Gov. Scott Walker signs 55 bills into law at State Capitol

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker signed 55 bills into law on Wednesday, April 16th at the Wisconsin State Capitol.

Assembly Bill 173 – establishes special vehicle registration plates associated with Wisconsin Trout Unlimited.  A portion of fees for the plates will support Wisconsin Trout Unlimited.  Representative Jim Ott (R-Mequon) and Senator Robert Wirch (D-Kenosha) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 92-0 and was concurred by the Senate 26-7; it is Act 266.

Assembly Bill 726 – states that cannabidol (CBD) oil extract does not contain the psychoactive properties of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),  clearing the way for a new treatment for children suffering from seizure disorders, pending FDA approval.  Representative Robb Kahl (D-Monona), Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa), and Senator Robert Wirch (D-Kenosha) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate 33-0; it is Act 267.

Senate Bill 250- allows certain licensed beer or wine judging and tasting events to be held at local fairs, without a licensed bartender present.  Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Tom Larson (R-Colfax) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 268.

Assembly Bill 746- limits civil liability for agricultural tourism providers by including them under the Recreational Use Law, which protects landowners from liability when they open their property to specific recreational activities.  Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Lee Nerison (R-Westby) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly 85-9 and passed Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 269. 

Senate Bill 617- Creates a uniform, statewide Commercial Building Code, providing architects, builders, contractors and inspectors with needed consistency and predictability on building codes and regulations. Senator Terry Moulton (R-Chippewa Falls) and Representative Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly 82-13 and passed the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 270. 

Senate Bill 152 – eliminates Wisconsin’s rare regulation of charitable gift annuities by the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 271.

Senate Bill 502- encourages industrial, commericial, and mixed use development by streamlining the process of dividing land.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 272. 

Assembly Bill 422- expands law relating to raffles to include games of chance for which tickets are sold that use plastic or rubber ducks in a race. Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative André Jacque (R-De Pere) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 273. 

Senate Bill 517- holds the tenant of a rental property responsible for overdue municipal utility bills and releases the landlord or property of liability for unpaid utility bills on the property tax rolls.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative André Jacque(R-De Pere) authored the bill, which passed the Senate 22-10 and was concurred by the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 274.

Assembly Bill 208- creates a special distinguishing license plate to honor fallen law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty and to show support for their family members.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Dean Kaufert (R-Neenah) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly 92-0 and the Senate 32-0; it is Act 275. 

Assembly Bill 684- contains technical corrections to unemployment insurance, including consequences from state agencies for those delinquent in UI contributions who are seeking certain licenses or certifications. Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Dan Knodl (R-Germantown) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 276. 

Senate Bill 520- part of the Right the Rules effort, this bill streamlines existing regulations, provides uniformity, and grants financial institutions greater flexibility by eliminating outdated rules on records retention for credit unions and banks.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Dave Craig (R-Big Bend) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 277. 

Senate Bill 581- eliminates first-year commission limits on long term care policies, bringing Wisconsin in line with most other states, and creating the same standards for policies whether filed in Wisconsin or through the interstate compact.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 278. 

Senate Bill 582- modernizes Wisconsin’s financial regulation of insurance companies by ensuring Wisconsin can look at the systemic risk of insurers.  Addresses concerns related to the financial crisis, and ensures Wisconsin has the tools in place to review the financial impact of non-insurance lines on insurance lines. Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Kevin Petersen (R-Waupaca) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 279. 

Assembly Bill 835- encourages development by allowing builders and developers to use a performance  bonds, instead of a letter of credit, when applying for plat (subdivision map) approval.  Senator Frank Lasee (R-De Pere) and Representative Jim Steineke (R-Kaukauna) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 280. 

Assembly Bill 376 – allows solid waste companies that process waste wood mainly used for energy recovery and fuel, to substitute financial criteria to prove they are financially sound.  Representative Nick Milroy (D-South Range) and Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) authored the bill, which passed by voice vote in both the Assembly and the Senate; it is Act 281. 

Senate Bill 299 – allows municipalities on Washington and Madeline Island to apply for exemption from certain Ashland County property taxes.  This bill affects the town of LaPointe, located on Madeline Island, which can only be accessed by air, to avoid paying for services Ashland County cannot provide.  Representative Janet Bewley (D-Ashland) and Senator Bob Jauch (D-Poplar) authored the bill which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and passed the Senate 33-0; it is Act 282. 

Assembly Bill 441 – expands the offenses that are reported to the sex offender registry, expands the information available to the public and makes certain information available to police chiefs and sheriffs about sex offenders.  Representative Mary Williams (R-Medford) and Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 283.

Assembly Bill 723 – allows the Village of Biron to transfer positive tax increments from Tax Incremental District (TID) #2 to Tax Incremental District (TID) #3.  Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Senator Julie Lassa (D-Stevens Point) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate 32-0; it is Act 284. 

Assembly Bill 412 – exempts individuals employed as outside salespersons from the state minimum wage law, bringing Wisconsin in line with federal law, and the law in 35 other states.  Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Senator Scott Fitzgerald (R-Juneau) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 56-38 and the Senate 18-15; it is Act 285.

Assembly Bill 712 – provides clarity for employers by exempting them from the requirement to keep records of the number of hours worked by salaried employees who are not eligible to receive overtime payments.  Representative Mark Born (R-Beaver Dam) and Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 63-34 and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 286.

Assembly Bill 512 – gives towns in Waukesha County the authority to adopt or amend town zoning ordinances, contingent on County Board approval.   This bill allows Waukesha County towns more control over zoning while preserving the county’s comprehensive plan.  Representative David Craig (R-Big Bend) and Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 287.

Senate Bill 531 – prevents the Real Estate Examining Board (REEB) from issuing a real estate salesperson or broker license to a convicted felon.  Offers REEB the the ability to revoke an individual’s real estate license, if they are convicted of a felony after the effective date of the bill.  An applicant may apply for a license three years after the completion of their sentence.  Representative Dean Knudson (R-Hudson) and Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) authored the bill which passed the Senate on a voice vote and was concurred by the Assembly 81-15; it is Act 288.

Assembly Bill 729 – exempts classified research at the University of Wisconsin System institutions from open records requirements, thereby allowing the UW System to enter into research contracts and increase federal research funding.  The Board of Regents will be required to send an annual report to the Joint Finance Council outlining the number of research contracts being considered.  Representative Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 289.

Assembly Bill 594 – relieves four small utilities that voluntarily had a portfolio comparatively strong in renewables when the Renewable Portfolio Standards (RPS) baseline was set.  The bill also releases their ratepayers of the costs associated with their visibly disproportionate 2015 RPS requirements.  Representative Scott Krug (R-Nekoosa) and Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and the Senate on voice votes; it is Act 290.

Assembly Bill 803 – promotes safety for workers in the right-of-way by requiring all employers and employees performing work on a public utility project, which is defined as a project erected, constructed, repaired, remodeled, or demolished for a public utility on a public right-of-way, have a substance abuse prevention program in place.  Also applies the “move over or slow down” law to public utility vehicles that are displaying flashing warning lights.  Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Robb Kahl (D-Monona) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote;  it is Act 291.

Senate Bill 434 – improves food safety and streamlines the certification process for food handlers in Wisconsin.  Applicants must complete an approved examination to earn a certificate, valid for five years.  Senator Paul Farrow (R-Pewaukee) and Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 292.

Senate Bill 150 – allows local governments to prosecute second and subsequent offenses of marijuana possession, in some cases, if the district attorney declines.  Representative Thiesfeldt (R-Fond du Lac), Senator Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Senator Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed the Senate 24-9 and passed the Assembly on a voice vote; it is Act 293.

Senate Bill 251 – helps nursing homes better control costs associated with prescription drugs.    The bill gives the nursing home the ability to develop therapeutic interchange procedures, which is the process of changing from one drug to a similar drug, which currently occurs in hospitals.  Physicians or physician assistants must approve the procedure for each patient.  Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Representative Mike Endsley (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 294.

Assembly Bill 730 – permits the DNR allow use of state trails after hours, specifically between 11:00 P.M. and 6:00 A.M.  Additionally, the bill permits both trappers and hunters to enter state park land no earlier than one hour before the opening of hunting hours.  Representative Eric Genrich (D-Green Bay) and Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 295.

Senate Bill 497 – allows small businesses to correct minor rule violations without facing stiff penalties from state government, requires agencies to consider written warnings or reduced fines when the business shows a valiant effort to comply with the rule, and the violation does not threaten public safety, health, or welfare.  This bill is part of Governor Walker’s agenda to reform government and remove unnecessary obstacles for small businesses.  Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) and Representative Chris Kapenga (R-Delafield) authored the bill which passed the Senate 23-9 and passed the Assembly 95-0; it is Act 296.

Senate Bill 516 – requires local municipalities writing an ordinance regulating use of the airport have a committee hold the public hearing, as opposed to the park commission or park manager.  Senator  Rick Gudex (R- Fond du Lac) and Representative Michael Schraa (R-Oshkosh) authored the bill which passed the Senate and the Assembly on voice votes; it is Act 297. 

Assembly Bill 589 – streamlines regulations; allows Milwaukee to enter into an agreement with DATCP to issue licenses to retail food establishments at any time during the year, also allows Milwaukee to enter into an agreement with DHS to issue licenses to restaurants or bed and breakfast establishments at any time during the year.  Representative Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) and Senator Rick Gudex (R-Fond du Lac) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and was concurred by the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 298. 

Assembly Bill 769 – encourages development in the city of Madison by allowing parking structures to be included under Tax Incremental Financing (TIF),  Madison is currently the only municipality in the state that is not allowed to finance parking structures with TIDs.  Representatives Dale Kooyenga (R-Brookfield) , Robb Kahl (D-Monona), and Senator Tom Tiffany (R-Hazelhurst) authored the bill which passed the Assembly on a voice vote and passed the Senate 33-0; it is Act 299.

Assembly Bill 596 – expedites customer requested natural gas service drops, makes it easier to access natural gas by forgoing PSC approval for situations when the customer and both natural gas utilities agree on a small territorial exchange.  Representative Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Senator Robert Cowles (R- Green Bay) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and the Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 300. 

Assembly Bill 444 – exempts some solid waste residuals from tipping fees at recycling facilities, provides relief for disposal facility when an individual defaults.  Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative John Murtha (R-Baldwin) authored the bill, which passed the Senate 33-0, and the Assembly 93-0; it is Act 301.

Assembly Bill 744 – reduces cost for dairy plants, food warehouses, food processing plants, retail food establishments, and meat establishments that get a license during the last three months of the year, by allowing them to hold the license for the following year without paying an additional fee.  Representatiove Lee Nerison (R-Westby) and Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) authored the bill which passed the Assembly and the Senate on voice votes; it is Act 302.

Assembly Bill 745 – eliminates confusion about the milk procurement fee rate and sets the due date to the 25th of each month.  Representative Lee Nerison (R-Westby) and Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on a voice vote;  it is Act 303.

Senate Bill 344 -  requires property owners to disclose to potential buyers if there is a dam on the property.  Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative Warren Petryk (R-Eleva) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 304. 

Senate Bill 512 – protects the environment by setting a mandatory retail deposit of $10 for lead-acid batteries.  Senator Robert Cowles (R-Green Bay) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on a voice vote; it is Act 305. 

Senate Bill 478 – ensures school districts use Community Service Funds as intended, requires DPI to define ineligible uses.   Senator Robert Cowles(R-Green Bay) and Representative Jim Steineke(R-Kaukauna) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 306. 

Assembly Bill 780- eliminates drunkenness (voluntary intoxication) as a defense for individuals who commit crimes.   Representative Steve Nass (R-Whitewater) and Senator Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn) authored the bill, which passed the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 307. 

Assembly Bill 801 – streamlines government by matching unclaimed property tax owners with tax filers, and sending them their money if there is a match, eliminating additional paperwork.  The authors of this bill are Representative Tyler August (R-Lake Geneva) and Senator Neal Kedzie (R-Elkhorn).  The bill passed on a voice vote in the Assembly and passed the Senate 33-0; it is Act 308. 

Senate Bill 553 – allows the Department of Health Services to appoint a person, who is 18 years or older, at a camp lasting at least three days to administer medication to campers or staff members.  Representative Mike Kuglitsch (R-New Berlin) and Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) authored the bill, which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and Senate; it is Act 309.

Senate Bill 513 - provides Green County with the necessary flexibility to provide levy limit exception referendums to voters before the county’s budget discussions.  Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) and  Representative Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) authored the bill which passed both the Assembly and Senate on voice votes; it is Act 310.

Assembly Bill 707 – provides better protections for victims of abuse by extending the length a restraining order can last from four years to ten years.  Extends orders protecting children in child abuse cases can last, from two years to five years (or until the child turns 18).  The bill, which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and Senate, was authored by Representative Jessie Rodriguez (R-Franklin) and Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin); it is Act 311.

Assembly Bill 695 – eliminates duplicative training for mobile air conditioner repair technicians, saving 3,500 businesses a minimum of $120 annually. Makes Wisconsin’s law consistent with federal regulations and surrounding states, including Michigan, Minnesota, Illinois and Iowa. Representative Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R- Fond du Lac) and Senator Mary Lazich (R-New Berlin) authored the bill. In the Assembly, it passed by voice vote, and in the Senate, it passed 30-3; it is Act 312. 

Assembly Bill 539 – increases safety by allowing authorized emergency vehicles, including ambulances and fire trucks, to operate with warning lights while escorting vehicle processions.    Representative Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) and Senator John Lehman (D-Racine) authored the bill,  which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and Senate; it is Act 313. 

Assembly Bill 581 – strengthens the law prohibiting advertising that relates to adoption and creates a misdemeanor crime for bringing a child into the state to permanently transfer physical custody to a non-relative.   This bill is aimed at addressing the practice of “rehoming” in which an adoptive parent uses the internet to find a new home for an adopted child, which creates a safety risk for that child.  Representative Joel Kleefisch (R-Oconomowoc) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed the Assembly 97-0, and passed the Senate in a voice vote; it is Act 314. 

Assembly Bill 33 – extends the time counties can seek reimbursement for housing costs from prisoners, from one year to two years.  Representative Mike Endsley (R-Sheboygan) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and Senate; it is Act 315.

Assembly Bill 743 – allows all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) to cross highway bridges that are less than 1,000 feet,  if allowed by local government. Representative Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored this which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and the Senate; it is Act 316. 

Assembly Bill 556 – allows law enforcement to perform strip searches of individuals who are arrested or taken into custody, if they will be imprisoned in a jail or lockup facility with one or more other people.

Juveniles may only be strip searched if they are taken into custody for a felony or certain battery or weapon-related misdemeanor.  All law enforcement agencies and facilities where strip searches may be conducted must establish written policies concerning strip searches and provide annual training.

Representative Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and passed the Senate 18-15; it is Act 317. 

Senate Bill 321 – restricts the liability of private property owners who allow access to landing strips on their property for recreational aviation.  Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan) authored the bill which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and Senate. it is Act 318. 

Senate Bill 339 –allows religious, charitable, service, fraternal, veteran’s, or tax−exempt organizations who obtain a Class A raffle license to sell raffle tickets for up to $500.  The previous limit was $100.

This bill was authored by Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) and Senator Joe Leibham (R-Sheboygan), and passed via voice vote in both the Assembly and Senate; it is Act 319. 

Assembly Bill 593 – clarifies that when legislation repealing or modifying a rule is enacted, the normal rule-making procedures under current law no longer apply.  This is part of the Right the Rules initiative.  Representative Duey Stroebel (R-Saukville) and Senator Dale Schultz (R-Richland Center) authored the bill which passed by voice vote in the Assembly and passed 31-2 in the Senate; it is Act 320.