses of unpaid volunteers if the primary purpose of the travel is for reasons unrelated to lobbying.
(2) Reporting procedure.
(a) If the principal compensates or reimburses a lobbyist or employee both for lobbying activities or expenses which are not exempt under s. 13.621 and for other activities or expenses, for the purposes of sub. (1) (a) 1. or 6., the lobbyist or principal shall estimate and report the portion of the compensation and reimbursements paid for nonexempt lobbying activities or expenses or, if 85 percent or more of the total compensation and reimbursements paid to the lobbyist or employee relate to lobbying or expenses which are not exempt under s. 13.621, the lobbyist or principal may report the entire amount of the compensation and reimbursements paid to the lobbyist or employee.
(b) Any reasonable estimate or allocation made in good faith under sub. (1) (a) 3. or (bn) or this subsection fulfills the requirements of this section.
(c) A principal may employ any reasonable method, acting in good faith, to record daily the information required under sub. (1) (c).
(3) Exempt activities. Lobbying expenditures made and obligations incurred for activities identified under s. 13.621 (1) (a) to (f) and (3) are not required to be reported under sub. (1), regardless of whether the principal or a lobbyist for the principal also engages in lobbying activities which are not identified in s. 13.621 (1) (a) to (f) and (3).
(4) Reports by lobbyist. A lobbyist whose activities and expenditures are required to be reported by a principal under sub. (1) shall provide to the principal information which the principal determines is needed to prepare the statement. The principal shall file a copy of the information, signed by the lobbyist under the penalty for making false statements provided in s. 13.69 (6m), with the commission at the time of filing the statement under sub. (1).
(5) Records. Each principal and each lobbyist engaged by a principal shall obtain, organize and preserve all accounts, bills, receipts, books, papers and other documents necessary to substantiate the expense statement, including an account identifying the amount of time that a principal and each of its authorized lobbyists spend on lobbying each day, for 3 years after the date of filing the expense statement. A principal may permit its authorized lobbyist to maintain any of the records identified in this subsection on its behalf.
(6) Suspension for failure to file a complete expense statement. If a principal fails to timely file a complete expense statement under this section, the commission may suspend the privilege of any lobbyist to lobby on behalf of the principal. Upon failure of a principal to file the required expense statement, the commission shall provide written notice by the most efficient means available to the principal and to any lobbyist for whom a written authorization has been filed under s. 13.65 to act as a lobbyist for the principal informing them that unless the principal files the delinquent statement within 10 business days after the date on which the commission provided notice, no lobbyist may lobby on behalf of the principal. The commission shall immediately restore the privilege of any lobbyist to lobby on behalf of the principal upon the filing of the delinquent statement by the principal. The commission may send the notice by certified mail to the last-known addresses of the principal and lobbyist or may send the notice electronically to the last-known electronic mail address of the principal and lobbyist. Any principal or lobbyist who is aggrieved by a suspension of lobbying privileges under this subsection may request a hearing under s. 227.42 regarding the suspension.
Wis. Stat. § 13.69 Enforcement and penalties
(1) Except as provided in sub. (2m), any principal violating ss. 13.61 to 13.68 or a rule of the commission promulgated under those sections may be required to forfeit not more than $5,000. In the case of a partnership, other than a foreign or domestic limited liability partnership or a limited liability limited partnership, each of the partners, other than a limited partner of a limited partnership, is jointly and severally liable for any forfeiture imposed under this subsection.
(2) Any lobbyist violating ss. 13.61 to 13.68 or a rule of the commission promulgated under such sections may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.
(2m) Any principal who fails to comply with s. 13.67 (1) and who has not been found to have committed the same offense within the 3-year period preceding the date of the violation may be required to forfeit not more than $25. Any principal who fails to comply with s. 13.67 (1) a 2nd time within a period of 3 years from the date of the first violation may be required to forfeit not more than $100 for the 2nd offense.
(3) Any lobbyist who falsifies information provided under s. 13.68 (4) or any principal who files or any person who files or causes to be filed on behalf of any principal a falsified statement under s. 13.68 may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned in the county jail for not more than one year.
(4) Any lobbyist who procures his or her license by fraud or perjury or any person who acts as a lobbyist without being licensed may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000 and shall not be eligible to be licensed as a lobbyist for the period of 3 years from the date of such conviction.
(5) Any officer or employee of an agency identified in a statement filed under s. 13.695 who violates s. 13.695 (4) may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.
(6) Any candidate for an elective state office, elective state official, agency official, or legislative employee of the state who, or any candidate committee which, violates s. 13.625 (3) may be required to forfeit not more than $1,000.
(6m) Any principal, lobbyist or other individual acting on behalf of a principal who files a statement under s. 13.63 (1), 13.64, 13.65, 13.67 or 13.68 which he or she does not believe to be true is guilty of a Class H felony.
(7) In addition to the penalties imposed for violation of ss. 13.61 to 13.68, the license of any lobbyist who is convicted of a violation may be revoked for a period not to exceed 3 years and a lobbyist who is convicted of a criminal violation is ineligible for licensure for a period of 5 years from the date of conviction.
Wis. Stat. § 13.71 Lobbyists restricted during daily sessions
It is unlawful for any person lobbying to go onto the floor of the chamber of either house of the legislature during the daily sessions, except upon the invitation of such house.
Wis. Stat. § 13.74 Auditing
(1) The commission shall cause to have made an examination of all statements which are required to be filed with it under this subchapter and may examine any of the documents used to develop such statements. The commission shall make official note in the file of a principal of any error or other discrepancy which the commission discovers. The commission shall inform the person submitting the report of the error.
(2) In the discharge of its duties under this subchapter and upon notice to the party or parties being investigated, the commission may subpoena and bring before it any person in the state and require the production of any papers, books or other records relevant to an investigation. A circuit court may by order permit the inspection and copying of the accounts and the depositor’s and loan records at any financial institution as defined in s. 705.01 (3) doing business in the state to obtain evidence of any violation of this subchapter upon showing of probable cause to believe there is a violation and that such accounts and records may have a substantial relation to such violation. In the discharge of its duties, the commission may cause the deposition of witnesses to be taken in the manner prescribed for taking depositions in civil actions in circuit court.
Wis. Stat. § 13.75 Fees
(1g) The commission shall charge and collect for the following purposes the following amounts:
(a) Obtaining a license under s. 13.63 (1) to act on behalf of one principal, $250, except that no fee is required for an individual who is eligible for the veterans fee waiver program under s. 45.44.
(am) Obtaining a license under s. 13.63 (1) to act on behalf of 2 or more principals, $400, except that no fee is required for an individual who is eligible for the veterans fee waiver program under s. 45.44.
(b) Filing the principal registration form under s. 13.64 before July 1, 2021, $375. Beginning on July 1, 2021, the fee is $385.
(c) Filing a verified statement under s. 13.621 (5), $10.
(d) Filing an authorization statement under s. 13.65 before July 1, 2021, $125. Beginning on July 1, 2021, the fee is $135.
(e) Registering an interest in a legislative proposal, proposed administrative rule, budget bill subject or other topic under s. 13.67 (2), $10, except that no fee is required for an individual who is eligible for the veterans fee waiver program under s. 45.44.
(1r) The commission may accept payment under this section by credit card, debit card, or other electronic payment mechanism, and may charge a surcharge to recover the actual cost associated with the acceptance of that electronic payment.
Wis. Stat. § 13.80 Legislative organization, joint committee on
(1) There is created a joint committee on legislative organization with such powers and authority as are provided by law or by the legislature.
(2) The committee shall consist of the speaker of the assembly, the president of the senate, and the majority and minority leaders and assistant majority and minority leaders of the 2 houses.
(3) The committee shall supervise and make policy for all legislative staff services.
Wis. Stat. § 13.81 Joint legislative council
(1) Creation. There is created a joint legislative council of 22 members consisting of the speaker of the assembly and the president of the senate, the speaker pro tempore of the assembly and the president pro tempore of the senate, the senate and assembly majority and minority leaders, the 2 cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, the ranking minority member of the joint committee on finance from each house, and 5 senators and 5 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses. The speaker of the assembly and the president of the senate, or the designee of each from within the membership of that house on the council, shall serve as cochairpersons of the council. The speaker of the assembly or the president of the senate may decline to serve as member of the joint legislative council and, instead, appoint a replacement member of his or her house to the joint legislative council.
(2) Meetings. The council upon the call of the cochairpersons, or any committee under s. 13.82 or 13.83 upon the call of the respective chairperson, may meet at any time and place it determines, but when one-third of the total voting membership of the council or of any such committee requests that a meeting be held at a specific time and place, the cochairpersons of the council or the respective chairperson of the committee shall call a meeting for the specific time and place. No committee may meet at a place outside this state without the prior consent of the majority of the officers of the council.
(3) Reports. The council shall prepare a biennial report of its activities for the governor and the legislature. The council may issue reports concerning any phase of its work or the work of any of its committees under ss. 13.82 and 13.83, and shall provide for adequate distribution of such reports. A committee may submit legislation recommended for passage to be introduced in the legislature by the council if a majority of the membership of the council votes to introduce such legislation.
(5) Expenditures. All expenditures for the council shall be by voucher signed either by the cochairpersons or by the director of the council staff.
(6) Reimbursement for special studies. At the end of each fiscal year, the general fund shall be reimbursed, from any other state fund, the amounts actually expended by the joint legislative council under s. 20.765 (3) (e) for the cost of making and publishing surveys and analyses of activities and policies related to such funds. The council shall bill such state funds at the end of each fiscal year for the costs so incurred, in accordance with cost records maintained by the council.
(8) Conference on legislative procedures. Following each general election, the joint legislative council shall sponsor a conference to acquaint new legislators or legislators-elect with legislative procedures. Expenses for the conference shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (3) (e).
Wis. Stat. § 13.82 Committees appointed by council
For the purpose of providing information to the legislature, the joint legislative council may appoint committees consisting of members of the legislature and of citizens having special knowledge on the subject assigned by the council to be studied. Any vacancy on a committee shall be filled by the council. The director of the legislative council staff shall certify to the secretary of state the names of the membership of such committees. Citizen members may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in performing their duties from the appropriations provided by s. 20.765.
(1) Studies. Every subject proposed by the legislature for study or investigation during the interim between legislative sessions shall be referred to the council and considered by the appropriate committee of the council. If the council determines that the proposed study or investigation is feasible and is not within a subject already assigned, it shall appoint a committee to conduct such study or investigation. The council, through its committees, may also make such surveys and studies, and compile such data, information and records, on any question, as in its judgment will be beneficial to the general welfare of this state. To this end the council:
(a) Shall maintain liaison with federal, state and local officials and agencies.
(b) May conduct research and secure information or data on any subject concerning the government and general welfare of the state and of its political subdivisions.
(c) Shall make recommendations for legislative or administrative action on any subject or question it has considered and, with the approval of a majority of its membership, submit, for introduction, legislation recommended for passage by one of its committees under this section or s. 13.83.
(2) Public hearings. The council or any committee thereof when so authorized by the council may hold public hearings at such times and places within the state as are determined, and make such investigations and surveys as are deemed advisable or necessary to accomplish the purposes and intent of this section. Any member of the council or any legislative member of one of its committees may administer oaths to persons testifying before the council or any committee. By subpoena, issued over the signature of its chairperson or acting chairperson and served in the manner in which circuit court subpoenas are served, the council or any committee when authorized by the council, may summon and compel the attendance of witnesses. If any witness subpoenaed to appear before the council, or any committee thereof, refuses to appear or to answer inquiries propounded, the council or committee shall report the facts to the circuit court for Dane County, and that court shall compel obedience to the subpoena by attachment proceedings for contempt as in the case of disobedience of the requirements of a subpoena issued from that court or a refusal to testify therein.
Wis. Stat. § 13.83 Permanent council committees
The joint legislative council shall in each biennium create the committees enumerated in this section.
(1) Law revision committee.
(a) Prior to June 1 of each odd-numbered year, the joint legislative council shall appoint a law revision committee consisting of members of the senate and assembly, including at least one member of the majority party and at least one member of the minority party from each house.
(b) The committee shall be assisted by the legislative council staff. The joint legislative council may request staff assistance from other legislative service agencies where appropriate.
(c) The committee shall:
1. Consider decisions and opinions referred to it by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (2) (j) to determine whether revisions are needed in the statutes or session laws.
2. Consider bills referred to it by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (2) (L).
3. Consider bills referred to it by the legislative reference bureau under s. 13.92 (1) (bm) and (2) (i).
4. Consider minor substantive remedial measures proposed by state agencies to improve the administration of their agencies or proposed by the committee, a standing committee of the legislature or a legislative service agency to improve the language or organization of the statutes or session laws.
5. Introduce legislation prepared under this paragraph directly into the legislature. Each such proposal shall include a note or series of notes providing an explanation of the proposed changes and an analysis by the legislative reference bureau.
(d) The committee may submit to the joint legislative council recommendations for major law revision projects. In developing the recommendations, the committee shall consider changes in the law suggested by the American law institute, the council of state governments, the U.S. advisory commission on intergovernmental relations, the commission on uniform state laws created under s. 13.55, legislative committees and service agencies, state agencies, local governments and interested persons. The committee may specify in its recommendations which of the committees or agencies under par. (e) should undertake the proposed law revision project.
(e) If the joint legislative council approves a major law revision project recommended under par. (d), it shall specify which of the following should conduct the project:
1. The law revision committee or a subcommittee thereof established by the committee for this purpose.
2. A special or permanent committee appointed by the joint legislative council.
3. A legislative service agency.
4. A standing or joint survey or other statutory committee or committees of the legislature.
(f)
1. If the joint legislative council approves a project under par. (e) 1., it may appoint one or more public members to a subcommittee established for this purpose by the committee to assist in completing the revision project.
2. If the joint legislative council approves a project under par. (e) 1. or 2., it may contract for a consultant or project staff director having expertise in the subject matter of the project and it shall specify the date for the final report of the project to the joint legislative council.
3. If the joint legislative council approves a project under par. (e) 1., 2. or 3., it may introduce legislation developed as a result of the project as provided in s. 13.82 (1) (c).
4. If the joint legislative council approves a project under par. (e) 3. or 4., it may request the appropriate standing or joint survey or other statutory committee or committees of the legislature or legislative service agency to undertake the project.
5. Legislation developed as a result of a request under this paragraph to a standing or joint survey or other statutory committee or committees of the legislature may be introduced by that committee.
(g) The committee shall:
1. Serve as a repository for interstate agreements to which this state is or may become a party.
2. Compile and keep current a list of all interstate agreements having the force of law to which this state or any agency thereof is a party. The list shall cite laws or official documents of this state containing the text of any interstate agreement together with a listing of all other parties to each agreement; the date on which each party entered into the agreement with this state or any agency thereof; the status of each agreement in respect to withdrawals therefrom; and citations to any act or resolution of the congress of the United States consenting to any agreement. In addition, the list shall include the names, addresses and terms of office of the interstate agreement administrators, officials or members of the governing body who represent this state in the administration of each agreement. The list required to be kept under this paragraph also shall include any interstate agreements adopted by this state or any agency thereof but not in effect by reason of the absence of such other parties thereto as may be necessary to make the agreement effective and binding, and all other interstate agreements which are no longer in active operation due to the completion of the purpose for which they were intended but which must be retained in force as a permanent record thereof. Any amendment, supplementary agreement or administrative rule having the force of law which implements or modifies any agreement to which this state or any agency thereof is a party shall be listed in the same manner as the agreement itself.
3. Supply the legislative reference bureau with the texts of and information relating to the parties to interstate agreements to which this state is a party.
4. Review existing or proposed interstate agreements and compacts and modifications thereof and make recommendations to the legislature concerning the agreements and compacts and modifications.
(3) Special committee on state-tribal relations.
(a) The joint legislative council shall, in each biennium, create a special committee on state-tribal relations. The special committee shall study issues related to American Indians and the American Indian tribes and bands in this state and develop specific recommendations and legislative proposals relating to these issues. The special committee shall, from time to time, report its findings and its legislative and other recommendations to the joint legislative council.
(b) The special committee shall be composed of the following:
1. Not fewer than 6 nor more than 11 members appointed by the joint legislative council from names submitted by the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands in this state or the Great Lakes inter-tribal council. The joint legislative council may not appoint more than one member under this subdivision based on the recommendation of any one American Indian tribe or band or of the Great Lakes inter-tribal council.
2. Not fewer than 6 nor more than 12 legislator members of the senate and assembly, including at least one member of the majority party and at least one member of the minority party from each house, appointed by the joint legislative council.
(c) The actual and necessary expenses incurred in attending meetings of the special committee shall be paid as follows:
1. The joint legislative council shall pay the expenses incurred by the members appointed under par. (b) 1., in performing their functions on the special committee, from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (3) (e).
2. The state departments shall pay the expenses of their representatives in connection with the work of the technical advisory committee under par. (f).
(f) The special committee shall be assisted by a technical advisory committee composed of 8 members representing the following:
1. The department of health services.
2. The department of workforce development.
2m. The department of children and families.
3. The department of justice.
4. The department of natural resources.
5. The department of public instruction.
6. The department of revenue.
7. The department of transportation.
Wis. Stat. § 13.085 Bills increasing certain tax rates
(1) Except as provided in sub. (2), no house of the legislature may pass a bill that increases the rate of the state sales tax or that increases any of the rates of the income tax or franchise tax unless the bill is approved by two-thirds of those members present and voting.
(2) Subsection (1) shall not apply if the legislature passes a joint resolution requiring a statewide advisory referendum on the question of whether the legislature should authorize the tax increase provided in the bill and a majority of voters voting at the referendum vote to approve the tax increase.
Wis. Stat. § 13.90 Duties and powers of the joint committee on legislative organization
(1) The joint committee on legislative organization shall be the policy-making board for the legislative reference bureau, the legislative fiscal bureau, the legislative audit bureau, the legislative human resources office, and the legislative technology services bureau. The committee shall:
(a) Determine the types of tasks to be assigned to each legislative service bureau or staff within statutory limitations, and the quantity and quality thereof.
(b) Consider and approve the budget of each bureau or staff.
(c) Meet at such times as it may determine to carry out its policy-making duties, and for the purposes of this paragraph the committee may provide a method of procuring decisions by mail.
(d) Promulgate rules under ch. 227 required for the proper operation of each legislative service bureau or staff.
(f) Employ an outside staff of professional consultants for the purpose of studying ways to improve legislative staff services and organization. Without limitation because of enumeration, this study shall cover legislative service agencies, the management of legislative business, legislative compensation, legislative office space, and the increasing amounts of time required by legislative duties.
(g) Supervise the development of programs for computer use and approve and monitor computer operations in the legislative process. All contracts for legislative computer equipment and services shall be signed by the cochairpersons.
(h) Determine the officer who has operational responsibility for legislative document sales and distribution under s. 35.87.
(i) Determine and approve a parking plan for the state capitol park consistent with s. 16.843.
(j) Recommend to the legislature a newspaper to serve as the official state newspaper as provided in s. 985.04.
(k) Designate the individuals authorized to sign joint purchasing contracts for the senate and assembly and the legislative service agencies under s. 16.74 (2).
(L) Determine the method of sale and prices for subscriptions to legislative documents and the operational responsibility for any legislative document subscription services provided under s. 35.87.
(1m)
(a) In this subsection, “legislative service agency” means the legislative council staff, the legislative audit bureau, the legislative fiscal bureau, the legislative reference bureau, the legislative human resources office, and the legislative technology services bureau.
(b) The joint committee on legislative organization shall select the head of each legislative service agency. The appointment of each legislative service agency head shall be made without regard to political affiliation in order to safeguard the nonpartisan character of each legislative service agency. In the case of the state auditor, the joint legislative audit committee shall make recommendations for the approval of the joint committee on legislative organization. The committee shall designate an employee of each legislative service agency to exercise the powers and authority of each legislative service agency head in case of absence or disability.
(2) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization or their designated agent shall accept service made under ss. 806.04 (11) and 893.825 (2). If the committee, the senate organization committee, or the assembly organization committee determines that the legislature should intervene in the proceeding as provided under s. 803.09 (2m), the assembly shall represent the assembly, the senate shall represent the senate, and the joint committee on legislative organization shall represent the legislature. The costs of participation in the proceeding shall be paid equally from the appropriations under s. 20.765 (1) (a) and (b), except that such costs incurred by the department of justice shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.455 (1) (d).
(3)
(a) In this subsection, “legislative service agency” has the meaning given in sub. (1m).
(b) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization shall lease or acquire office space for legislative offices or legislative service agencies under par. (c).
(c) The joint committee on legislative organization shall assign office space for legislative offices and the offices of the legislative service agencies. The joint committee may assign any space in the capitol not reserved for other uses under s. 16.835. Except as provided in ss. 13.09 (6) and 13.45 (4) (c), the joint committee may locate any legislative office or the office of any legislative service agency outside the capitol at another suitable building in the city of Madison.
(4) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization shall authorize payment of fees entitling the legislature to membership in national organizations from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (3) (fa).
(5) The joint committee on legislative organization may contract for the services of persons to advise those building commission members who also are legislators on matters related to the state’s issuance of state debt, revenue obligations and operating notes under ch. 18.
(6) The joint committee on legislative organization shall adopt, revise biennially and submit to the cochairpersons of the joint committee on information policy and technology, the governor and the secretary of administration, no later than September 15 of each even-numbered year, a strategic plan for the utilization of information technology to carry out the functions of the legislature and legislative service agencies, as defined in s. 16.70 (6). The plan shall address the business needs of the legislature and legislative service agencies and shall identify all resources relating to information technology which the legislature and legislative service agencies desire to acquire, contingent upon funding availability, the priority for such acquisitions and the justification for such acquisitions. The plan shall also identify any changes in the functioning of the legislature and legislative service agencies under the plan.
(8) The joint committee on legislative organization may designate a joint committee or another body within the legislative branch to oversee the provision of information technology support and services by the legislative technology services bureau.
(9) The joint committee on legislative organization may direct the department of administration to take possession of any furnishing to which the department has title under s. 16.838 (2), to restore any furnishing in the department’s possession, if necessary, and to locate any such furnishing at the place in the capitol building specified by the committee.
Wis. Stat. § 13.91 Legislative council staff
There is created a bureau known as the “Legislative Council Staff”, headed by a director. The legislative council staff shall be strictly nonpartisan and shall at all times observe the confidential nature of the research and drafting requests received by it. The legislative council staff may call upon any state department, agency or officer, or any agency of any political subdivision, for such facilities and data as are available and such departments and agencies shall cooperate with the legislative council staff to the fullest possible extent.
(1) Duties of the staff. The legislative council staff shall:
(a) Provide staff services to the joint legislative council under s. 13.81 and to any of the committees appointed under ss. 13.82 and 13.83.
(b) As directed by the joint legislative council, gather information and prepare written studies on topics referred to the council by the legislature or which seem desirable to the council.
(c) Perform the functions prescribed in ch. 227 relating to administrative rules and guidance documents.
(d) Provide staff services to assist the legislature in identifying and responding to issues relating to the Wisconsin Retirement System. In the performance of these duties, the legislative council staff shall:
1. Provide legal and research staff services to the joint survey committee on retirement systems under s. 13.50.
2. Prepare fiscal estimates on bills referred to the joint survey committee on retirement systems.
3. Facilitate communication between the legislature and participants in the Wisconsin Retirement System on issues relating to public employee retirement systems.
4. Every 2 years, prepare a comparative study of major public employee retirement systems in the United States.
5. In consultation with groups representing participants in the Wisconsin Retirement System, suggest to the cochairpersons of the joint legislative council any feasible subjects for study or investigation of public employee retirement issues with respect to which committees may be appointed under s. 13.82.
(2) Duties of the director. The director of the legislative council staff shall:
(a) Supervise and train the personnel assigned to him or her.
(b) Supervise all expenditures of the legislative council staff.
(c) Attend all scheduled meetings of the joint legislative council under s. 13.81, and may attend meetings of any of its committees under ss. 13.82 and 13.83.
(d) Attend, personally or through a professional employee of the legislative council staff designated by him or her, all meetings of the commission on uniform state laws under s. 13.55.
(e) Attend and participate in, personally or through a designated employee of the legislative council staff, midwest and national meetings in which the commission on uniform state laws participates and that will benefit the operations of the legislative council staff.
Wis. Stat. § 13.92 Legislative reference bureau
There is created a bureau to be known as the “Legislative Reference Bureau,” headed by the chief of legislative reference bureau. The legislative reference bureau shall be strictly nonpartisan and shall at all times observe the confidential nature of the reference or drafting requests received by it.
(1) Duties of the bureau.
(a) Reference section. The legislative reference bureau shall perform reference services for all members of the legislature equally and impartially and to the limits of its facilities and staff. Such reference services shall be available also to public officials, students of government and citizens generally. In the performance of its reference services, the bureau shall:
1. Collect, index and make available in the most suitable form to legislators, other public officials, students of government and citizens generally, information relative to governmental subjects which will aid the legislature, other public officials and the citizens generally, to perform their duties in the most efficient and economical manner.
2. Maintain an adequate collection of public documents of Wisconsin and other states and carry out loan arrangements with libraries.
3. Maintain the drafting records of legislation introduced in prior sessions of the legislature and utilize such records to provide information on questions of legislative intent. Such records shall be retained in the offices of the bureau at all times.
4. Utilize the materials assembled in its collection and other suitable materials to prepare studies and reports providing pertinent information regarding subjects which are or may become items of concern to the legislature, other public officials or the public generally, and where warranted publish such reports and studies in the most expeditious manner.
5. Prepare copy for the biennial Wisconsin Blue Book.
6. Beginning with the date of the decennial federal census of population and ending on December 1 of the 2nd year commencing after such census, prepare and publish such street and ward maps of the municipalities in this state as are required to show the boundary lines of congressional and legislative districts based on that census. Following the final approval of the redistricting plans, the bureau shall transfer the maps used to show the district boundaries contained in such plans to the department of administration under s. 16.96 (3) (b).
(b) Drafting section. The legislative reference bureau shall provide drafting services equally and impartially and to the limits of its facilities and staff. In the performance of its drafting services, the bureau shall:
1. Prepare in the proper form all legislation to be introduced in the legislature. Only the following persons may use the drafting services of the bureau for this purpose:
a. Any member or member-elect of the legislature and, on behalf of each committee thereof, the chairperson.
b. Any agency, as defined in s. 16.70 (1e), created under ch. 13, 14, 15, or 758.
c. The chief clerk of either house of the legislature for requests pertaining to the operation of the legislature.
d. A party caucus of either house of the legislature.
2. Prepare in plain language an analysis of each original measure, to be printed with the measure when it is introduced. On the printed measure, the analysis shall be displayed single-spaced between the title and the enacting clause.
3. As a service to the senate and assembly, and as directed by the chief clerks thereof, enroll all measures passed by the legislature.
a. Promptly after the passage of any bill, any joint resolution amending the constitution, or any other resolution determined by the chief clerks to require enrollment and, in the case of a bill, before it is presented to the governor for approval, the chief clerk of the house in which the measure originated shall deliver the jacket to the bureau, which shall enroll the proposal and return the jacket and the required number of copies to the chief clerk.
b. Of the copies delivered to the chief clerk, one copy shall be used as the official enrolled measure to be authenticated as provided by the rules and, in the case of an enrolled bill, be submitted to the governor for the governor’s approval. The remaining copies shall be distributed as provided by the rules and as determined by the chief clerks.
c. Each enrolled proposal, or printed copy thereof, shall carry a heading “State of Wisconsin” as do bills and joint resolutions.
d. After passage of any bill that, if enacted, would create congressional districts under ch. 3, in enrolling the bill for presentation to the governor for approval, the legislative reference bureau shall attach to the bill an appendix containing the population statistics for the congressional districts created under the bill; a statewide map of the congressional districts created under the bill; a map of the congressional districts created under the bill that are in Milwaukee County; and, for any city, village, or town that, under the bill, is divided among 2 or more congressional districts, except a city or village located in more than one county if the district line follows the county line, a detail map illustrating the division of the city, village, or town among the congressional districts.
e. After passage of any bill that, if enacted, would create legislative districts under ch. 4, in enrolling the bill for presentation to the governor for approval, the legislative reference bureau shall attach to the bill an appendix containing the population statistics for the legislative districts created under the bill; a statewide map of each type of legislative district created under the bill; a map of the legislative districts created under the bill that are in Milwaukee County; and, for any city, village, or town that, under the bill, is divided among 2 or more legislative districts, except a city or village located in more than one county if the district line follows the county line, a detail map illustrating the division of the city, village, or town among the legislative districts.
4. Publish each act on its date of publication as prescribed under s. 35.095 (1) (b). The bureau shall enter the act number, date of enactment, and date of publication of each act on the copy and deliver it to the contract printer for reproduction of printed copies. The publication shall identify material deleted from existing law by stricken type, and material inserted into existing law by underscored type. In any act published “vetoed in part”, the material subject to the veto shall be displayed in full but shall be identified by distinguishing marks. The bureau shall make printed copies available as soon as possible following publication of the act. The number of copies printed, and the quality of paper used, shall be as provided in the joint rules and as further determined by the joint committee on legislative organization.
5. Prepare a biennial list of numerical cross-references in the statutes to other parts of the statutes.
6. Publish the “Laws of Wisconsin” under s. 35.15.
(bm) Revision of statutes. The legislative reference bureau shall prepare the Wisconsin statutes for publication under s. 35.18 (1), and for this purpose it:
1. Shall formulate and prepare a definite plan for the order, classification, arrangement, and publication of the statutes, and prepare and at each session of the legislature present bills to the law revision committee of the joint legislative council containing such consolidation, revision, and other matter relating to the statutes as time permits.
2. May renumber any chapter or section of the statutes for the purpose of revision, and shall change reference numbers to agree with any renumbered chapter or section. Where the term “preceding section” or similar expressions are used in the statutes the bureau may change the same by inserting the proper section or chapter reference.
3. May, where the application or effect of a statute, by its terms, depends on the time when the act creating the statute took effect, substitute the actual effective date for the various forms of expression which mean that date, such as “when this act (or chapter, or section) takes effect”, or “after (or before) the effective date of this act (or chapter, or section)”, in publishing the Wisconsin statutes under s. 35.18 (1).
4. May delete useless words such as “of the statutes”, “of this section”, “hereof”, “immediately above”, “inclusive” and the like, where such words appear immediately after a chapter, section or subsection reference.
5. May delete useless words in statutory references such as “any of the provisions of” or “any of the requirements of” and the like when they appear immediately before a reference to a chapter, section, subsection or paragraph of the statutes.
6. May delete the word “hereby” wherever used in connection with the verbs “consents”, “grants”, “gives” or “declares” or other verbs.
7. May substitute the word “deems” for the words “may deem”.
8. May substitute the word “may” for the phrase “is hereby authorized to” or similar phrases.
9. May substitute “this state” for the phrase “the state of Wisconsin”.
10. May change an incorrect form of a pronoun to the correct form.
11. May insert the USC citations for federal acts.
12. May delete surplus words and modernize language in penalty provisions to correspond to current drafting style. No such change shall have the effect of increasing or decreasing any penalty.
13. Shall, whenever any statute is affected by any act of the legislature, and may, at the bureau’s discretion, ensure that the statutory language does not discriminate on the basis of sex by making the following corrections, which shall have no substantive effect:
a. Delete any masculine or feminine pronoun or adjective, except where the statute clearly applies to one sex only, and replace it, if necessary, with terminology which does not discriminate on the basis of sex.
b. Replace words of male or female gender, such as man, wife and widow, with terms such as person, spouse and surviving spouse, except where the statute clearly applies to one sex only.
c. Make other corrections to remove from the statutes or to replace terminology which discriminates on the basis of sex.
14. Shall prepare for introduction in the legislature legislation substituting English terms for Latin terms in the statutes.
15. Shall identify for deletion by the legislature provisions that have no legal effect.
16. Shall include an index of statutes of limitation and statutes establishing procedures for assertion of claims against governmental units or their employees in ch. 893 of each biennial edition of the Wisconsin statutes.
(c) Drafting records; when confidential. While the legislature remains in session the drafting section shall maintain the files for all drafting requests received during such session, but after final adjournment the drafting records to legislation introduced shall be turned over to the reference section under par. (a) 3. Records of drafting requests which did not result in legislation introduced shall remain confidential at all times and may be maintained by the drafting section in such form as will facilitate its operations.
(e) Legislative documents. Payments for the following costs shall be administered by the legislative reference bureau:
1. Providing printing and duplicating services to the legislature and its service agencies.
2. Printing of legislative proposals or amendments and, when so ordered by either house, engrossed or enrolled proposals, under s. 35.05.
3. Publication of the Laws of Wisconsin under s. 35.15 and acts under s. 35.095.
4. Printing of the Wisconsin Blue Book under s. 35.24.
5. Microfilming, optical imaging or electronic formatting of reference materials and legislative drafting records under par. (a) 1. and 3.
6. Acquisition of materials and information for legislative service agency libraries and legislative document production.
(f) Archives.
1. The legislative reference bureau shall permanently maintain each act published under s. 35.095 (3) (a) on the Internet in an electronic file format that the legislative reference bureau determines to be appropriate to allow for the continued usability of the previously published acts and may change the electronic file format over time to assure continued usability.
2. The legislative reference bureau shall maintain a permanent database of the statutes published under s. 35.18 (1) (b) in an electronic file format that the legislative reference bureau determines to be appropriate to allow for the continued usability of the previously published statutes and may change the electronic file format over time to assure continued usability.
3. The legislative reference bureau shall permanently maintain each Wisconsin administrative register published under s. 35.93 (2) on the Internet in an electronic file format that the legislative reference bureau determines to be appropriate to allow for the continued usability of the previously published registers and may change the electronic file format over time to assure continued usability.
4.
a. The legislative reference bureau shall permanently maintain each chapter of the Wisconsin administrative code published under s. 35.93 (3) on the Internet in an electronic file format that the legislative reference bureau determines to be appropriate to allow for the continued usability of the previously published chapters and may change the electronic file format over time to assure continued usability.
b. The legislative reference bureau shall print one or more copies of each administrative code chapter published under s. 35.93 (3) and preserve the printed copies as a permanent archive. The legislative reference bureau may print and distribute additional copies to other agencies or persons as it considers to be appropriate for archival purposes.
(2) Duties of the chief. The chief of the legislative reference bureau shall:
(a) Employ, supervise and train the personnel assigned to the chief.
(b) Supervise all expenditures of the legislative reference bureau.
(c) Serve as editor of the biennial Wisconsin Blue Book.
(d) Cooperate with the legislative service agencies of other states and foreign countries toward the better exchange of information.
(f) Attend, personally or through a professional employee under sub. (1) (b) designated by the chief, all meetings of the commission on uniform state laws under s. 13.55 and the midwest and national meetings in which the commission participates.
(h) Recommend to the joint committee on legislative organization prices for subscriptions to the legislative document distribution service under s. 35.87, including any portion of the service provided separately.
(i) Serve as editor of the Wisconsin statutes. If 2 or more acts of a legislative session affect the same statutory unit without taking cognizance of the effect thereon of the other acts and if the chief finds that there is no mutual inconsistency in the changes made by each such act, the chief shall incorporate the changes made by each act into the text of the statutory unit and document the incorporation in a note to the statutory unit. For each such incorporation, the chief shall include in a correction bill a provision formally validating the incorporation. Section 990.07 is not affected by decisions made by the chief under this paragraph.
(j) Prior to the end of each even-numbered year, report to the law revision committee those reported opinions of the attorney general, and those reported decisions of any federal district court, or any state or federal appellate court, in which Wisconsin statutes or session laws are stated to be in conflict, ambiguous, anachronistic, unconstitutional, or otherwise in need of revision.
(jg) Prior to the end of each even-numbered year, report to the joint committee for review of administrative rules regarding rules in the Wisconsin administrative code that the chief has identified as possibly being in need of revision.
(jm) Attend all scheduled meetings and serve as the nonvoting secretary of the committee for review of administrative rules under s. 13.56. The chief of the legislative reference bureau may designate an employee to perform the duties under this paragraph.
(k) Approve specifications and scheduling for computer databases containing the Wisconsin statutes and for the printing of the Wisconsin statutes as prescribed in ss. 16.971 (6) and 35.56 (5).
(L) In cooperation with the law revision committee, systematically examine and identify for revision by the legislature the statutes and session laws to eliminate defects, anachronisms, conflicts, ambiguities, and unconstitutional or obsolete provisions. The chief shall prepare and, at each session of the legislature, present to the law revision committee bills that eliminate identified defects, anachronisms, conflicts, ambiguities, and unconstitutional or obsolete provisions. These bills may include minor substantive changes in the statutes and session laws necessary to accomplish the purposes of this paragraph. The chief may resubmit to the law revision committee in subsequent sessions of the legislature any bill prepared under this paragraph that was not enacted.
(2m) Publication costs. Payments for the following costs shall be administered by the legislative reference bureau:
(a) Publication of the Wisconsin statutes under s. 35.18 (1).
(b) Publication of the Wisconsin town law forms under s. 35.20.
(d) Publication of the Wisconsin administrative code and register under s. 35.93.
(3) Treatment of certain legislative reference bureau employees.
(a) Notwithstanding s. 230.08 (2) (fc), those employees holding positions in the classified service at the legislative reference bureau on June 16, 1998, who have achieved permanent status in class before that date, shall retain, while serving in the unclassified service at the legislative reference bureau, those protections afforded employees in the classified service under ss. 230.34 (1) (a) and 230.44 (1) (c) relating to demotion, suspension, discharge, layoff or reduction in base pay. Such employees shall also have reinstatement privileges to the classified service as provided under s. 230.33 (1). Those employees of the legislative reference bureau holding positions in the classified service on June 16, 1998, who have not achieved permanent status in class in any position at the legislative reference bureau on that date are eligible to receive the protections, privileges and rights preserved under this subsection if they successfully complete service equivalent to the probationary period required in the classified service for the position which they hold on that date.
(b) Notwithstanding s. 230.08 (2) (fc), those employees holding positions in the classified service at the revisor of statutes bureau on October 27, 2007, who have achieved permanent status in class before that date, if they become employed by the legislative reference bureau under 2007 Wisconsin Act 20, section 9130 (1f) (d) 1. or 2., shall retain, while serving in the unclassified service at the legislative reference bureau, those protections afforded employees in the classified service under ss. 230.34 (1) (a) and 230.44 (1) (c) relating to demotion, suspension, discharge, layoff, or reduction in base pay. Each such employee shall also have reinstatement privileges to the classified service as provided under s. 230.31 (1) and any other reinstatement privileges or restoration rights provided under an applicable collective bargaining agreement under subch. V of ch. 111 covering the employee on October 27, 2007.
(4) Wisconsin administrative code.
(a) The legislative reference bureau shall compile and publish the Wisconsin administrative code as provided in s. 35.93 (3). Whenever the legislative reference bureau receives notice under s. 227.40 (6) of the entry of a declaratory judgment determining the validity or invalidity of a rule, the legislative reference bureau shall insert an annotation of that determination in the Wisconsin administrative code under the rule that was the subject of the determination.
(b) The legislative reference bureau may do any of the following:
1. Renumber any provision of the Wisconsin administrative code and, if it does so, shall change cross-references to agree with the renumbered provision.
2. Change the title of any rule.
3. Insert the proper cross-reference wherever “preceding section” or a similar term is used in the code.
4. Delete surplus words such as “of this rule”, “of this code”, “of the statutes”, “hereof” and “immediately above”.
5. Delete any masculine or feminine pronoun or adjective, except where the rule clearly applies to only one sex, and, if necessary, replace it with sex-neutral terminology.
6. Change any incorrect agency name or address.
7. Change any incorrect cross-reference to a federal or state statute, rule or regulation.
8. Delete “hereby” when it is used in connection with a verb such as “consents”, “grants”, “gives” or “declares”.
9. Substitute “deems” for “may deem”.
10. Substitute “may” for a phrase such as “is hereby authorized to”.
11. Substitute “this state” for “the state of Wisconsin”.
12. Change any incorrect form of a word to the correct form.
13. Insert the U.S. code citation for the citation to a federal act.
14. If the application or effect of a rule, by its terms, depends on the time when the rule takes effect, substitute the actual effective date for a phrase which means that date, such as “when this rule takes effect”, “on the effective date of this rule” or “after the effective date of this rule”.
15. Delete obsolete rules promulgated by an agency that no longer exists.
16. Delete severability provisions.
(bm) If 2 or more rules filed under s. 227.20 or modified under s. 227.265 affect the same unit of the Wisconsin administrative code without taking cognizance of the effect thereon of the other rules and if the legislative reference bureau finds that there is no mutual inconsistency in the changes made by each such rule, the legislative reference bureau shall incorporate the changes made by each rule into the text of the unit and document the incorporation in a note to the unit. For each such incorporation, the legislative reference bureau shall include in a correction bill a provision formally validating the incorporation. Section 227.27 (2) is not affected by printing decisions made by the legislative reference bureau under this paragraph.
(c) The legislative reference bureau may insert in the Wisconsin administrative code a note explaining any change made under par. (b) or (bm).
(d) Sections 227.114, 227.116, 227.135, and 227.14 to 227.24 do not apply to any change made by the legislative reference bureau under par. (b) or (bm).
(e) The legislative reference bureau shall prepare and keep on file a record of each change made under par. (b) or (bm).
(f) The legislative reference bureau shall notify the agency involved of each change made under par. (b) or (bm).
Wis. Stat. § 13.093 Reference of bills to joint committee on finance
(1) All bills introduced in either house of the legislature for the appropriation of money, providing for revenue or relating to taxation shall be referred to the joint committee on finance before being passed.
(2)
(a) Any bill making an appropriation, any bill increasing or decreasing existing appropriations or state or general local government fiscal liability or revenues, and any bill that modifies an existing surcharge or creates a new surcharge that is imposed under ch. 814, shall, before any vote is taken thereon by either house of the legislature if the bill is not referred to a standing committee, or before any public hearing is held before any standing committee or, if no public hearing is held, before any vote is taken by the committee, incorporate a reliable estimate of the anticipated change in appropriation authority or state or general local government fiscal liability or revenues under the bill, including to the extent possible a projection of such changes in future biennia. The estimate shall also indicate whether any increased costs incurred by the state under the bill can be mitigated through the use of contractual service contracts let in accordance with competitive procedures. For purposes of this paragraph, a bill increasing or decreasing the liability or revenues of the unemployment reserve fund is considered to increase or decrease state fiscal liability or revenues. Except as otherwise provided by joint rules of the legislature or this paragraph, such estimates shall be made by the department or agency administering the appropriation or fund or collecting the revenue. The legislative council staff shall prepare the fiscal estimate with respect to the provisions of any bill referred to the joint survey committee on retirement systems which create or modify any system for, or make any provision for, the retirement of or payment of pensions to public officers or employees. The director of state courts shall prepare the fiscal estimate with respect to the provisions of any bill that modifies an existing surcharge or creates a new surcharge that is imposed under ch. 814. When a fiscal estimate is prepared after the bill has been introduced, it shall be printed and distributed as are amendments.
(b) Executive budget bills introduced under s. 16.47 (1) are exempt from the fiscal estimate requirement under par. (a) but shall, if they contain a provision affecting a public retirement fund or providing a tax exemption, be analyzed as to those provisions by the respective joint survey committee. If such a bill contains a provision providing a tax exemption, the bill shall be simultaneously referred to the joint survey committee on tax exemptions and the joint committee on finance. The report of the joint survey committee on tax exemptions shall be prepared within 60 days of introduction for bills introduced under s. 16.47 (1).
Wis. Stat. § 13.94 Legislative audit bureau
There is created a bureau to be known as the “Legislative Audit Bureau,” headed by a chief known as the “State Auditor.” The bureau shall be strictly nonpartisan and shall at all times observe the confidential nature of any audit currently being performed. Subject to s. 230.35 (4) (a) and (f), the state auditor or designated employees shall at all times with or without notice have access to all departments and to any books, records or other documents maintained by the departments and relating to their expenditures, revenues, operations and structure, including specifically any such books, records, or other documents that are confidential by law, except as provided in sub. (4) and except that access to documents of counties, cities, villages, towns or school districts is limited to work performed in connection with audits authorized under sub. (1) (m) and except that access to documents of the opportunity schools and partnership programs under s. 119.33, subch. IX of ch. 115, and subch. II of ch. 119 is limited to work performed in connection with audits authorized under sub. (1) (os). In the discharge of any duty imposed by law, the state auditor may subpoena witnesses, administer oaths and take testimony and cause the deposition of witnesses to be taken as prescribed for taking depositions in civil actions in circuit courts.
(1) Duties of the bureau. The legislative audit bureau shall be responsible for conducting postaudits of the accounts and other financial records of departments to assure that all financial transactions have been made in a legal and proper manner. In connection with such postaudits, the legislative audit bureau shall review the performance and program accomplishments of the department during the fiscal period for which the audit is being conducted to determine whether the department carried out the policy of the legislature and the governor during the period for which the appropriations were made. In performing postaudits under this subsection, the legislative audit bureau shall not examine issues related to academic freedom within the University of Wisconsin System. A postaudit shall not examine into or comment upon the content of the various academic programs, including degree requirements, majors, curriculum or courses within the University of Wisconsin System, nor shall any such postaudit examine into the manner in which individual faculty members or groups of faculty members conduct their instructional, research or public service activities. This subsection does not preclude the bureau from reviewing the procedures by which decisions are made and priorities set in the University of Wisconsin System, or the manner in which such decisions and priorities are implemented within the University of Wisconsin System, insofar as such review is not inconsistent with s. 36.09. The legislative audit bureau shall audit the fiscal concerns of the state as required by law. To this end, it shall:
(b) At the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, audit the records of each department. Audits of the records of a county, city, village, town, or school district may be performed only as provided in par. (m). Audits of the records of the opportunity schools and partnership programs under s. 119.33, subch. IX of ch. 115, and subch. II of ch. 119 may be performed only as provided in par. (os). After completion of any audit under this paragraph, the bureau shall file with the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, the governor, the department of administration, the legislative reference bureau, the joint committee on finance, the legislative fiscal bureau, and the department audited, a detailed report of the audit, including the bureau’s recommendations for improvement and efficiency and including specific instances, if any, of illegal or improper expenditures. The chief clerks shall distribute the report to the joint legislative audit committee, the appropriate standing committees of the legislature, and the joint committee on legislative organization.
(br)
1. Maintain a toll-free telephone number with voice mail at the bureau’s office to receive reports of fraud, waste, and mismanagement in state government. Except as provided in subd. 2., the bureau shall relay these reports to the appropriate bureau employee for investigation. If the bureau has a bureau employee investigate the report, the employee may, subject to subd. 3., consult with any department for any purpose related to the investigation. The bureau shall publicize the toll-free telephone number on the bureau’s Internet site. The bureau shall maintain records that permit the release of information provided by informants while protecting the identity of the informant. Any records maintained by the bureau that relate to the identity of informants shall be only for the confidential use of the bureau in the administration of this section, unless the informant expressly agrees to release the records. Appearance in court as a witness shall not be considered consent by an informant to release confidential records maintained by the bureau.
2. In lieu of requiring a bureau employee to conduct an investigation of a report received under subd. 1., the bureau may refer a report to a department for investigation. The department shall conduct the investigation and deliver the results of the investigation to the bureau in a timely manner.
3. The bureau shall at all times before an investigation of a report received under subd. 1. is completed keep confidential the report and investigation and any information arising from the investigation, except as necessary to conduct the investigation.
(c) At the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, audit the central accounting records of the department of administration. A detailed report of such audit shall be filed as provided by par. (b), and copies shall be provided to each member or member-elect of the legislature and shall be available in limited number to the public. The bureau shall also prepare a summary of such audit report, for distribution in the same manner as the Wisconsin Blue Book under s. 35.84.
(dc) At least once every 5 years, contract for the performance of an actuarial audit of the Wisconsin retirement system. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(dd) Annually, conduct a financial audit of the department of employee trust funds, to include financial statements and an evaluation of accounting controls and accounting records maintained by the department for individual participants and employers. Within 30 days after completion of such audit the bureau shall file with the governor, the legislative reference bureau, the department of administration and the department of employee trust funds a detailed report thereof, including specific instances, if any, of illegal or improper transactions.
(de) At least once every 3 years, perform a financial audit of the state life insurance fund and the injured patients and families compensation fund.
(df) Annually, perform a financial audit of the investment board, including an assessment of the fair presentation of the financial statements and an evaluation of the internal control structure of the board. As part of the financial audit, the bureau shall identify certain statutes and policies and guidelines adopted by the board and shall determine the extent of compliance by the board with the statutes, policies and guidelines. Biennially, the bureau shall conduct a performance evaluation audit of the investment board that includes an audit of the board’s policies and management practices.
(dg) At the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, perform a financial audit of expenditures made under the grants for dental services under s. 250.10.
(dm) At the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, perform a financial audit of the state fair park board and of any private corporation with which the board contracts under s. 42.01 (4) (b).
(dp) In addition to any other audit to be performed under this section relating to veterans homes, perform one or more financial audits of the operation of the Wisconsin Veterans Home at Chippewa Falls by any private entity with which the department of veterans affairs enters into an agreement under s. 45.50 (2m) (c). The audit shall be performed at such time as the legislature directs.
(dr) Biennially, beginning in 2013, conduct a financial audit of the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation and a program evaluation audit of the economic development programs administered by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation under ch. 238. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(ds) After June 30, 2026, conduct a program evaluation audit of the agricultural exports program under s. 93.425. No later than December 31, 2026, the legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(e) Make such special examinations of the accounts and financial transactions of any department, agency or officer as the legislature, joint legislative audit committee or joint committee on legislative organization directs. Examinations of the accounts and transactions of a county, city, village, town, or, subject to par. (os), of a school district, may be performed only as authorized in par. (m).
(eg) At the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, conduct a performance evaluation audit of the division of gaming in the department of administration. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the department of justice and with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(em) Annually conduct a financial audit of the state lottery, and, to the extent of the department of revenue’s participation, of any multijurisdictional lotteries in which the state participates under ch. 565, and at the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, conduct a performance audit of the state lottery and, to the extent of the department of revenue’s participation, of those multijurisdictional lotteries, as provided in s. 565.37 (1). The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the department of justice and with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(h) Disseminate information concerning department accounting, auditing and fiscal matters.
(i) Prepare a statement of recommendations submitted in each audit report pertaining to department operations, which statement shall be available to any person upon request.
(j) Prepare a biennial report of its activities, including recommendations for efficiency and economy in the expenditure of appropriations made by the legislature. The bureau shall file the report with the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) at the beginning of each regular session and with the governor and department of administration no later than January 15 of each odd-numbered year.
(L) Monitor and review purchases and purchasing procedures of departments and, at the state auditor’s discretion or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, report to the joint legislative audit committee concerning the extent to which departments purchase materials, supplies, or equipment manufactured outside of the United States.
(m) Audit the records of any county, city, village, town or school district at the direction of the joint legislative audit committee. The committee may direct an audit of a county department under s. 46.215 at any time. The committee may not direct more than 3 other audits of counties, cities, villages, towns or school districts in any calendar year.
(mg) At the state auditor’s discretion, or as the joint legislative audit committee directs, perform a financial and performance evaluation audit of the Milwaukee County mental health board and of mental health functions, programs, and services in Milwaukee County including a review of the effectiveness of the Milwaukee County mental health board and new policies implemented under that board in providing mental health services, a review of the expenditures of the Milwaukee County mental health board, a review of Milwaukee County’s expenditures for mental health functions, programs, and services and the outcomes of those programs and services in the period after the formation of the Milwaukee County mental health board. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of the audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b) and the Milwaukee County executive and the Milwaukee County board of supervisors. The audit under this paragraph does not count toward the limit of audits of a county in a calendar year in par. (m).
(os) Beginning in 2017, and biennially thereafter, prepare a performance evaluation audit of the opportunity schools and partnership programs under s. 119.33, subch. IX of ch. 115, and subch. II of ch. 119. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of the report of the audit under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(t) Annually conduct a financial audit of the University of Wisconsin System. This audit shall also include an evaluation of compliance with the requirements under s. 36.11 (3) (b). The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(u) Beginning in 2018, annually for 5 years, evaluate the process used by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to verify information under s. 238.396 (4) (d) and evaluate whether the corporation appropriately verified, in accordance with statutory and contractual requirements, the amount of tax credits eligible claimants may claim under ss. 71.07 (3wm) and 71.28 (3wm).
(v) Conduct an audit, at the request of the department of corrections, of a county’s net operating costs for a secured residential care center for children and youth that holds female juveniles for the purpose of determining the amount, if any, of a net operating loss to be reimbursed by the department of corrections to a county under s. 301.373. The bureau shall report the result of the audit to the department of corrections as soon as practicable.
(w) Once every 5 years, conduct a financial audit of expenditures of revenues generated by the sales and use taxes imposed under ss. 77.70 (2) and 77.701.
(x) Annually, conduct a financial audit of the retirement systems of Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee, to include financial statements and an evaluation of accounting controls and accounting records maintained by the systems for individual participants and departments. Within 30 days after completion of such audit, the bureau shall file with the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), the governor, the legislative reference bureau, the department of administration, and the respective systems a detailed report thereof, including specific instances, if any, of illegal or improper transactions.
(y) At least once every 5 years, contract for an actuarial audit of the retirement systems of Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee.
(z) After the end of each fiscal biennium, concluding with the 2049-51 fiscal biennium, conduct a financial audit of a local professional baseball park district created under subch. III of ch. 229. The legislative audit bureau shall file a copy of each audit report under this paragraph with the distributees specified in par. (b).
(zm) Biennially, beginning in 2027, prepare a performance evaluation audit of the program to accredit productions for purposes of ss. 71.07 (5f) and (5h), 71.28 (5f) and (5h), and 71.47 (5f) and (5h) by the state film office.
(1m) Independent experts. The legislative audit bureau may contract for the services of such independent professional or technical experts as deemed necessary to carry out the statutory duties and functions of the bureau within the limits of the amount provided under s. 20.765 (3) (c) and, in the case of postaudits involving the performance and program accomplishments of a department, shall contract for the services of such subject matter and program specialists from any state or federal agency or public institution of higher learning as deemed necessary by the joint committee on legislative organization.
(1s) Authorized charges.
(a) Except as otherwise provided in par. (c), the legislative audit bureau may charge any department for the reasonable cost of auditing services performed at the request of a department or at the request of the federal government that the bureau is not required to perform under sub. (1) (b) or (c) or any other law. This paragraph does not apply to counties, cities, villages, towns, or school districts or to the opportunity schools and partnership programs under sub. (1) (os).
(b) The legislative audit bureau may charge the department of revenue for the reasonable costs of an audit performed under sub. (1) (em) and for verification of the odds of winning a lottery game under s. 565.37 (5).
(bm) The legislative audit bureau may charge the department of administration for the cost of an audit performed under sub. (1) (eg).
(c) The legislative audit bureau shall charge the following entities for the following audits:
1. The department of employee trust funds for the cost of the audits required to be performed under sub. (1) (dc) and (dd).
1m. The retirement systems of Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee for the cost of the audits required to be performed of those systems under sub. (1) (x) and (y).
1s. Milwaukee County and the city of Milwaukee for the cost of the audits required to be performed under sub. (1) (w).
2. The office of the commissioner of insurance for the cost of the audit required to be performed under sub. (1) (de).
3. The investment board for the cost of any audit required to be performed under sub. (1) (df).
5. The Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation for the cost of the audit required to be performed under sub. (1) (dr).
7. The state fair park board for the cost of an audit performed under sub. (1) (dm).
8. The University of Wisconsin System for the cost of an audit performed under sub. (1) (t).
9. The department of corrections for the cost of an audit performed under sub. (1) (v).
10. A local professional baseball park district created under subch. III of ch. 229 for the cost of the audit required to be performed under sub. (1) (z).
(2) State auditor, qualifications. To be eligible for appointment as state auditor a person shall have training equivalent to that represented by graduation from a college or university with work in accounting, finance, economics, statistics, program evaluation, business management or such other subjects as are determined by the joint committee on legislative organization to be appropriate.
(3) Duties of the state auditor. The state auditor shall:
(a) Direct the immediate operations of the bureau.
(b) Employ, supervise and train, outside the classified service, a deputy state auditor and other personnel assigned to the state auditor.
(c) Supervise all expenditures of the bureau.
(d) Execute such directions and requests as may be given by the joint committee on legislative organization pursuant to its statutory responsibility.
(e) Subject to the approval of the joint committee on legislative organization, attend such midwest and national meetings as will benefit the operation of the bureau.
(4) Scope of authority.
(a) In this section, “department” means:
1. Every state department, board, examining board, affiliated credentialing board, commission, independent agency, council or office in the executive branch of state government; all bodies created by the legislature in the legislative or judicial branch of state government; any public body corporate and politic created by the legislature including specifically the Fox River Navigational System Authority, the Lower Fox River Remediation Authority, the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, a professional baseball park district, a local professional football stadium district, a local cultural arts district and a long-term care district under s. 46.2895; every Wisconsin works agency under subch. III of ch. 49; every provider of medical assistance under subch. IV of ch. 49; technical college district boards; every county department under s. 51.42 or 51.437; every nonprofit corporation or cooperative or unincorporated cooperative association to which moneys are specifically appropriated by state law; and every corporation, institution, association or other organization which receives more than 50 percent of its annual budget from appropriations made by state law, including subgrantee or subcontractor recipients of such funds.
2. Any foundation, corporation or partnership created by an entity specified under subd. 1.
3. Any county, city, village, town or school district.
5. A local service agency designated under s. 101.35 (3), 1991 stats.
6. Any local exposition district under subch. II of ch. 229.
(b) In performing audits of long-term care districts under s. 46.2895, Wisconsin works agencies under subch. III of ch. 49, providers of medical assistance under subch. IV of ch. 49, corporations, institutions, associations, or other organizations, and their subgrantees or subcontractors, the legislative audit bureau shall audit only the records and operations of such providers and organizations which pertain to the receipt, disbursement or other handling of appropriations made by state law.
(c) In performing audits of a county department under s. 46.215, the legislative audit bureau may include program, fiscal, compliance and management elements in the audit and the audit may be directed toward any of the following:
1. Examination of procedures for applying for and receiving grants and services administered by the county department under s. 46.215.
2. A general examination of the efficiency and effectiveness with which programs are administered by the county department under s. 46.215.
3. A measurement of how effectively the goals and objectives of programs are being met by the county department under s. 46.215, including a determination of whether the county department has considered alternatives which might yield the desired results at a lower cost.
4. An examination of whether financial operations are properly conducted, whether the financial and accounting reports of the county department under s. 46.215 are fairly presented and whether the county department has complied with applicable laws, rules and regulations of the state and federal governments governing the programs under its administration.
(5) Treatment of classified employees. Notwithstanding sub. (3) (b), those individuals holding positions in the classified service at the legislative audit bureau who achieved permanent status in class on July 31, 1981, shall retain, while serving in the unclassified service in the legislative audit bureau, those protections afforded employees in the classified service under ss. 230.34 (1) (a) and 230.44 (1) (c) relating to demotion, suspension, discharge or layoff, except that the applicability of any reduction in base pay of such an employee shall be determined on the basis of the base pay received by the employee on July 31, 1981, plus the total amount of any subsequent general economic increases approved by the joint committee on employment relations for nonrepresented employees in the classified service. Such employees shall also have reinstatement privileges to the classified service as provided under s. 230.33 (1). Employees of the legislative audit bureau holding positions in the classified service on July 3l, 1981, who have not achieved permanent status in class in any position in the legislative audit bureau on that date are eligible to receive the protections and privileges preserved under this subsection if they successfully complete the probationary period required for the position which they hold.
(8) County and municipal best practices reviews.
(a) In this subsection, “municipality” means a city, village or town.
(b) The state auditor shall undertake periodic reviews to:
1. Examine the procedures and practices used by counties and municipalities to deliver governmental services.
2. Determine the methods of governmental service delivery.
3. Identify variations in costs and effectiveness of such services between counties and municipalities.
4. Recommend practices to save money or provide more effective service delivery.
(c) The state auditor shall determine the frequency, scope and subject of any reviews conducted under par. (b).
(d) To assist the state auditor with the selection of county and municipal practices to be reviewed by the auditor, the auditor shall establish an advisory council consisting of the following members appointed by the auditor:
1. Two members chosen from among 6 names submitted by the Wisconsin Counties Association.
2. One member chosen from among 3 names submitted by the League of Wisconsin Municipalities.
4. One member chosen from among 3 names submitted by the Wisconsin Towns Association.
(e) The members of the council appointed under par. (d) shall serve without compensation.
(10) Financial status of certain professional sports districts. As promptly as possible following the end of each state fiscal biennium in which there are outstanding bonds or notes issued by a local professional baseball park district created under subch. III of ch. 229 that are subject to s. 229.74 (7) or by a local professional football stadium district created under subch. IV of ch. 229 that are subject to s. 229.830 (7), the legislative audit bureau shall submit a report to the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance concerning the financial status of that district.
Wis. Stat. § 13.095 Review of programs started with federal aid
State agencies responsible for the administration of federal contract or grant-in-aid programs shall promptly notify the federal aid management service of the department of administration whenever any program or project, financed wholly or partially from federal aids, would have to be continued from state funds because federal aid will be or has been curtailed or withdrawn or because the federal program from which the aid was received has or will be expired. The federal aid management service under s. 16.545 shall promptly notify the joint committee on finance of all notifications received from state agencies. The cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance may thereupon schedule a public hearing for the purpose of exploring alternatives with regard to the future in this state of the program for which federal aid will be or has been reduced or eliminated. The chief executive officer of the department or independent agency administering such program shall appear at the hearing for the information of the joint committee. The joint committee shall submit its recommendations including suggested legislation to the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.95 Legislative fiscal bureau
There is created a bureau to be known as the “Legislative Fiscal Bureau” headed by a director. The fiscal bureau shall be strictly nonpartisan and shall at all times observe the confidential nature of the research requests received by it; however, with the prior approval of the requester in each instance, the bureau may duplicate the results of its research for distribution. Subject to s. 230.35 (4) (a) and (f), the director or the director’s designated employees shall at all times, with or without notice, have access to all state agencies, the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority, the Wisconsin Aerospace Authority, the Lower Fox River Remediation Authority, the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the Fox River Navigational System Authority, and to any books, records, or other documents maintained by such agencies or authorities and relating to their expenditures, revenues, operations, and structure.
(1) Duties of the bureau. The legislative fiscal bureau shall perform its services for the legislature objectively and impartially and to the limits of its facilities and staff. The bureau shall:
(a) Develop, and make available to the legislature and its standing, procedural, special or statutory legislative committees, such fiscal information as will assist the legislature or any legislative committee in its deliberations. As part of its fiscal analysis activity, the bureau shall study, and may recommend alternatives to the legislature and to any legislative committee, concerning the following:
1. The state budget and its long-range implications for every state fund.
2. The revenues and expenditures of the state.
(b) Perform fiscal and program analysis for the legislature and its appropriate committees.
(c) Review existing and proposed programs and present such alternatives to the governor’s recommended programs and budgets as will assist the legislature or its appropriate committees.
(d) Review and evaluate requests for appropriations, including proposed plans and policies related to such requests, and make recommendations to the joint committee on finance and the legislature in relation thereto.
(e) At the direction of the legislature or its appropriate committees, or on its own initiative, conduct such other studies and perform such other duties as the legislature, its committees and members may require in dealing with the financial affairs of the state.
(g) In connection with the duties enumerated in this subsection, have access to any computerized databases of state agencies that are required to aid the bureau in the performance of its duties, except that any statutory requirements regarding privacy of individuals’ records shall be observed in providing such access.
(1m) Duties of the bureau; biennial budget bill.
(a) In this subsection, “version of the biennial budget bill or bills” means the executive biennial budget bill or bills, as modified by an amendment offered by the joint committee on finance, as engrossed by the first house, as concurred in and amended by the 2nd house or as nonconcurred in by the 2nd house, or as reported by any committee on conference.
(b) The legislative fiscal bureau shall prepare a statement of estimated general purpose revenue receipts and expenditures in the biennium following the succeeding biennium based on recommendations in each version of the biennial budget bill or bills.
(1r) Earmark transparency report.
(a) In this subsection, “earmark” means a provision in a bill or amendment that does any of the following:
1. Authorizes or requires the payment of state moneys to a specific beneficiary or beneficiaries in a manner not determined by laws of general applicability for the selection of the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
2. Creates or modifies a tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or exemption that applies to a specific beneficiary or beneficiaries in a manner not determined by laws of general applicability for the selection of the beneficiary or beneficiaries.
(b) The legislative fiscal bureau shall prepare an earmark transparency report on each biennial budget bill and on each amendment thereto. The report shall contain all of the following:
1. A list of all earmarks.
2. The cost of each earmark.
3. The beneficiary of each earmark. If the beneficiary is an individual, the legislative fiscal bureau shall identify the assembly and senate district in which the beneficiary resides. If the beneficiary is an entity, the legislative fiscal bureau shall identify the assembly and senate district in which the beneficiary is located, incorporated, or organized. If the legislative fiscal bureau cannot determine the identity of a beneficiary, the legislative fiscal bureau shall note that fact in the report. If the earmark is a tax deduction, credit, exclusion, or exemption, all of the following shall apply:
a. All businesses and associations that are members of the same controlled group of corporations shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
b. All shareholders of a corporation, partners of a partnership, members of an association or organization, or beneficiaries of a trust or estate, respectively, shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
c. All employees of a single employer shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
d. All health or other benefit plans of an employer that are qualified under the federal Internal Revenue Code shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
e. All contributors to a charitable organization shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
f. All holders of the same bond or note issue shall be treated as a single beneficiary.
g. If a corporation, partnership, association or organization, or trust or estate is the beneficiary, the shareholders of the corporation, the partners of the partnership, the members of the association or organization, or the beneficiaries of the trust or estate shall not be considered beneficiaries.
4. If an amendment, the name of the representative to the assembly or senator who proposed the earmark.
(2) Duties of the director. The director of the legislative fiscal bureau shall:
(a) Supervise and train the personnel assigned to the director.
(b) Supervise all expenditures of the legislative fiscal bureau.
(c) Attend, or designate a representative who shall attend, all meetings of the joint committee on finance.
(e) Attend such midwest and national meetings as will benefit the operation of the bureau.
Wis. Stat. § 13.96 Legislative technology services bureau
There is created a service agency known as the “Legislative Technology Services Bureau”, headed by a director. The legislative technology services bureau shall be strictly nonpartisan and shall at all times observe the confidential nature of the data and information originated, maintained or processed by electronic equipment supported by it.
(1) Duties of the staff. The legislative technology services bureau shall:
(a) Provide and coordinate information technology support and services to the legislative branch.
(b) Upon receipt of municipal boundary information at each reporting interval under s. 5.15 (4) (br), reconcile and compile the information received to produce a statewide data base consisting of municipal boundary information for the entire state.
(c) Participate, on behalf of this state, in geographic boundary information programs when offered by the U.S. bureau of the census.
(2) Duties of the director. The director of the legislative technology services bureau shall:
(a) Direct the operations of the staff.
(b) Employ, train and supervise the personnel assigned to the director.
(c) Supervise all expenditures of the legislative technology services bureau.
(d) Oversee the execution and completion of all contracts for legislative information technology-related equipment, software or services.
(e) Plan for and execute such electronic information programs and services as are needed within the legislative branch.
(f) Participate in such midwest and national meetings and organizations as will benefit the operations of the legislative technology services bureau.
Wis. Stat. § 13.096 Review of bills establishing vehicle weight limit exceptions
(1) Definition. In this section, “department” means the department of transportation.
(2) Report on bills establishing vehicle weight limit exceptions.
(a) If any bill that is introduced in either house of the legislature directly or indirectly establishes an exception to the vehicle weight limits specified in ch. 348, the department shall prepare a report on the bill within 6 weeks after it is introduced. The department shall request information from any individual, organization or local government that the department considers likely to be affected by the proposed vehicle weight limit exceptions. Individuals, organizations and local governments shall comply with requests by the department for information that is reasonably necessary for the department to prepare the report. To the greatest extent possible, reports under this section shall be based on the information obtained by the department from individuals, organizations and local governments under this paragraph.
(b) A bill that requires a report by the department under this section shall have that requirement noted on its jacket when the jacket is prepared. When a bill that requires a report under this section is introduced, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the bill to the department.
(c) The report prepared under this section shall be printed as an appendix to that applicable bill and shall be distributed in the same manner as amendments. The report shall be distributed before any vote is taken on the bill by either house of the legislature if the bill is not referred to a standing committee, or before any public hearing is held before any standing committee or, if no public hearing is held, before any vote is taken by the committee.
(3) Findings of the department to be contained in the report. The report of the department shall contain the following information with respect to each exception to a vehicle weight limit specified in ch. 348:
(a) A statement of the problem addressed by the proposed vehicle weight limit exception, including all of the following:
1. Whether the current vehicle weight limit creates a hardship and, if so, the degree of the hardship.
2. The costs associated with complying with the current vehicle weight limit and any anticipated savings likely to result from the proposed vehicle weight limit exception.
3. Whether any other efforts have been made to resolve the problem addressed by the proposed vehicle weight limit exception.
4. The degree of control by motor carriers over the weight and weight distribution of the vehicle or load.
(b) A description of the proposed vehicle weight limit exception, including any changes on all of the following:
1. Gross weight limitations and gross axle and axle combination weight limitations.
2. Width, height and length limitations.
3. The transportation of particular commodities.
4. Any highway, highway route or area of the state substantially affected by the proposed vehicle weight limit exception.
5. Seasonal transportation patterns.
(c) Any other special considerations concerning the proposed vehicle weight limit exception, such as the frequency of use of the proposed exception, the support and involvement of businesses, industries and local authorities affected by the proposed exception.
(4) Rule-making authority. The department may promulgate any rules necessary for the administration of this section.
Wis. Stat. § 13.097 Review of legislation providing for conveyances of lake bed areas
(1) Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Department” means the department of natural resources.
(b) “Lake bed area” means all or a portion of a navigable lake.
(c) “Public trust purpose” means a purpose in furtherance of the public trust in navigable waters that is established under article IX, section 1, of the constitution.
(2) Report by the department.
(a) When legislation that conveys a lake bed area or that amends a prior conveyance of a lake bed area is introduced or offered in the legislature, the department shall prepare a report on the legislation within 15 days of its being introduced or offered. The department may request any information from the grantee under such legislation or from a past grantee of the lake bed area that is reasonably necessary for the department to prepare the report.
(b) If the legislation conveys a lake bed area, the department shall describe the conveyance contained in the legislation. If the legislation amends a prior conveyance of a lake bed area, the department’s report shall describe the prior conveyance and how it is amended by this legislation. The report shall include the department’s findings under sub. (4) and its conclusions under sub. (6).
(c) Legislation that requires a report by the department under this section shall have that requirement noted on its jacket when the jacket is prepared. When legislation that requires a report under this section receives a jacket to be introduced or offered, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the legislation to the department.
(d) The report shall be printed as an appendix to that applicable bill and shall be distributed in the same manner as amendments.
(4) Findings of the department report. The department’s report shall contain the following information:
(a) Location and description of the lake bed area.
1. The name of the lake in which the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance is located, the location of the lake bed area in the lake and the name of the county and the town, village or city that is adjacent to the lake bed area.
2. The approximate dimensions and size of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance.
3. The approximate area of the lake in which the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance is located.
(b) Purposes of the proposed conveyance.
1. The purpose of the proposed conveyance, as expressed in the legislation.
2. Any additional information on the intended uses of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance.
3. The extent to which the express language of the legislation will permit the intended uses of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance.
(c) Use of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance.
1. The size of the area reasonably required for the intended uses under the proposed conveyance, as compared to the size of the lake bed area actually conveyed by the legislation, and a description of the anticipated or potential uses of any excess area.
2. If the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance exceeds the area required for the intended uses, whether the excess area will remain unused for a substantial period.
(d) Effect of the proposed conveyance on public trust purpose uses.
1. Opportunities for navigation, fishing, hunting, swimming, recreation, enjoyment of scenic beauty and other public trust purpose uses that will be lost or obtained when the grantee exercises the rights granted by the proposed conveyance.
2. The type of uses that will be made of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance when the grantee exercises the rights granted by the proposed conveyance, and whether those uses are public trust purpose uses.
3. Proposed restrictions on public access to the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance, upon completion of the project, including physical restrictions such as fences, walls or lack of parking, legal restrictions such as hours of operation or conversion to private property and financial restrictions such as admission fees, licenses, permits or requirements to make purchases.
(e) Potential subsequent conveyances.
1. The extent to which the proposed conveyance expressly prohibits or permits a subsequent conveyance of all or a part of the lake bed area by the grantee, including a subsequent conveyance by warranty deed, quitclaim deed or lease, or is silent regarding a subsequent conveyance by the grantee.
2. Whether the legislation imposes the same restrictions on grantees of subsequent conveyances as it imposes on the original grantee.
(f) Potential of the grantee to manage the use of lake bed area.
1. What management controls are proposed by the grantee to assure that the lake bed area is used only for the public trust purposes authorized by the legislature, including the grantee’s internal controls and control exercised by the grantee over a lessee, a grantee of a subsequent conveyance of all or part of the lake bed area or a trespasser.
2. Whether the grantee has managed or is managing the use of any other lake bed areas conveyed to the grantee in conformance with the public trust purposes authorized by those conveyances.
3. If the grantee of an original or subsequent conveyance or a lessee is not a governmental unit, the extent to which the use of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance will be controlled or supervised by a governmental unit, to assure conformity with a public trust purpose.
(g) Additional information. Any other information the department considers relevant.
(5) Department authority to request information. The department may request a grantee to provide the department with any information that is reasonably necessary for the department to prepare the report under sub. (4).
(6) Conclusion of the department report. Based on its findings, the department shall include in its report its conclusion on whether the legislation is consistent with protecting and enhancing a public trust purpose. The department shall base its conclusion on the following:
(a) Public trust purpose uses. Whether the opportunities for public trust purpose uses upon completion of the project, including opportunities for navigation, fishing, hunting, swimming, recreation and enjoyment of scenic beauty, substantially outweigh any loss of current opportunities for public trust purpose uses in that lake bed area and whether the current opportunities for public trust purpose uses will be enhanced or diminished upon completion of the project.
(b) Public access. Whether all residents of the state will be able, without restriction, to participate in the uses of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance upon completion of the project.
(c) Purposes of the proposed conveyance. Whether the public trust purposes of the conveyance, as expressed in the legislation, are sufficiently narrow to permit only the specific public trust purpose uses proposed by the grantee.
(d) Management by the grantee. Whether the grantee’s management of the use of any other lake bed areas conveyed to the grantee conforms with a public trust purpose and whether the grantee’s proposals for the use of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance conform with a public trust purpose.
(e) Governmental control. Whether the lake bed area and its proposed public trust purpose uses will be controlled or supervised by a governmental unit.
(f) Commercial uses. Whether any commercial uses of the lake bed area subject to the proposed conveyance are minor and incidental to free public trust purpose uses or whether commercial purposes dominate the proposed use of the lake bed area.
Wis. Stat. § 13.97 Legislative human resources office
There is created a service agency known as the “Legislative Human Resources Office,” headed by a director. The legislative human resources office shall be strictly nonpartisan.
(1) Duties of the office. The legislative human resources office shall:
(a) Provide human resources services to the legislative branch, as directed by the joint committee on legislative organization.
(b) Establish a formal complaint process to review and investigate allegations of harassment, discrimination, retaliation, violence, or bullying by legislators, legislative employees, and legislative service agency employees. The office shall investigate all such allegations, unless the director designates another person or entity to review and investigate any specific allegation.
(2) Duties of the director. The director of the legislative human resources office shall:
(a) Report to the joint committee on legislative organization.
(b) Direct the operations of the staff.
(c) Employ, train, and supervise the personnel assigned to the director.
(d) Supervise all expenditures of the legislative human resources office.
(e) Manage reviews and investigations of the formal complaint process established under sub. (1) (b). Upon completion of an investigation, report the findings to the appropriate legislative leader or employee supervisor.
(f) On a periodic basis, recommend to the joint committee on legislative organization improvements to human resources services and programs.
Wis. Stat. § 13.098 Review of legislation relating to alcohol and other drug abuse
When legislation that relates to alcohol and other drug abuse policies, programs or services is introduced or offered in the legislature, the state council on alcohol and other drug abuse shall consider the legislation at the soonest meeting of the state council after introduction or offer and shall, if the standing committee of the legislature to which the legislation is referred has not taken action on the legislation, provide the chairperson of the standing committee with a considered opinion of the effect and desirability as a matter of public policy of the legislation.
Wis. Stat. § 13.099 Review of bills affecting housing
(1) Definitions. In this section:
(a) “Department” means the department of administration.
(b) “State housing strategy plan” means the plan developed under s. 16.302.
(2) Analysis of bills affecting housing.
(a) If any bill that is introduced in either house of the legislature may increase or decrease, either directly or indirectly, the cost of the development, construction, financing, purchasing, sale, ownership, or availability of housing in this state, the department shall prepare a housing impact analysis for the bill within 30 days after it is introduced. The department may request any information from other state agencies, local governments, or individuals, or organizations that is reasonably necessary for the department to prepare the analysis.
(b) A bill that requires a housing impact analysis under this section shall have that requirement noted on its jacket when the jacket is prepared. When a bill that requires a housing impact analysis under this section is introduced, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the bill to the department.
(c) A housing impact analysis prepared under this section shall be printed as an appendix to that applicable bill and shall be distributed in the same manner as amendments.
(3) Findings of the department to be contained in housing impact analysis.
(a) A housing impact analysis shall contain information about the effect of the bill on housing in this state, including information on the effect of the bill on all of the following:
1. The policies, strategies and recommendations of the state housing strategy plan.
2. The cost of developing, constructing, rehabilitating, improving, maintaining, or owning single-family or multifamily dwellings.
3. The purchase price of new homes or the fair market value of existing homes.
4. The cost and availability of financing to purchase or develop housing.
5. Housing costs, as defined in s. 16.301 (3) (a) and (b).
6. The density, location, setback, size, or height of development on a lot, parcel, land division, or subdivision.
(b) A housing impact analysis shall analyze the relative impact of the effects of the bill on low- and moderate-income households.
(c)
1. Except as provided in subd. 2., a housing impact analysis shall provide reasonable estimates of the information under pars. (a) and (b) expressed as dollar figures and shall include descriptions of the immediate effect and, if ascertainable, the long-term effect. The department shall include a brief summary or worksheet of computations used in determining any such dollar figures.
2. If, after careful consideration, the department determines that it is not possible to make an estimate expressed as dollar figures as provided in subd. 1., the analysis shall instead contain a statement to that effect setting forth the reasons for that determination.
(d) Except as otherwise specified in par. (a), a housing impact analysis shall be prepared on the basis of a median-priced single-family residence but may include estimates for larger developments as an analysis of the long-term effect of the bill.
(4) Rule-making authority. The department may promulgate any rules necessary for the administration of this section.
Wis. Stat. § 13.101 Joint committee on finance; appropriation and position changes
(1) Following the procedures under s. 13.10, the joint committee on finance may take action under this section.
(2) A department, board, commission or agency may request the committee to create or abolish a full-time equivalent position as defined in s. 230.03 (11) or portion thereof in the department, board, commission or agency. Upon receiving such a request, the committee may change the authorized level of full-time equivalent positions in the department, board, commission or agency. The committee may approve a different authorized level of full-time equivalent positions than is requested by the department, board, commission or agency.
(3)
(a) The committee may supplement, from the appropriations under s. 20.865 (4), the appropriation of any department, board, commission or agency, which is insufficient because of unforeseen emergencies or insufficient to accomplish the purpose for which made, if the committee finds that:
1. An emergency exists;
2. No funds are available for such purposes; and
3. The purposes for which a supplemental appropriation is requested have been authorized or directed by the legislature.
(b) The committee may supplement an appropriation only for the fiscal biennium during which the committee takes the action to supplement the appropriation.
(4) The committee may transfer between appropriations and programs if the committee finds that unnecessary duplication of functions can be eliminated, more efficient and effective methods for performing programs will result or legislative intent will be more effectively carried out because of such transfer, if legislative intent will not be changed as the result of such transfer and the purposes for which the transfer is requested have been authorized or directed by the legislature. The authority to transfer between appropriations includes the authority to transfer between 2 fiscal years of the same biennium, between 2 appropriations of the same agency and between an appropriation of one agency and an appropriation of a different agency. No transfer between appropriations or programs may be made to offset deficiencies arising from the lack of adequate expenditure controls by a department, board, institution, commission or agency. Except as provided in sub. (4d), the authority to transfer between appropriations shall not include the authority to transfer from sum sufficient appropriations as defined under s. 20.001 (3) (d) to other types of appropriations.
(4d) During the public health emergency declared on March 12, 2020, by executive order 72, and for a period of 90 days after termination of the emergency, the committee may transfer under sub. (4) an amount not to exceed $75,000,000 from sum sufficient appropriations, as defined under s. 20.001 (3) (d), to be used for expenditures related to the emergency.
(4m) The committee may make loans from the appropriation under s. 20.865 (4) (a) to any appropriation from the general fund or any state segregated fund. If a loan upon repayment is credited to the appropriation under s. 20.865 (4) (a), the committee may utilize the loan funds repaid as provided in this section and s. 20.865 (4) (a).
(5) The committee may allot moneys under s. 20.865 (4) (a), (g) and (u) to any state activity to which a federal project has been granted.
(6)
(a) As an emergency measure necessitated by decreased state revenues and to prevent the necessity for a state tax on general property, the committee may reduce any appropriation made to any board, commission, department, or the University of Wisconsin System, or to any other state agency or activity, by such amount as it deems feasible, not exceeding 25 percent of the appropriations, except appropriations made by ss. 20.255 (2) (ac), (bc), (bh), (cg), and (cr), 20.395 (1), (2) (cq), (eq) to (ex) and (gq) to (gx), (3), (4) (aq) to (ax), and (6) (af), (aq), (ar), and (au), 20.435 (4) (a) and (5) (da), and 20.437 (2) (a) and (dz) or for forestry purposes under s. 20.370 (2), or any other moneys distributed to any county, city, village, town, or school district. Appropriations of receipts and of a sum sufficient shall for the purposes of this section be regarded as equivalent to the amounts expended under such appropriations in the prior fiscal year which ended June 30. All functions of said state agencies shall be continued in an efficient manner, but because of the uncertainties of the existing situation no public funds should be expended or obligations incurred unless there shall be adequate revenues to meet the expenditures therefor. For such reason the committee may make reductions of such appropriations as in its judgment will secure sound financial operations of the administration for said state agencies and at the same time interfere least with their services and activities.
(b) No reduction in any such appropriation may be made under authority of this section until an opportunity to be heard is given, in writing or through publication in the official state paper, to the state agency to which such appropriation is made. Notice of any reduction in appropriations shall be communicated to the state agency affected, and to the department of administration. Thereafter, the secretary of administration shall not release and shall not draw a warrant in payment of any amount exceeding the reduced appropriations.
(7) Whenever in the statutes an appropriation or a portion of an appropriation is available only upon release by the committee, such moneys shall be made available by the committee at such times and in such amounts as the committee may determine to be necessary to adequately provide for the purposes for which they are appropriated, with due regard for the whole amount available for such purposes. If the provision relating to release by the committee is invalid, the appropriation or portion of the appropriation which is subject to such release shall not be invalidated but shall be considered to be made without any condition as to time or manner of release.
(8) No part of any appropriation which is made conditional upon approval by the committee shall be effective and available until approval in writing signed by the governor and at least one of the chairpersons of the committee has been filed with the department of administration.
(9) Releases made by the committee shall be effective only for the fiscal year for which made.
(10) The committee may approve expenditure of moneys received by this state as a part of a block grant under s. 16.54 (2) (a) 2., and may approve a transfer of moneys allocated by the federal government to this state as a part of a block grant for use as a part of another such grant made for different purposes. In this subsection, “block grant” has the meaning given under s. 16.54 (2) (a).
(11) The committee may approve a clean water fund program interest rate change as specified under s. 281.58 (12) (f) or a safe drinking water loan program interest rate change as specified under s. 281.61 (11) (b).
(14) With the concurrence of the joint committee on information policy and technology, direct the department of administration to report to the committee concerning any specific information technology system project in accordance with s. 13.58 (5) (b) 4.
(15) Notwithstanding sub. (3) (a), if the department of administration requests the joint committee on finance to supplement the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (ku) from the appropriation under s. 20.865 (4) (g), the committee may supplement the appropriation by not more than $500,000 in any fiscal year to provide a grant to one or more eligible counties if the committee finds that the proposed grantee or grantees are eligible to receive a grant under s. 16.18. Notwithstanding sub. (3) (a), no finding of emergency is required for the committee to act in accordance with this subsection.
(17) From the appropriation under s. 20.435 (2) (gk), the committee may approve expenditure of moneys received by the state under s. 51.06 (6) only to support any state activity, including by the department of veterans affairs, that is conducted or performed on the property that is occupied or managed by the department of health services or the department of corrections on December 30, 2003, at the Northern Center for the Developmentally Disabled.
Wis. Stat. § 13.102 Joint committee on finance; consideration of biennial budget bill
(1) The joint committee on finance may not vote to recommend passage of a biennial budget bill or an amendment thereto until the legislative fiscal bureau has distributed a copy of an earmark transparency report on the biennial budget bill, as amended, prepared under s. 13.95 (1r) (b), to each member of the legislature and has made the report available on the legislature’s Internet website.
(2) If a member of the joint committee on finance makes a motion during committee deliberations on a biennial budget bill to remove an earmark, as defined in s. 13.95 (1r) (a), from the biennial budget bill, the motion shall prevail on either a majority or a tie vote.
Wis. Stat. § 13.105 Marquette University Dental School reports to governor and joint committee on finance
The Marquette University School of Dentistry shall biennially report to the governor and the joint committee on finance on the:
(1) Number of faculty and nonfaculty positions at the dental school.
(2) Average faculty salaries compared to national averages.
(3) Costs per dental student.
(4) Student-faculty ratios of the dental school.
(5) Placement of graduates of the dental program and their rate of retention in this state.
(6) Minority student recruitment policies and programs.
(7) Programs and purposes for which funds appropriated by this state are spent.
Wis. Stat. § 13.106 Medical College of Wisconsin and UW-Madison Medical School reports
(2) The Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School shall submit a biennial report containing financial summaries for the college and school to the governor and the joint committee on finance, in a consistent format and methodology to be developed in consultation with the medical education review committee under s. 39.16.
(3) By October 15 of each even-numbered year, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical School shall submit a report to the governor, the joint committee on finance, and the chief clerk of each house of the legislature for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), that provides information on all of the following:
(ac) Minority student recruitment policies and programs of each medical school, and the number of minority students enrolled.
(ag) Number and percentages of Wisconsin residents enrolled.
(aL) Average faculty salaries compared to national averages.
(ap) Development of cooperative educational programs with other institutions throughout this state.
(at) Placement of graduates of doctor of medicine and residency training programs.
(ax) The financial status of the family practice residency sites.
(b) The number of family practice residents choosing to practice in medically underserved areas of the state upon graduation.
(c) The number of graduates entering family practice as a career.
(4)
(a) In this subsection, “rural or underserved urban medicine program” includes the Wisconsin Academy for Rural Medicine, the Training in Urban Medicine and Public Health program, any community medical education program of the Medical College of Wisconsin, and any other rural or underserved urban medicine program established after July 2, 2013.
(b) By October 15 of each even-numbered year, the Medical College of Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health shall submit a report to the governor and to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) that provides information on all of the following:
1. The number of students enrolled in rural or underserved urban medicine programs.
2. The medical specialties and residency locations of the students in rural or underserved urban medicine programs.
3. The initial postresidency practice locations for graduates of rural or underserved urban medicine programs.
Wis. Stat. § 13.111 Joint committee on employment relations
(1) Creation. There is created a permanent joint legislative committee known as the joint committee on employment relations with such powers and authority as are provided by law and composed of the following 8 members:
(a) Senate cochairperson, joint committee on finance.
(b) Assembly cochairperson, joint committee on finance.
(c) Assembly majority leader.
(d) Assembly minority leader.
(e) Senate majority leader.
(f) Senate minority leader.
(g) Speaker of the assembly.
(h) President of the senate.
(2) Duties. The joint committee on employment relations shall perform the functions assigned to it under subch. V of ch. 111, subch. II of ch. 230 and ss. 16.53 (1) (d) 1., 20.916, 20.917, and 20.923.
Wis. Stat. § 13.121 Legislators’ salaries and benefits
(1) Current member. From the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), each member of the legislature shall be paid, in equal installments, the salary provided under s. 20.923.
(2) Deceased Member. The salary of any member who dies during a term of office shall be paid for each pay period to a beneficiary named by the member in writing and filed with the chief clerk of the house in which the member serves, until a personal representative has been appointed and qualified, and then to such personal representative until a successor has been elected and qualified. When any person elected a member dies before commencement of the term of office to which the person is elected, the person shall be deemed a member dying during such term of office and the person’s salary shall be paid for each pay period to the person’s estate or personal representative until a successor is elected and qualified.
(3) Speaker. For services as speaker, the speaker of the assembly shall receive $25 per month, payable monthly, in addition to the speaker’s compensation, expenses and mileage as a member.
(4) Insurance. For the purpose of premium determinations under s. 40.05 (4) and (5) each member of the legislature shall accrue sick leave at a rate equivalent to a percentage of time worked recommended for such positions by the administrator of the division of personnel management in the department of administration and approved by the joint committee on employment relations in the same manner as compensation for such positions is determined under s. 20.923. This percentage of time worked shall be applied to the sick leave accrual rate established under s. 230.35 (2). The approved percentage shall be incorporated into the compensation plan under s. 230.12 (1).
Wis. Stat. § 13.123 Legislators’ expenses
(1) In-session expenses.
(a)
1. Any member of the legislature who has signified, by affidavit filed with the department of administration, the necessity of establishing a temporary residence at the state capital for the period of any regular or special legislative session shall be entitled to an allowance for expenses incurred for food and lodging for each day that he or she is in Madison on legislative business, but not including any Saturday or Sunday unless the legislator is in actual attendance on such day at a session of the legislature or a meeting of a standing committee of which the legislator is a member. The amount of the allowance for each biennial session shall be 90 percent of the per diem rate for travel for federal government business within the city of Madison, as established by the federal general services administration. For the purpose of determining the amount of the allowance, the administrator of the division of personnel management in the department of administration shall certify to the chief clerk of each house the federal per diem rate in effect on December 1, or the first business day thereafter if December 1 is not a business day, in each even-numbered year. Each legislator shall file an affidavit with the chief clerk of his or her house certifying the specific dollar amount within the authorized allowance the member wishes to receive. Such affidavit, when filed, shall remain in effect for the biennial session.
2. Any legislator may, if the legislator chooses not to establish a temporary residence at the state capital, claim one-half of the allowance under subd. 1. for each of the days authorized thereunder.
(b) No allowance shall be paid under this subsection for any day during a recess of the legislature for 30 days or more unless so provided by joint resolution adopted by both houses of the legislature.
(c) Each member shall certify to the chief clerk of the house in which the member serves, as promptly as may be following the 1st of each month, the number of days during the previous calendar month on which the member was in Madison on legislative business and for which the member seeks the allowance provided by this subsection. Such allowances shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b) within one week after each calendar month; and shall be paid, upon the filing with the department of administration, the chief clerk’s affidavit stating the number of days in Madison on legislative business for all members of the chief clerk’s house.
(2) Interim expenses. From the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), each member of the legislature shall be entitled to an expense allowance for postage and clerical assistance for each full calendar month during which the legislature is in actual session 3 days or less. No allowance is payable to a representative to the assembly unless the speaker of the assembly files with the chief clerk of the assembly a written authorization for the allowance to be paid. No allowance is payable to a senator unless the majority leader of the senate files with the chief clerk of the senate a written authorization for the allowance to be paid. An authorization filed under this subsection becomes effective for the month in which it is filed and continues in effect through the month in which the speaker of the assembly or the majority leader of the senate files a written revocation of the authorization with the chief clerk of the appropriate house. The rate of such allowance shall be as follows:
(a) For representatives to the assembly such expense allowance shall be at the rate of $25 per month.
(b) For senators such expense allowance shall be at the rate of $75 per month.
(3) Attendance at meetings.
(a) Any senator authorized by the committee on senate organization to attend a meeting outside the state capital, any representative to the assembly authorized by the committee on assembly organization to attend an out-of-state meeting or authorized by the speaker to attend a meeting within this state outside the state capital, and all members of the legislature required by law, legislative rule, resolution or joint resolution to attend such meetings, shall be paid no additional compensation for such services but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), but no legislator may be reimbursed under this subsection for expenses on any day for which the legislator submits a claim under sub. (1).
(b)
1. Notwithstanding par. (a), no member of the legislature may be reimbursed for attendance at any meeting held outside this state, other than a meeting of the legislature, a legislative committee, committee of the joint legislative council or a statutory body of which the person is a duly constituted member, after the chief clerk of the member’s house determines one of the following:
a. After the day of the partisan primary, that the member either has not filed nomination papers for reelection or election to another legislative seat or has sought a party nomination for a legislative seat but it is generally acknowledged that the member has not won nomination.
b. After the day of the general election, that it is generally acknowledged that the member has not been elected to a legislative seat for the succeeding session.
2. In making the determination under subd. 1., the chief clerk is bound by the determination of the chairperson of the elections commission or the chairperson’s designee if such determination has been issued.
(c) Paragraph (b) may not be construed to affect eligibility for any allowance authorized under sub. (1) or (2).
Wis. Stat. § 13.124 Legal representation
(1)
(a) The speaker of the assembly, in his or her sole discretion, may authorize a representative to the assembly or assembly employee who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the representative’s or employee’s duties. The speaker shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
(b) The speaker of the assembly, in his or her sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), in any action in which the assembly is a party or in which the interests of the assembly are affected, as determined by the speaker. The speaker shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
(2)
(a) The senate majority leader, in his or her sole discretion, may authorize a senator or senate employee who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the senator’s or employee’s duties. The senate majority leader shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
(b) The senate majority leader, in his or her sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), in any action in which the senate is a party or in which the interests of the senate are affected, as determined by the senate majority leader. The senate majority leader shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
(3)
(a) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization, in their sole discretion, may authorize an employee of a legislative service agency, as defined in s. 13.90 (1m) (a), who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the employee’s duties. The cochairpersons shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
(b) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization, in their sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, in any action in which the legislature is a party or in which the interests of the legislature are affected, as determined by the cochairpersons. The cochairpersons shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.
Wis. Stat. § 13.125 Chaplains
The officiating chaplain of the senate and assembly shall be paid such amount as may be established by each house for each day of service from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b). Payment shall be made on certification by the chief clerk of the senate or of the assembly, respectively, showing the amount to which each chaplain is entitled.
Wis. Stat. § 13.127 Advice and consent of the senate
Any individual nominated by the governor or another state officer or agency, and with the advice and consent of the senate appointed, to any office or position may not hold the office or position, be nominated again for the office or position, or perform any duties of the office or position during the legislative session biennium if the individual’s confirmation for the office or position is rejected by the senate.
Wis. Stat. § 13.172 State agency reports
(1) In this section, “agency” means an office, department, agency, institution of higher education, association, society, or other body in state government created or authorized to be created by the constitution or any law, that is entitled to expend moneys appropriated by law, including the legislature and the courts, and any authority created in subch. II of ch. 114 or in ch. 231, 233, 234, 238, or 279.
(2) Notwithstanding any other law, any agency which is required, by statute, to submit a report to the legislature shall submit the report to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature. The chief clerks shall publish notice of receipt of the report in the journals of the respective houses. The chief clerks shall also periodically provide a list of the agency reports received to the members of the respective houses. Members may obtain copies of the reports by checking those reports on the list that they wish to receive and returning the list to the chief clerk. The speaker of the assembly or the president of the senate may direct the chief clerk to distribute copies of any of the reports to all members of the house, specified standing committees in that house or other persons.
(3) Notwithstanding any other law, any agency which is required, by statute, to submit a report to the speaker of the assembly or the president of the senate; to appropriate standing committees of the legislature, as determined by the speaker or president; to any specified standing committee except the joint committee on finance; to standing committees with specified subject matter jurisdiction; or to standing committees with specified subject matter jurisdiction, as determined by the speaker or president, shall submit the report to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature. The chief clerks shall publish notice of receipt of the report in the journals of the respective houses. The chief clerks of the assembly and the senate shall also notify the speaker and president, respectively, that the report has been received and shall distribute the report to standing committees in that house or other persons, as directed by the speaker or president.
Wis. Stat. § 13.175 Referenda
Every proposal for legislation which is to be submitted to the voters for their approval or for an expression of their opinion including, without limitation because of enumeration, proposed constitutional amendments, advisory referenda, and legislation designed to become effective only after ratification by the voters shall include a complete statement of the referendum question upon which the voters shall be requested to vote in the form prescribed under s. 5.64 (2). No such proposal shall be passed by either house of the legislature unless it contains the precise wording of the referendum question which is to be submitted to the voters for their approval, expression of opinion or ratification.
Wis. Stat. § 13.176 Article V convention
(1) In this section:
(a) “Alternate delegate” means an individual appointed under sub. (2) (b) to fill a vacancy in the delegation appointed under sub. (2) (a).
(b) “Article V application” means a joint resolution, as authorized under article V of the U.S. Constitution, adopted by both houses of the Wisconsin legislature applying to Congress for an article V convention for proposing amendments.
(c) “Article V convention” means a convention called by Congress upon application of the legislatures of at least two-thirds of the states for the purpose of proposing amendments to the U.S. Constitution, as authorized by article V of the U.S. Constitution.
(d) “Delegate” means an individual appointed under sub. (2) (a) to represent the state of Wisconsin at an article V convention.
(e) “Unauthorized amendment” means a proposed amendment to the U.S. Constitution that is outside the scope of the subject matter of the article V application.
(2)
(a) If Congress calls an article V convention, the legislature and the governor shall appoint 9 delegates to attend the convention as follows, but only after the legislature has passed an article V application:
1. The speaker of the assembly shall appoint 3 members of the assembly.
2. The president of the senate shall appoint 3 members of the senate.
3. The governor shall appoint one member of either the assembly or the senate.
4. The minority leader of the assembly shall appoint one member of the assembly.
5. The minority leader of the senate shall appoint one member of the senate.
(b) The legislature and the governor shall appoint 6 alternate delegates to attend the convention as follows:
1. The speaker of the assembly shall appoint 2 members of the assembly.
2. The president of the senate shall appoint 2 members of the senate.
3. The governor shall appoint one member of either the assembly or the senate.
4. The minority leader of the assembly and the minority leader of the senate shall appoint one member of the assembly or of the senate.
(c) Any vacancy in the delegation appointed under par. (a) shall be filled by an alternate delegate appointed under par. (b) within 24 hours after the vacancy occurs. Any vacancy in the alternate delegation appointed under par. (b) shall be filled by an alternate appointee from the list maintained under sub. (3) (c) within 24 hours after the vacancy occurs. If a delegate or an alternate delegate is dismissed or vacates his or her appointment for any reason, the person who made the original appointment shall appoint the replacement of the delegate or alternate delegate.
(d) The term for each delegate begins with the call of the article V convention and ends on the day of the final adjournment of the convention.
(3)
(a) No delegate appointed under sub. (2) (a) may vote or take any other action at an article V convention to consider or approve an unauthorized amendment.
(b) If any delegate votes or takes any other action in violation of par. (a), the other delegates, at the request of any one delegate, may convene to consider removing the delegate voting in violation of par. (a) and may immediately dismiss that delegate by the approval of a majority of the other delegates appointed under sub. (2) (a). No more than one delegate at a time may be dismissed under this paragraph. If a delegate is dismissed, another delegate may not be dismissed until a new delegate has been appointed to replace the first dismissed delegate.
(c) The speaker of the assembly, president of the senate, minority leader of the assembly, minority leader of the senate, and governor shall each maintain a list of alternate appointees, in addition to the alternate delegates appointed under sub. (2) (b), in case a delegate is dismissed as provided under par. (b).
(4) The chief clerk of the assembly and chief clerk of the senate shall jointly certify in writing to the article V convention the identity of the delegates appointed under sub. (2) or dismissed under sub. (3) (b) and the filling of any delegation vacancy within 24 hours after the appointment or dismissal or the filling of a vacancy.
(5)
(a) After Congress calls for an article V convention, the legislature shall create a joint committee of correspondence responsible for communications with the delegates to the convention. The joint committee of correspondence shall be comprised of 6 members appointed as follows, except that no delegate may be appointed to the committee:
1. The speaker of the assembly shall appoint 2 members of the assembly.
2. The president of the senate shall appoint 2 members of the senate.
3. The minority leader of the assembly shall appoint one member of the assembly.
4. The minority leader of the senate shall appoint one member of the senate.
(b)
1. The delegates shall direct all communications with the legislature to the joint committee of correspondence. Before any delegate may vote on a proposed adoption or modification of the rules governing the convention or any proposed final amendment, the delegates shall communicate with the joint committee of correspondence regarding any such proposal.
2. If the joint committee of correspondence does not render a decision on any proposed adoption or modification of rules governing the article V convention within 6 hours of receiving notification from the delegates, the delegates shall presume that the committee approves the proposed adoption or modification of such rules. If the joint committee of correspondence decides within the 6-hour period against the adoption or modification of the rules governing the convention, the delegates shall vote against the adoption or modification of the rules. If the adoption or modification of the rules takes effect regardless of the disapproval of the joint committee and the delegates, the delegates may not participate further in the convention.
3. If the joint committee of correspondence does not render a decision on any proposed final amendment within 6 hours of receiving notification from the delegates, the delegates shall presume that the committee determined that the amendment is not an unauthorized amendment and may vote on the proposed final amendment. If the joint committee of correspondence decides within the 6-hour period that the proposed final amendment is an unauthorized amendment, the delegates may not vote on the amendment and may not participate further in the convention. If the joint committee of correspondence decides within the 6-hour period that the proposed final amendment is within the scope of the subject matter of the article V application, the delegates may vote on the amendment.
(c) For the purpose of determining a quorum of the committee necessary to transact business, a committee member who participates in a meeting of the committee by telephone or by other means of telecommunication or electronic communications is considered present.
Wis. Stat. § 13.235 Election contests; legislative inquiry
(1) Either house of the legislature may by resolution inquire into a contested legislative election of its own house notwithstanding failure to comply with s. 13.23.
(2) The procedure of s. 13.24 shall be followed except that depositions so taken shall be received by the presiding officer of the house within 30 days after jurisdiction of the contest has been taken by the house. If authorized by the resolution in sub. (1), the house or a committee of the house may take testimony on matters not covered in the depositions.
(3) If a member takes the oath while the member’s seat is being contested, the member shall not be considered seated until the contest is resolved. Any election contest shall be resolved by a majority vote of the house.
Wis. Stat. § 13.365 Intervention
Pursuant to s. 803.09 (2m), when a party to an action challenges in state or federal court the constitutionality of a statute, facially or as applied, challenges a statute as violating or preempted by federal law, or otherwise challenges the construction or validity of a statute, as part of a claim or affirmative defense:
(1) The committee on assembly organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the assembly. The committee on assembly organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), to represent the assembly in any action in which the assembly intervenes.
(2) The committee on senate organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the senate. The committee on senate organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), to represent the senate in any action in which the senate intervenes.
(3) The joint committee on legislative organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the legislature. The joint committee on legislative organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, to represent the legislature in any action in which the joint committee on legislative organization intervenes.
Wis. Stat. § 13.482 State Public Building Corporation
(1) Organization. The building commission is authorized to organize a nonprofit-sharing corporation to be known as the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation. When so requested by the building commission, such corporation shall have authority to lease any state-owned land that may be available for the purposes of this section and to construct thereon such building projects, including all necessary buildings, improvements, facilities, equipment and other capital items as are required for the proper use and operation of such building projects after their completion. Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to prohibit the building commission from exercising the powers conferred upon it by this section and s. 13.488 with nonstock, nonprofit corporations other than the Wisconsin state public building corporation.
(2) Building commission may acquire and lease lands.
(a) For the purpose of providing housing for state departments and agencies, including housing for state offices and the completion of the state office building, and to enable the construction, financing and ultimate acquisition thereof by the state, the building commission may acquire any necessary lands, and, subject to s. 13.48 (14) (am), lease and re-lease any lands owned by the state and available for the purpose to the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation or other nonstock corporation organized under ch. 181 that is a nonprofit corporation, as defined in s. 181.0103 (17). The lease and re-lease shall be for a term or terms not exceeding 50 years each and shall be made on the condition that such corporation shall construct and provide on such leased lands such building projects, including buildings, improvements, facilities or equipment or other capital items, as the building commission requires, and shall re-lease the same to the building commission upon satisfactory terms as to the rental, maintenance and ultimate acquisition by the state as is in its best interests in the judgment of the building commission. After such leases and re-leases are executed and until the projects are acquired by the state, they shall be operated by the building commission through the department of administration, which shall have charge of such property as provided in ss. 16.85 and 16.8511. The building commission shall operate the projects in such manner as to provide revenues therefrom sufficient to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of the project and to provide for the payments due the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation or other nonstock, nonprofit corporation but if the building commission finds and declares that the housing available in any such project is in excess of the current housing needs or requirements of the state departments and agencies occupying or availing themselves of the space in or capacity of such project, the building commission need not operate such project in a manner to provide revenues therefrom sufficient to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of the project and to provide for the rental payments due the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation or other nonstock, nonprofit corporation.
(b) The building commission shall annually determine and fix the rate of annual rental and the share which shall be paid by each state department and agency occupying the building project. Such share shall be computed on a basis of square feet of floor space occupied or used by each department and agency, giving proper weight to the quality of space occupied. The building commission may continue to charge each such department and agency such rental after the project has been completed and acquired by the state. Such rentals shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.505 (5) (ka). Plans for projects and all contracts and leases and re-leases made pursuant to this section shall, before becoming effective, have the written approval of the secretary of administration and the governor. This paragraph does not authorize the building commission to incur any state debt for the construction, lease or re-lease of such buildings, improvements, facilities or equipment for the housing of state departments and agencies.
(3) Powers. In exercising the powers, functions and duties conferred upon the building commission pursuant to this section, the building commission shall have and may exercise all of the powers conferred upon it pursuant to s. 13.488 not inconsistent with this section. The state shall be liable for accrued rentals and for any other default under any lease or re-lease made with the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation or other nonstock, nonprofit corporation under this section and may be sued therefor on contract as in other contract actions pursuant to ch. 775, except that it shall not be necessary for the Wisconsin State Public Building Corporation or other nonstock, nonprofit corporation or any assignee of any such corporation or any person or other legal entity proceeding on behalf of any such corporation to file any claim with the legislature prior to the commencement of any such action.
Wis. Stat. § 13.484 Limitation on certain building projects
(1) This section does not apply to building projects which are amortized from private user charges such as, without limitation because of enumeration, student dormitories and food service buildings.
(2) No state building corporation may undertake any project or the financing of any project that would increase the total outstanding bonded indebtedness of all state building corporations to an amount in excess of 200 percent of that portion of all state taxes which were retained by the state during the preceding fiscal year and which became general purpose revenues in the general fund. Any project for which binding commitments have been made before July 1, 1966 and which is not in compliance with this section may be completed.
Wis. Stat. § 13.485 Parking structure funding
(1) The parking facility that is enumerated for construction in the 1985-87 authorized state building program and that is located in Milwaukee County on Lake Michigan may be the subject of an agreement under sub. (4) and s. 59.79 (7) and may be funded from the proceeds of revenue obligations issued subject to and in accordance with subch. II of ch. 18.
(2) The building commission may, under ss. 18.561 and 18.562, deposit in a separate and distinct fund, outside the state treasury, in an account maintained by a trustee, fees and charges derived from the facilities or from agreements entered into under sub. (4). The fees and charges deposited are the trustee’s moneys in accordance with the agreement between this state and the trustee or in accordance with the resolution pledging the fees and charges to the repayment of revenue obligations issued under this section.
(3) The building commission may pledge fees and charges received or to be received in the fund established in sub. (2) to secure revenue obligations issued under this section and the building commission shall have all other powers necessary and convenient to distribute the pledged fees and charges and to distribute the proceeds of revenue obligations in accordance with subch. II of ch. 18.
(4) The building commission may enter into agreements with the federal government or its agencies, political subdivisions of this state or private individuals or entities to insure, guaranty or in any other manner provide security for the revenue obligations issued under this section or to construct, operate, maintain or manage the facilities under sub. (1).
(5) Revenue obligations may be contracted by the building commission if it reasonably appears to the building commission that all obligations incurred under this section can be fully paid from moneys received or anticipated and pledged to be received on a timely basis. Revenue obligations issued under this section may not exceed $14,541,200 in principal amount, excluding obligations issued to fund, refund or refinance outstanding revenue obligations.
Wis. Stat. § 13.486 State office building, completion of
(1) The building commission is authorized to proceed with the completion of the state office building. The project shall be effected in accordance with s. 13.482.
(2) The entire property including the building and land shall be operated by the building commission through the department of administration as provided in s. 13.482 (2). Section 13.482 shall apply to the building and land.
(4) All acts or parts thereof, conflicting with this section are, insofar as they conflict with this section and no further, superseded by this section.
Wis. Stat. § 13.488 Building commission; powers and duties
(1) For the purpose of providing housing for state departments and agencies, including housing for state offices anywhere in the state and the completion of the state office building, and all buildings, improvements, facilities or equipment or other capital items required in connection therewith, for the acquisition of lands for future office building development, and to refinance indebtedness previously or hereafter created by a nonprofit-sharing corporation for the purpose of providing a state office building or buildings or additions or improvements thereto which are located on land owned by the state or by the nonprofit-sharing corporation, or for any one or more of said purposes, the building commission shall have the following powers and duties:
(a) Without limitation by reason of any other statutes except s. 13.48 (14) (am), the power to sell and to convey title in fee simple to a nonprofit-sharing corporation any land and any existing buildings thereon owned by the state for such consideration and upon such terms and conditions as in the judgment of the building commission are in the public interest.
(b) Except as provided in s. 13.48 (14) (am), the power to lease to a nonprofit-sharing corporation for terms not exceeding 50 years each any land and existing buildings thereon owned by the state upon such terms, conditions and rentals as in the judgment of the building commission are in the public interest.
(c) The power to lease or sublease from such nonprofit-sharing corporation, and to make available for public use, any lands or any such land and existing buildings conveyed or leased to such corporation under pars. (a) and (b), and any new buildings erected upon such land or upon any other land owned by such corporation, upon such terms, conditions and rentals, subject to available appropriations, as in the judgment of the building commission are in the public interest. With respect to any property conveyed to such corporation under par. (a), such lease from such corporation may be subject or subordinated to one or more mortgages of such property granted by such corporation.
(d) The duty to submit the plans and specifications for all such new buildings and all conveyances, leases and subleases made pursuant to this section to the department of administration and the governor for written approval before they are finally adopted, executed and delivered.
(e) The duty to apply all of the net revenues derived from the operation of any lands or such new buildings to the payment of rentals due and to become due under any lease or sublease of such new buildings made under par. (c).
(f) The power to pledge and assign all or any part of the revenues derived from the operation of any lands or such new buildings as security for the payment of rentals due and to become due under any lease or sublease of such new buildings made under par. (c).
(g) The power to covenant and agree in any lease or sublease of any lands or of such new buildings made under par. (c) to impose fees, rentals or other charges for the use and occupancy or other operation of such new buildings in an amount which together with other moneys of the building commission available for such purpose will produce net revenue sufficient to pay the rentals due and to become due under such lease or sublease.
(h) The power to apply all or any part of the revenues derived from the operation of any lands or existing buildings to the payment of rentals due and to become due under any lease or sublease made under par. (c).
(i) The power to pledge and assign all or any part of the revenues derived from the operation of any lands or existing buildings to the payment of rentals due and to become due under any lease or sublease made under par. (c).
(j) The power to covenant and agree in any lease or sublease made under par. (c) to impose fees, rentals or other charges for the use and occupancy or other operation of any lands or existing buildings in an amount calculated to produce net revenues sufficient to pay the rentals due and to become due under such lease or sublease.
(k) The power and duty, upon receipt of notice of any assignment by any such corporation of any lease or sublease made under par. (c), or of any of its rights under any such lease or sublease, to recognize and give effect to such assignment, and to pay to the assignee thereof rentals or other payments then due or which may become due under any such lease or sublease which has been so assigned by such corporation.
(L) The duty to prohibit the use of general fund supported borrowing for the construction of parking facilities for new or existing buildings, unless fees will be charged for parking privileges sufficient to recover the costs of maintenance necessary for the parking facilities. Nothing in this paragraph shall be deemed to require that all users of the parking facilities be charged a parking fee.
(m) The duty to determine and make payments to the United States required so as to avoid an adverse effect on any exclusion of interest from gross income for federal income tax purposes on public debt, revenue obligations, and operating notes issued pursuant to ch. 18, master lease obligations issued pursuant to s. 16.76, and appropriation obligations issued pursuant to s. 16.527 and to make any payments to advisors that assist in making the determination. If the proceeds of an obligation are utilized for an activity that is financed from program revenue, the building commission shall make the payments required under this paragraph from that revenue, to the extent it is available.
(2) The state shall be liable for accrued rentals and for any other default under any lease or sublease made under sub. (1) (c) and may be sued therefor on contract as in other contract actions pursuant to ch. 775, except that it shall not be necessary for the lessor under any such lease or sublease or any assignee of such lessor or any person or other legal entity proceeding on behalf of such lessor to file any claim with the legislature prior to the commencement of any such action.
(3) Nothing in this section empowers the building commission to incur any state debt.
(4) All laws, conflicting with this section are, insofar as they conflict with this section and no further, superseded by this section.
(5) Unless the context requires otherwise, in this section, “building,” “new buildings,” and “existing buildings” include all buildings, structures, improvements, facilities, equipment, or other capital items as the building commission determines to be necessary or desirable for the purpose of providing housing for state departments and agencies.
(6) If the building commission finds and declares that the housing available in any building leased or subleased from a nonprofit-sharing corporation under sub. (1) (c) is in excess of the current housing needs or requirements of the state departments and agencies occupying or availing themselves of the space in or capacity of such building, the building commission need not operate such building in a manner to provide revenue therefrom sufficient to pay the costs of operation and maintenance of such building and to provide for the rental payments due a nonprofit-sharing corporation.
(7) In proceeding with development of new facilities at state fair park in West Allis, the building commission shall employ the following procedures:
(a) The building commission, with advice from the state fair park board, shall examine and review detailed design requirements for all state-owned facilities involving a cost of more than $300,000 to be included in the development of state fair park. Beginning in fiscal year 2023-24, this amount is $600,000.
(b) Final approval by the building commission for the construction of any facility specified in par. (a) at state fair park shall be contingent upon a finding by the building commission that the proposed project is consistent with the overall objectives of the state fair park and that actual lease commitments and the probability of future lease commitments are such that the building commission may reasonably determine that the facility will be completely self-amortizing, including principal and interest payments covering the life of any bond issue.
Wis. Stat. § 13.489 Transportation projects commission
(1c) Definitions. In this section:
(am) “Categorical exclusion” means a categorical exclusion from a requirement to prepare an environmental assessment or environmental impact statement for a highway project as described under 23 CFR 771.117.
(aw) “Environmental assessment” means an analysis of a proposed action to determine whether the proposed action constitutes a major action significantly affecting the human environment under s. 1.11 (2) (c).
(b) “Environmental impact statement” means a detailed statement required under s. 1.11 (2) (c).
(c) “Major highway project” has the meaning given in s. 84.013 (1) (a).
(1g) Creation. There is created a transportation projects commission consisting of the governor, 3 citizen members appointed by the governor to serve at his or her pleasure, and 5 senators and 5 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses. Of the members from each house, 3 shall be chosen from the majority party and 2 shall be chosen from the minority party. The secretary of transportation shall serve as a nonvoting member. The governor shall serve as chairperson. Citizen members of the commission shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred as members of the commission from the appropriation under s. 20.395 (4) (aq).
(1m) Approval of commission required for study of potential major highway projects.
(b) Not later than October 15 of each odd-numbered year, the department of transportation shall provide to the commission a list of potential major highway projects that the department has initially determined may be recommended under par. (c) for approval to prepare an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment and a list of potential major highway projects that could be studied for possible recommendation under sub. (4). The commission may conduct public hearings on potential major highway projects identified by the department of transportation or by the commission.
(c) Not later than March 15 of each even-numbered year, the department of transportation shall report to the commission those potential major highway projects that the department recommends be approved by the commission for preparation of an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment.
(d) Not later than April 15 of each even-numbered year, the commission shall notify the department of those potential major highway projects that the commission approves for preparation of an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment or shall notify the department that it does not approve any potential major highway projects for preparation of an environmental impact statement or environmental assessment.
(e) The department of transportation may not prepare an environmental impact statement or an environmental assessment for a potential major highway project unless the commission notifies the department under par. (d) that the project is approved.
(f) This subsection does not apply to major highway projects described in s. 84.013 (1) (a) 2m.
(2) Department to report proposed projects. Subject to s. 85.05, the department of transportation shall report to the commission not later than September 15 of each even-numbered year and at such other times as required under s. 84.013 (6) concerning its recommendations for adjustments in the major highway projects program under s. 84.013.
(3) Assistance to commission.
(a) The department of transportation shall assist the commission in the performance of its duties.
(b)
1. The department of transportation shall, when requested by the commission, make or cause to be made any studies and cost estimates with respect to any proposed project that are necessary to permit the commission to consider the project.
2. When the department provides a full project cost estimate under this paragraph, the estimate shall include all costs associated with the project, including all costs before enumeration, design engineering and construction engineering costs, the costs of environmental studies, and costs of the project that are paid by another program of the department. A full project cost estimate under this paragraph shall include the expected date of completion and an estimate of the effects of construction cost inflation and unexpected costs on the cost of the project.
3. The costs of studies under this paragraph shall be charged to the appropriate program appropriation under s. 20.395.
(4) Review of projects.
(a)
1. All reports submitted as provided by sub. (2) shall be reviewed by the commission. The commission shall report its recommendations concerning major highway projects to the governor or governor-elect, the legislature and the joint committee on finance no later than December 15 of each even-numbered year or within 30 days following submission of a report under s. 84.013 (6). The commission may recommend approval, approval with modifications, or disapproval of any project, except that the commission may not recommend the approval, with or without modifications, of any project unless any of the following applies:
a. The commission determines that, within 6 years after the first July 1 after the date on which the commission recommends approval of the project, construction will be commenced on all projects enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) and on the project recommended for approval and the commission has been notified that a draft environmental impact statement, draft environmental assessment, or draft categorical exclusion for the project has been approved by the department of transportation or, if necessary to secure federal funding, the federal highway administration.
b. The report recommending approval of the project is accompanied by a financing proposal that, if implemented, would provide funding in an amount sufficient to ensure that construction will commence on all projects enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) and on the project within 6 years after the first July 1 after the date on which the commission recommends approval of the project and the commission has been notified that a draft environmental impact statement, draft environmental assessment, or draft categorical exclusion for the project has been approved by the department of transportation or, if necessary to secure federal funding, the federal highway administration.
2. In determining the commencement date for projects under subd. 1. a. and b., the commission shall assume that the appropriation amounts under s. 20.395 (3) (bq) to (bx) for the current fiscal year will be adjusted annually to reflect adjustments to the U.S. consumer price index for all urban consumers, U.S. city average, as determined by the U.S. department of labor.
(b) The commission may include in the report in par. (a) its designation of highway improvement projects under s. 84.013 (6m) as major highway projects.
(c) No project may be enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) or approved under s. 84.013 (6) unless the commission recommends approval, with or without modifications, of the project under par. (a) or, with respect to a project under s. 84.013 (6m), designates the project under par. (b).
(d) This subsection does not apply to major highway projects described in s. 84.013 (1) (a) 2m.
(4m) Review of high-cost major highway projects.
(a) Notwithstanding sub. (4), for any major highway project described in s. 84.013 (1) (a) 2m., the department of transportation shall submit a report to the commission, prior to construction of the project, which report may request the commission’s approval to proceed with the project. The department may submit this request at any time following completion by the department of a draft environmental impact statement, draft environmental assessment, or draft categorical exclusion for the project.
(b) After receiving a request under par. (a) for approval to proceed with a major highway project described in s. 84.013, the commission shall meet to approve, approve with modifications, or disapprove the request. The department may implement the request only as approved by the commission, including approval after modification by the commission.
(c) The department of transportation may not proceed with construction of a major highway project described in s. 84.013 (1) (a) 2m. unless the project is approved by the commission as provided in par. (b).
(d) The procedures specified in this subsection shall apply to all major highway projects described in s. 84.013 (1) (a) 2m. in lieu of the procedures described in sub. (4).
(5) Department to report project status and costs.
(a) By February 1, 2005, and every 6 months thereafter, the department of transportation shall submit to the commission and, under s. 13.172 (2) to the joint committee on finance, the joint legislative audit committee, and the standing committees of the legislature with jurisdiction over transportation matters a report that does all of the following:
1. Summarizes the current status of each project submitted by the department that is under consideration by the commission under this section, including any project approved by the commission under sub. (1m) (d), and of each project enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) or 84.0145 (3) (b) or approved under s. 84.013 (6).
2. For each project specified under subd. 1., provides all of the following information:
a. All actual and estimated project costs, itemized by major cost categories, as of the date of preparation of the report. To the extent feasible, the department shall separately track and report the costs of environmental assessments, compliance, and mitigation.
b. The full project cost estimate, as established under sub. (3) (b) 2., of the project as of the date of approval or, if the project is enumerated, enumeration.
c. The year in which the department expects to complete the project as of the date of approval or, if the project is enumerated, enumeration.
d. The full project cost estimate, as established under sub. (3) (b) 2., of the project as of the date of preparation of the report.
e. The year in which the department expects to complete the project as of the date of preparation of the report.
f. An explanation of any difference between the full project cost estimates under subd. 2. b. and d. that has not been addressed in a previous report under this paragraph.
g. The opinion of the department as to whether the project will be completed as originally scheduled without the allocation of additional funds.
(am) The report under par. (a) shall treat separately and as described in the enumerating statute each project enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) or 84.0145 (3) (b) and shall treat separately each project approved under s. 84.013 (6).
(b) All project information included in any report required under par. (a) shall be reported on both a cumulative basis from the inception of the project and on an updated basis for the period since the department’s last report under this subsection.
(c) With the report submitted under par. (a), by February 1 of each year, the department of transportation shall include a current project schedule for all projects enumerated under s. 84.013 (3) or approved under s. 84.013 (6), showing the annual funding required until completion for each project.
(6) Department to make information available. Notwithstanding s. 19.35, the department of transportation shall make all of the following information available to the public, including making the information available at no charge on the department’s Internet site, within the following time periods:
(a) Any report prepared by the department for the commission under sub. (5) shall be available within 5 business days of the report’s completion and transmittal to the commission.
(b) Any materials or documents prepared by the department, except the department’s recommendations, for use at a meeting of the commission shall be available at least 2 business days prior to the meeting.
(c) Any other information directed by the commission to be made available by the department under this subsection shall be available within the time specified by the commission.
Wis. Stat. § 13.525 Joint review committee on criminal penalties
(1) Creation. There is created a joint review committee on criminal penalties composed of the following members:
(a) One majority party member and one minority party member from each house of the legislature, appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses.
(b) The attorney general or his or her designee.
(c) The secretary of corrections or his or her designee.
(d) The state public defender or his or her designee.
(e) A reserve judge who resides in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th judicial administrative district and a reserve judge who resides in the 7th, 8th, 9th, or 10th judicial administrative district, appointed by the supreme court.
(f) Two members of the public appointed by the governor, one of whom shall have law enforcement experience in this state and one of whom shall be an elected county official.
(2) Officers. The majority party senator and the majority party representative to the assembly shall be cochairpersons of the committee. The committee shall elect a secretary from among its nonlegislator members.
(3) Judicial and gubernatorial appointees. Members appointed under sub. (1) (e) or (f) shall serve at the pleasure of the authority appointing them.
(4) Eligibility. A member shall cease to be a member upon losing the status upon which the appointment is based. Membership on the committee shall not be incompatible with any other public office.
(5) Review of legislation relating to crimes.
(a) If any bill that is introduced in either house of the legislature proposes to create a new crime or revise a penalty for an existing crime and the bill is referred to a standing committee of the house in which it is introduced, the chairperson may request the joint review committee to prepare a report on the bill under par. (b). If the bill is not referred to a standing committee, the speaker of the assembly, if the bill is introduced in the assembly, or the presiding officer of the senate, if the bill is introduced in the senate, may request the joint review committee to prepare a report on the bill under par. (b).
(b) If the joint review committee receives a request under par. (a) for a report on a bill that proposes to create a new crime or revise a penalty for an existing crime, the committee shall prepare a report concerning all of the following:
1. The costs that are likely to be incurred or saved by the department of corrections, the department of justice, the state public defender, the courts, district attorneys, and other state and local government agencies if the bill is enacted.
2. The consistency of penalties proposed in the bill with existing criminal penalties.
3. Alternative language needed, if any, to conform penalties proposed in the bill to penalties in existing criminal statutes.
4. Whether acts prohibited under the bill are prohibited under existing criminal statutes.
(c) The chief clerk shall print a report prepared by the committee under par. (b) as an appendix to the bill and attach it thereto as are amendments. The reproduction shall be in lieu of inclusion in the daily journal of the house in which the proposal is introduced.
(d) If a bill that is introduced in either house of the legislature proposes to create a new crime or revise a penalty for an existing crime, a standing committee to which the bill is referred may not vote on whether to recommend the bill for passage and the bill may not be passed by the house in which it is introduced before the joint review committee submits a report under par. (b) or before the 30th day after a report is requested under par. (a), whichever is earlier.
(6) Committee powers and procedures. The committee may hold hearings as needed to elicit information for making a report under sub. (5) (b). The committee shall meet at the call of its cochairpersons. All actions of the committee require the approval of a majority of all of its members.
Wis. Stat. § 13.565 Legislative review of certain rules
Upon referral of any proposed rule relating to animal waste treatment to the presiding officers of each house of the legislature under s. 227.19 (2), the presiding officers shall refer it to a senate and an assembly committee concerned with agriculture. The committees shall hold a public hearing to review the proposed rule.
Wis. Stat. § 13.621 Exemptions
(1) Complete exemption for certain conduct. This subchapter does not apply to the following activities:
(a) Lobbying through communications media or by public addresses to audiences made up principally of persons other than legislators or agency officials.
(b) Except as provided in s. 13.68 (1) (a) 5., news or feature reporting, paid advertising activities or editorial comment by working members of the press, and the publication or dissemination thereof by a newspaper, book publisher, regularly published periodical, radio station or television station.
(c) Requests by a member or employee of the legislature or by a legislative committee for information from an agency or its employees and the furnishing of the requested information by that agency or its employees.
(d) Lobbying of an agency official by an agency official of a different agency or another agency official of the same agency.
(e) Participation as a member in the deliberations of a committee under s. 227.13 or any committee of the legislature.
(f) Requests by an agency official for information from any person and the furnishing of the information by that person, or requests by any person for information from any agency official and the furnishing of the information by that official.
(2) State agency lobbying activities. An agency which files a statement under s. 13.695 and an official of the agency who is named in the statement are not subject to s. 13.625, 13.63, 13.64, 13.65 or 13.68 except as provided in s. 13.695.
(3) Performance of public official duties. An elective state official, local official, tribal official, or employee of the legislature is not subject to s. 13.63, 13.64, 13.65, 13.68, or 13.695 when acting in an official capacity.
(5) Verified statements. Any principal who or which anticipates making expenditures or incurring obligations in an aggregate amount not exceeding $500 in a calendar year for the purpose of engaging in lobbying activities which are not exempt under this section may so indicate on a verified statement filed with the commission. The statement shall disclose the name, address and telephone number of the principal and a brief description of each cause or interest for which the principal employs a lobbyist. The statement shall also disclose the name and business address of any lobbyist who is employed by such principal to engage in lobbying activities which are not exempt under this section. A statement filed under this subsection expires at midnight on December 31 of each year, or upon revocation by the principal, whichever is earlier. Any principal and any lobbyist acting on behalf of a principal making such a statement is not subject to licensing under s. 13.63, registration under s. 13.64, or the reporting requirements under s. 13.68, if the statement is true. The statement may be revoked at any time by the principal and the principal and any lobbyist employed by the principal are then subject to such requirements as of the date of revocation. The statement shall be revoked no later than 10 days after the date the aggregate expenditures or obligations in the calendar year for the purpose of engaging in such lobbying activities exceed $500. The fee paid under s. 13.75 (1g) (c) for filing a statement under this subsection shall be credited toward payment of the fee under s. 13.75 (1g) (b) if the fee under s. 13.75 (1g) (b) is paid within the same year.
(6) Individual right to lobby. Nothing in ss. 13.61 to 13.695 may be applied to or interfere with the right of any individual to engage in lobbying:
(a) Solely on his or her own behalf; or
(b) By communicating solely with a legislator who represents the senate or assembly district in which the individual resides, whether or not such communication is made on behalf of the individual or on behalf of another person.
(7) Participation in events; public official outreach.
(a) An agency official, an elective state official, or a legislative employee may receive and retain reimbursement or payment of actual and reasonable expenses for a published work or for the presentation of a talk or participation in a meeting related to a topic specified in s. 19.56 (1) if the payment or reimbursement is paid or arranged by the organizer of the event or the publisher of the work, including a principal or lobbyist.
(b) An agency official, an elective state official, or a legislative employee may attend a meeting with clubs, conventions, special interest groups, political groups, school groups, and other gatherings, without paying admission costs, to discuss and to interpret legislative, administrative, executive, or judicial processes and proposals and issues initiated by or affecting the state legislature, state government, a department, or the judicial branch. An agency official, an elective state official, or a legislative employee may not receive food, beverages, or other items included in the cost of admission unless the person pays the event organizer, including a principal or lobbyist, for the actual cost of the food, beverages, or items.
Wis. Stat. § 13.625 Prohibited practices
(1) No lobbyist may instigate legislative or administrative action for the purpose of obtaining employment in support or opposition to such action or contract to receive or receive compensation dependent in any manner upon the success or failure of any legislative or administrative action.
(1g) No lobbyist or principal may furnish to any agency official or legislative employee of the state or to any elective state official or candidate for an elective state office, or to the candidate committee of the official, employee, or candidate:
(a) Lodging.
(b) Transportation.
(c) Food, meals, beverages, money or any other thing of pecuniary value, except that a lobbyist may deliver a contribution or make a personal contribution to a partisan elective state official or candidate for national, state or local office or to the candidate committee of the official or candidate; but a lobbyist may make a personal contribution to which sub. (1m) applies only as authorized in sub. (1m).
(1m)
(a) Except as provided in par. (b), no lobbyist or principal may do any of the following:
1. Make a personal contribution to a partisan elective state official for the purpose of promoting the official’s election to any national, state, or local office.
2. Make a personal contribution to a candidate for a partisan elective state office to be filled at the general election or a special election.
3. Make a personal contribution to the candidate committee of a partisan elective state official or candidate for partisan state elective office.
(b) A lobbyist or principal may make a personal contribution to a partisan elective state official or candidate for partisan elective state office or to the candidate committee of the official or candidate between the first day authorized by law for the circulation of nomination papers as a candidate at a general election or special election and the day of the general election or special election, except that:
1. A contribution to a candidate for legislative office may be made during that period only if the legislature has concluded its final floorperiod, and is not in special or extraordinary session.
2. A contribution by a lobbyist to the lobbyist’s candidate committee for partisan elective state office may be made at any time.
(3) No candidate for an elective state office, elective state official, agency official, or legislative employee of the state may solicit or accept anything of pecuniary value from a lobbyist or principal, except as permitted under this section or s. 13.621. No candidate committee of a candidate for state office may accept anything of pecuniary value from a lobbyist or principal, except as permitted for such a candidate under this section or s. 13.621.
(4m) This section does not apply to any of the following:
(a) Notwithstanding sub. (1g), the furnishing by a principal of transportation, lodging, food, meals, beverages, or any other thing of pecuniary value that is also made available to the general public.
(b) Compensation paid or the furnishing of employee benefits by a principal to an employee who is a candidate for an elective state office but who does not hold such an office if the employee is neither an agency official nor legislative employee, and if the principal or employee can demonstrate by clear and convincing evidence that the principal’s employment of the employee and the compensation and employee benefits paid to the employee are unrelated to the candidacy. If the employee was employed by the principal prior to the first day of the 12th month commencing before the deadline for the filing of nomination papers for the office sought and the employment continues uninterrupted, without augmentation of compensation or employee benefits, except as provided by a preexisting employment agreement, it is rebuttably presumed that the employment and compensation and benefits paid are unrelated to the candidacy.
(c) Food, meals, beverages, or entertainment provided by the governor when acting in an official capacity.
(d) The furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by a lobbyist or principal to a relative of the lobbyist or principal or to an individual who resides in the same household as the lobbyist or principal or the receipt of anything of pecuniary value by that relative or individual residing in the same household as the lobbyist or principal.
(e) The furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by a principal that is a local governmental unit to a legislative official or an agency official who is an elected official of that local governmental unit, or the solicitation or acceptance thereof by such a legislative official or agency official, in an amount not exceeding the amount furnished to other similarly situated elected officials of the same local governmental unit.
(f) The furnishing of a per diem or reimbursement for actual and reasonable expenses by a principal that is a local governmental unit to a legislative official or an agency official who is an appointed official of that local governmental unit, or the solicitation or acceptance thereof by such a legislative official or agency official, in an amount not exceeding the amount furnished to other similarly situated appointed officials of the same local governmental unit.
(g) The furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by a lobbyist or principal to an employee of that lobbyist or principal who is a legislative official or an agency official solely because of membership on a state commission, board, council, committee, or similar body if the thing of pecuniary value is not in excess of that customarily provided by the employer to similarly situated employees and if the legislative official or agency official receives no compensation for his or her services other than a per diem or reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of his or her duties or the receipt of anything of pecuniary value by that legislative official or agency official under those circumstances.
(h) The furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by a principal to an officer or employee of the University of Wisconsin System, or the solicitation or acceptance thereof by such an officer or employee, for service as a member of the governing body of the principal, in an amount not exceeding the amount furnished to other members of the governing body for the same service.
(i) The furnishing of educational or informational material by a lobbyist or principal to an elected state official, legislative official, or agency official, or acceptance thereof by an elected state official, legislative official, or agency official.
(k) The solicitation of anything of pecuniary value for the benefit of the endangered resources program, as defined in s. 71.10 (5) (a) 2., by an agency official who administers the program.
(L) The solicitation of anything of pecuniary value to pay the costs of remedying environmental contamination, as defined in s. 292.51 (1), by an agency official of the department of natural resources.
(m) The solicitation, acceptance, or furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, or the furnishing by a principal of anything of pecuniary value to the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, under s. 19.56 (3) (e) or (f) for the activities specified in s. 19.56 (3) (e).
(n) The solicitation, acceptance, or furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by the department of tourism, or the furnishing by a principal of anything of pecuniary value to the department of tourism, under s. 19.56 (3) (em) or (f) for the activity specified in s. 19.56 (3) (em).
(o) The solicitation, acceptance, or furnishing of anything of pecuniary value by the Wisconsin commission for the U.S. semiquincentennial commission, or the furnishing by a principal of anything of pecuniary value to the Wisconsin commission for the U.S. semiquincentennial commission, under s. 19.56 (3) (g) for the activity specified in s. 19.56 (3) (g).
Wis. Stat. § 13.685 Duties of the ethics commission
(1) The commission shall prescribe forms and instructions for preparing and filing license applications under s. 13.63 (1), registration applications under s. 13.64 and the statements required under ss. 13.68 and 13.695.
(2) The commission shall prepare and publish a manual setting forth recommended uniform methods of accounting and reporting for use by persons who are required to provide information under s. 13.68 (4) or to file statements under s. 13.68 or 13.695.
(3) The commission shall examine each statement filed under s. 13.68.
(4) The commission shall, by rule, define what constitutes a “topic” for purposes of ss. 13.67 and 13.68 (1) (bn).
Wis. Stat. § 13.695 Legislative activities of state agencies
(1) Each agency shall file with the commission on or before January 31 and July 31 a statement which identifies the officers and employees of the agency who are paid a salary and whose regular duties include attempting to influence legislative action. The statement shall be attested by the agency head or such person’s designee. Each statement shall contain the following information, which shall be current to within 30 days of the filing deadline, and cover the period since the last date covered in the previous statement:
(a) The name of the agency filing the statement;
(b) The name, title and salary, which is paid by the state, of each officer or employee engaged in such legislative activity, the proportionate amount of time spent on legislative activity and the general area of legislative action which the officer or employee has attempted to influence.
(2) Any change in the name of an officer or employee or a general area of legislative action which is disclosed in a statement required under sub. (1) shall be reported in writing to the commission within 10 days of the change.
(3) Any officer or employee of an agency who attempts to influence legislative action which affects the financial interests of such employee, other than a regular or periodic adjustment in salary, wages or other benefits paid by the state, shall disclose the nature of such interest to any member or employee of the legislature with whom such person has a direct communication concerning such legislation.
(4) No officer or employee of an agency who is identified in a statement filed under this section may engage in the prohibited practices set forth in s. 13.625 (1), or use state funds to engage in the practices set forth in s. 13.625 (1g) or to make a contribution. This subsection does not prohibit an agency official who is identified in a statement filed under this section from authorizing salaries and other payments authorized by law to be paid to state officers, employees, consultants, or contractors, or candidates for state office, or from authorizing property or services of the agency to be provided for official purposes or other purposes authorized by law, whenever that action is taken in the normal course of affairs.
Wis. Stat. § 13.905 Legislative conduct
The joint committee on legislative organization may inquire into alleged misconduct by members or employees of the legislature.
Wis. Stat. § 13.0965 Review of bills proposing revocation of an operating privilege
If any bill that is introduced in either house of the legislature proposes to revoke a person’s operating privilege upon conviction of that person for any offense, the department of transportation shall, within 4 weeks after the bill is introduced, prepare a report that states whether the bill is consistent with a policy of revoking an operating privilege only for traffic violations that are likely to result in death, personal injury or serious property damage. The report shall be printed as an appendix to the bill and shall be distributed in the same manner as amendments. The report shall be distributed before any vote is taken on the bill by either house of the legislature if the bill is not referred to a standing committee, or before any public hearing is held before any standing committee or, if no public hearing is held, before any vote is taken by the committee. A bill that requires a report by the department of transportation under this section shall have that requirement noted on its jacket when the jacket is prepared. When a bill that requires a report under this section is introduced, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the bill to the department of transportation.
Wis. Stat. § 13.0966 Review of bills or amendments establishing health insurance mandates
(1) Definition. In this section, “office” means the office of the commissioner of insurance.
(2) Report establishing health insurance mandates.
(a) Any bill that requires a report by the office under s. 601.423 shall have that requirement noted on its jacket when the jacket is prepared.
(b) When a bill that requires a report under s. 601.423 is introduced, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the bill to the office. When an amendment that creates or alters a health insurance mandate requiring a report under s. 601.423 is offered, the legislative reference bureau shall submit a copy of the amendment to the office. The office shall prepare the report or a written statement in accordance with s. 601.423. If the office prepares a written statement, the chairperson of a standing committee to which the bill has been referred, the presiding officer of either house of the legislature, either cochairperson of the joint committee on finance, or any other member of the legislature may request that the office prepare a report instead, in which case the office shall prepare a report.
(c) After receiving the report or written statement from the office under s. 601.423 (2), the chief clerk of the house in which the bill or amendment is introduced or offered shall ensure all of the following:
1. The report or written statement prepared under s. 601.423 is printed as an appendix to the bill and distributed in the same manner as amendments.
2. The report or written statement is distributed, and is made available to the public, before any vote is taken on the bill by either house of the legislature if the bill is not referred to a standing committee, or before any public hearing is held before any standing committee or, if no public hearing is held, before any vote is taken by the committee. No bill requiring a report under s. 601.423 may receive a hearing or be voted on by either house or by a standing committee and no amendment requiring a report under s. 601.423 may be adopted by either house or recommended by a standing committee before the report or statement on the bill or amendment is distributed under this subdivision.
Wis. Stat. § 13.0975 Review of legislative proposals impacting energy availability
(1) Definition. In this section, “commission” means the public service commission.
(1m) Request by legislator. When any proposal that will probably impact the cost or reliability of electricity generation, transmission, or distribution or of fuels used in generating electricity is introduced or offered in the legislature and referred to a standing committee of the house in which it is introduced, the chairperson or ranking minority member may request that the commission prepare an energy impact report. If the proposal is not referred to a standing committee, the speaker of the assembly, if the proposal is introduced or offered in the assembly, or the presiding officer of the senate, if the proposal is introduced or offered in the senate, may request that the commission prepare an energy impact report.
(2) Report by the commission.
(a) When the commission is requested to prepare an energy impact report under sub. (1m), the commission shall submit the energy impact report on the proposal within 30 days after the written request is submitted to the commission.
(b) If the proposal impacts the cost or reliability of electricity generation, transmission, or distribution or of fuels used in generating electricity, the commission shall describe the impact contained in the proposal. The energy impact report shall include the commission’s findings under sub. (3) and its conclusions under sub. (4).
(c) An energy impact report shall be printed as an appendix to the proposal and shall be distributed in the same manner as amendments.
(3) Findings of the commission energy impact report. The commission’s energy impact report shall evaluate the probable impact of the proposal on the cost or reliability of electricity generation, transmission, or distribution or of fuels used in generating electricity.
(4) Conclusion of the commission report. Based on its findings under sub. (3), the commission shall include in its energy impact report its conclusion on whether the proposal adversely impacts the cost or reliability of electricity generation, transmission, or distribution or of fuels used in generating electricity.
Source: WI Statutes (Official Site)URL: https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/statutes/statutes/13Fetched: 10/7/2026