FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Wis. Stat. § 13.35 — WI Code / Chapter 13 / Section 13.35
Liability of witness.
Status: in_force

(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 .

History: 1989 a. 122 , 359 .
Wis. Stat. § 292.99 — WI Code / Chapter 292 / Section 292.99
Penalties.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided under sub. (1m) and s. 292.63 (10) , any person who violates this chapter or any rule promulgated or any plan approval, license or special order issued under this chapter shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $5,000 for each violation. Each day of continued violation is a separate offense. While an order is suspended, stayed or enjoined, this penalty does not accrue.

(1m) Any person who violates s. 292.65 (12m) shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $10,000.

(2) In addition to the penalties provided under subs. (1) and (1m) , the court may award the department of justice the reasonable and necessary expenses of the investigation and prosecution of the violation, including attorney fees. The department of justice shall deposit in the state treasury for deposit into the general fund all moneys that the court awards to the department or the state under this subsection. The costs of investigation and the expenses of prosecution, including attorney fees, shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.455 (1) (gh) .

History: 1995 a. 227 ; 1999 a. 9 ; 2001 a. 16 , 109 ; 2003 a. 309 ; 2013 a. 20 .
Wis. Stat. § 251.127 — WI Code / Chapter 251 / Section 251.127
Town health department, how financed.
Status: in_force

If a town health department is established under s. 251.02 (3m) or if a multiple municipal local health department is established under s. 251.02 (3r) by the governing body of a town in concert with the governing body of another town or a city or village, the town board shall appropriate funds for the operation of the department.

History: 1993 a. 27 ; 1999 a. 9 .
Wis. Stat. § 196.36 — WI Code / Chapter 196 / Section 196.36
Transcripts and tapes.
Status: in_force

(1) Transcripts. The commission shall receive into evidence a transcribed copy of the evidence and proceedings, or any specific part of the evidence and proceedings, on any investigation or hearing taken by a stenographer if the stenographer certifies that the copy is a true and correct transcript of all the testimony or of the testimony of a particular witness, or of any other specific part of the investigation or hearing, that the transcript was carefully compared by the stenographer with his or her original notes, and that the copy is a correct statement of the evidence presented and proceedings held in the investigation or hearing. The certified copy shall have the same effect as if the stenographer were present and testified to the correctness of the copy.

(1m) Transcripts from tapes. The commission shall receive into evidence a transcribed copy of an audiotape or videotape of the evidence and proceedings, or any specific part of the evidence and proceedings, of any investigation or hearing that is recorded if the transcriber certifies that the copy is a true and correct transcription from the audiotape or videotape of all the testimony or of the testimony of a particular witness, or of any other specific part of the investigation or hearing and that the copy is a correct statement of the evidence presented and proceedings held in the investigation or hearing. The certified copy shall have the same effect as if the transcriber were present and testified to the correctness of the copy.

(1r) Production expenses. The commission may require any party to an investigation or hearing to bear the expense of producing a transcript, audiotape or videotape that is related to the investigation or hearing.

(2) Copies. Upon request, the commission shall furnish a copy of a transcript under this section to any party to the investigation or hearing from which the transcript is taken and shall furnish a copy of an audiotape or videotape to any party to the investigation or hearing from which the audiotape or videotape is taken. The commission may charge a reasonable price for the transcript or tape.

History: 1983 a. 53 ; 1995 a. 27 ; 1997 a. 27 .
Wis. Stat. § 178.0114 — WI Code / Chapter 178 / Section 178.0114
Effective date and time.
Status: in_force

Except as otherwise provided in s. 178.0115 and subject to s. 178.0116 (3) , a record filed under this chapter is effective as follows:

(1) Except as provided in subs. (2) and (3) , on the date that it is received by the department for filing and at any of the following times on that date:

(a) The time of day specified in the document as its effective time.

(b) If no effective time is specified, at the close of business.

(2) The date that a document is received by the department is determined by the department’s endorsement on the original document under s. 178.0117 (2) .

(3) A document may specify a delayed effective date and time, except the effective date may not be more than 90 days after the date that it is received for filing. If a document specifies a delayed effective date and time in accordance with this subsection, the document is effective at the time and date specified. If a delayed effective date, but no time, is specified, the document is effective at the close of business on that date.

History: 2015 a. 295 .
Wis. Stat. § 799.28 — WI Code / Chapter 799 / Section 799.28
New trial.
Status: in_force

(1) Motions for new trial. Motions for new trial in the trial court are governed by s. 805.15 . A motion for a new trial must be made and heard within 20 days after the verdict is rendered, unless the court extends the time as provided in s. 801.15 (2) (b) . If the motion is not decided within 10 days of the date of hearing, it shall be deemed denied. The entry of judgment by the court without deciding a pending motion for a new trial shall be deemed a denial of the motion.

(2) Newly discovered evidence. A motion to set aside a verdict or to open up a judgment and for a new trial founded upon newly discovered evidence may be heard upon affidavits and the proceedings in the action. Such a motion may be made at any time within one year from the verdict or finding. The order granting or denying the motion shall be in writing and shall specify the grounds for granting the new trial, or state the court’s reasons for denying it.

History: Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 765 (1975); 1979 c. 32 s. 66 ; Stats. 1979 s. 799.28.
Wis. Stat. § 125.60 — WI Code / Chapter 125 / Section 125.60
Wholesale alcohol permit.
Status: in_force

(1) The division may issue a wholesale alcohol permit which authorizes the permittee to sell ethyl alcohol of 190 proof or more to persons holding permits or licenses issued under s. 125.61 or 125.62 . Nothing in this section requires manufacturers, rectifiers and wholesalers holding permits issued under s. 125.52 (1) or 125.54 to obtain a wholesale alcohol permit.

(2) Wholesale alcohol permits may be issued to any person who holds a valid certificate issued under s. 73.03 (50) and who is qualified under s. 125.04 (5) , except a person acting as an agent for or in the employ of another. Notwithstanding s. 125.04 (5) (a) 5. , a person is not required to complete a responsible beverage server training course to be qualified for a permit under this section.

(3) Holders of wholesale alcohol permits who do not hold permits issued under s. 125.52 (1) or 125.54 are exempt from s. 125.65 as it relates to special permits for agents or representatives of wholesale alcohol permit holders.

(4) Holders of wholesale alcohol permits under this section who do not hold permits issued under s. 125.52 (1) or 125.54 may sell or deal in ethyl alcohol, except that no alcohol may be sold for consumption on the premises of the permittee.

History: 1981 c. 79 ; 1989 a. 253 ; 1993 a. 259 ; 1995 a. 27 ; 2023 a. 73 .
Wis. Stat. § 425.204 — WI Code / Chapter 425 / Section 425.204
Voluntary surrender of collateral.
Status: in_force

(1) Notwithstanding a waiver by the creditor of the security interest in collateral under s. 425.203 (2) or any other law, the customer shall have the right at any time to voluntarily surrender all of the customer’s rights and interests in the collateral to the merchant.

(2) The rights and obligations of the merchant and customer with respect to collateral voluntarily surrendered as defined in this section shall be governed by subch. VI of ch. 409 , and are not subject to this subchapter.

(3) The surrender of collateral by a customer is not a voluntary surrender if it is made pursuant to a request or demand, other than a notice under s. 425.205 (1g) (a) , by the merchant for the surrender of the collateral, or if it is made pursuant to a threat, statement, or notice, other than a notice under s. 425.205 (1g) (a) , by the merchant that the merchant intends to take possession of the collateral.

History: 1971 c. 239 ; 1991 a. 316 ; 2001 a. 10 ; 2005 a. 255 .
Wis. Stat. § 978.043 — WI Code / Chapter 978 / Section 978.043
Assistants for prosecution of sexually violent person commitment cases.
Status: in_force

(1) The district attorney of the prosecutorial unit that consists of Brown County and the district attorney of the prosecutorial unit that consists of Milwaukee County shall each assign one assistant district attorney in his or her prosecutorial unit to be a sexually violent person commitment prosecutor. An assistant district attorney assigned under this subsection to be a sexually violent person commitment prosecutor may engage only in the prosecution of sexually violent person commitment proceedings under ch. 980 and, at the request of the district attorney of the prosecutorial unit, may file and prosecute sexually violent person commitment proceedings under ch. 980 in any prosecutorial unit in this state.

(2) If an assistant district attorney assigned under sub. (1) prosecutes or assists in the prosecution of a case under ch. 980 in a prosecutorial unit other than his or her own, the prosecutorial unit in which the case is heard shall reimburse the assistant district attorney’s own prosecutorial unit for his or her reasonable costs associated with the prosecution, including transportation, lodging, and meals. Unless otherwise agreed upon by the prosecutorial units involved, the court hearing the case shall determine the amount of money to be reimbursed for expert witness fees under this subsection.

History: 1999 a. 9 ; 2005 a. 434 .
Wis. Stat. § 48.82 — WI Code / Chapter 48 / Section 48.82
Who may adopt.
Status: in_force

(1) The following persons are eligible to adopt a minor if they are residents of this state:

(a) A husband and wife jointly, or either the husband or wife if the other spouse is a parent of the minor.

(b) An unmarried adult.

(3) When practicable and if requested by the birth parent, the adoptive parents shall be of the same religious faith as the birth parents of the person to be adopted.

(4) No person may be denied the benefits of this subchapter because of a religious belief in the use of spiritual means through prayer for healing.

(5) Although otherwise qualified, no person shall be denied the benefits of this section because the person is deaf, blind or has other physical handicaps.

(6) No otherwise qualified person may be denied the benefits of this subchapter because of his or her race, color, ancestry or national origin.

History: 1981 c. 359 s. 16 ; 1983 a. 350 ; 1989 a. 161 ; 1991 a. 316 .
Wis. Stat. § 409.605 — WI Code / Chapter 409 / Section 409.605
Unknown debtor or secondary obligor.
Status: in_force

A secured party does not owe a duty based on its status as secured party:

(1) To a person that is a debtor or obligor, unless the secured party knows:

(a) That the person is a debtor or obligor;

(b) The identity of the person; and

(c) How to communicate with the person; or

(2) To a secured party or lienholder that has filed a financing statement against a person, unless the secured party knows:

(a) That the person is a debtor; and

(b) The identity of the person.

History: 2001 a. 10 .
Wis. Stat. § 704.96 — WI Code / Chapter 704 / Section 704.96
Campground occupants and guests.
Status: in_force

(1) This chapter does not apply to an occupant, guest, or guest of an occupant or guest of a campground or camping resort licensed under s. 97.67 .

(2) This section does not affect rights related to individuals in a manufactured and mobile home community, as defined in s. 66.0435 (1) (cg) , or rights related to individuals who enter into a campground contract, as defined in s. 707.02 (6) .

History: 2025 a. 29 .
Wis. Stat. § 14.17 — WI Code / Chapter 14 / Section 14.17
Conferences of governors.
Status: in_force

The governor may attend and represent the state at all conferences of governors, and make such arrangements as deemed necessary for this state to bear its share of the expenses of such conferences. All expenses incurred under this section shall be charged to the proper appropriation for the office of the governor.

History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1649 ; 1977 c. 273 .
Wis. Stat. § 53.27 — WI Code / Chapter 53 / Section 53.27
Jurisdiction declined by reason of conduct.
Status: in_force

(1) If at any time a court of this state determines that it acquired jurisdiction to appoint a guardian of the person or issue an order appointing a guardian of the estate because of unjustifiable conduct, the court may do any of the following:

(a) Decline to exercise jurisdiction.

(b) Exercise jurisdiction for the limited purpose of fashioning an appropriate remedy to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of the respondent or the protection of the respondent’s property or to prevent a repetition of the unjustifiable conduct, including staying the proceeding until a petition for the appointment of a guardian of the person or issuance of an order appointing a guardian of the estate is filed in a court of another state having jurisdiction.

(c) Continue to exercise jurisdiction after considering all of the following:

1. The extent to which the respondent and all persons required to be notified of the proceedings have acquiesced in the exercise of the court’s jurisdiction.

2. Whether it is a more appropriate forum than the court of any other state under the factors set forth in s. 53.26 .

3. Whether the court of any other state would have jurisdiction under factual circumstances in substantial conformity with the jurisdictional standards of s. 53.23 .

(2) If a court of this state determines that it acquired jurisdiction to appoint a guardian of the person or issue an order appointing a guardian of the estate because a party seeking to invoke its jurisdiction engaged in unjustifiable conduct, it may assess against that party necessary and reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, investigative fees, court costs, communication expenses, witness fees and expenses, and travel expenses. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses of any kind against this state or a governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality of this state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.

History: 2017 a. 187 .
Wis. Stat. § 67.25 — WI Code / Chapter 67 / Section 67.25
Redevelopment bonds.
Status: in_force

Any proceedings by a city prior to October 4, 1959 for the issuance of general obligation bonds as authorized by s. 66.1333 (13) in effect at the time of such proceedings, to provide financial assistance to blight elimination, slum clearance, redevelopment and urban renewal programs and projects being carried out under s. 66.1331 , 66.1333 or 66.1337 may be continued under this chapter and, notwithstanding lack of power in the city to issue bonds under this chapter at the time of the adoption of an initial resolution or referendum of the electors approving such bonds, such proceedings are hereby validated, ratified, approved and confirmed, and any bonds authorized prior to or after October 4, 1959 as a result of the proceedings are and shall be binding, valid and enforceable obligations of the city, and the city may levy taxes without limitation for the payment thereof as provided in s. 67.035 .

History: 1979 c. 89 ; 1999 a. 150 s. 672 .
Wis. Stat. § 322.003 — WI Code / Chapter 322 / Section 322.003
Article 3 — Jurisdiction to try certain personnel.
Status: in_force

(1) Each person discharged from a state military force who is later charged with having fraudulently obtained a discharge is, subject to s. 322.043 , subject to trial by court-martial on that charge and is, after apprehension, subject to this code while in custody under the direction of the state military forces for that trial. Upon conviction of that charge that person is subject to trial by court-martial for all offenses under this code committed before the fraudulent discharge.

(2) No person who has deserted from a state military force may be relieved from amenability to the jurisdiction of this code by virtue of a separation from any later period of service.

History: 2007 a. 200 .
Wis. Stat. § 344.66 — WI Code / Chapter 344 / Section 344.66
Rules.
Status: in_force

The department shall promulgate rules, and prescribe any necessary forms, to implement and administer this subchapter.

History: 2009 a. 28 .
Wis. Stat. § 627.05 — WI Code / Chapter 627 / Section 627.05
Classifications of insurance.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may by rule define and delimit lines and classes of insurance for any purposes within the commissioner’s regulatory power, including:

(1) To delimit the underwriting powers of insurers doing business in this state;

(2) To provide a basis for determining the financial needs of insurers under s. 611.19 or comparable provisions of other chapters;

(3) To provide instructions for reports and replies under s. 601.42 ;

(4) To restrict combinations of lines or classes of insurance; and

(5) To determine which rules under ch. 632 are applicable.

History: 1975 c. 372 , 421 ; 1979 c. 221 .
Wis. Stat. § 299.91 — WI Code / Chapter 299 / Section 299.91
Hearings; procedure; review.
Status: in_force

The department shall hold a public hearing relating to alleged or potential environmental pollution upon the verified complaint of 6 or more citizens filed with the department. The complaint shall state the name and address of a person within the state authorized to receive service of answer and other papers in behalf of complainants. The department may order the complainants to file security for costs in a sum deemed to be adequate but not to exceed $100 within 20 days after the service upon them of a copy of the order and all proceedings on the part of the complainants shall be stayed until the security is filed. The department shall serve a copy of the complaint and notice of the hearing upon the alleged or potential polluter either personally or by registered mail directed to the last-known post-office address at least 20 days prior to the time set for the hearing. The hearing shall be held not later than 90 days after the filing of the complaint. The respondent shall file a verified answer to the complaint with the department and serve a copy on the person designated by the complainants not later than 5 days prior to the date set for the hearing, unless the time for answering is extended by the department for cause shown. For purposes of any hearing under this section the hearing examiner may issue subpoenas and administer oaths. Within 90 days after the closing of the hearing, the department shall make and file its findings of fact, conclusions of law and order, which shall be subject to review under ch. 227 . If the department determines that any complaint was filed maliciously or in bad faith it shall issue a finding to that effect and the person complained against is entitled to recover the expenses of the hearing in a civil action. Any situation, project or activity which upon continuance or implementation would cause, beyond reasonable doubt, a degree of pollution that normally would require clean-up action if it already existed, shall be considered potential environmental pollution. This section does not apply to any part of the process for approving a feasibility report, plan of operation or license under subch. III of ch. 289 or s. 291.23 or 291.25 .

History: 1979 c. 176 ; 1979 c. 221 s. 633 ; Stats. 1979 s. 144.975; 1981 c. 374 , 403 ; 1995 a. 227 s. 826 ; Stats. 1995 s. 299.91.
Wis. Stat. § 218.161 — WI Code / Chapter 218 / Section 218.161
Dealer agreement requirement.
Status: in_force

(1) A manufacturer or distributor may not sell a new recreational vehicle in this state to or through a dealer without having first entered into a written dealer agreement with a dealer that has been signed by both parties.

(2) The manufacturer shall designate the area of sales responsibility exclusively assigned to a dealer in the dealer agreement and may not change the area of sales responsibility or contract with another dealer for sale of the same model or line-make, as specified in the agreement, in the designated area of sales responsibility during the duration of the agreement.

(3) The terms of the dealer agreement, including the area of sales responsibility, may not be reviewed or changed during the duration of the dealer agreement without the written mutual consent of the parties. The duration of the dealer agreement shall be stated in the dealer agreement.

(4) A dealer may not sell a new recreational vehicle in this state without having first entered into a dealer agreement with a manufacturer or distributor and may not sell outside the area of sales responsibility designated in the agreement under sub. (2) .

(5) A manufacturer may not unilaterally issue a policy or procedure that violates or substantially alters a provision of the dealer agreement during the duration of the agreement.

(6) A manufacturer shall distribute new recreational vehicles to its dealers in a fair and equitable manner. If requested, a manufacturer shall provide information on its manner of distribution.

(7) A manufacturer shall provide its dealer with adequate technical data to perform proper service and repairs.

History: 2023 a. 164 .
Wis. Stat. § 632.82 — WI Code / Chapter 632 / Section 632.82
Renewability of long-term care insurance policies.
Status: in_force

Notwithstanding s. 631.36 (2) to (5) , the commissioner shall, by rule, require long-term care insurance policies that are issued on an individual basis to include a provision restricting the insurer’s ability to terminate or alter the long-term care insurance policy except for nonpayment of premium. The rule may specify exceptions to the restriction, including exceptions that allow insurers to do any of the following:

(1) Change the rates charged on a long-term care insurance policy if the rate change is made on a class basis.

(2) Refuse to renew a long-term care insurance policy if conditions specified in the rule are satisfied. The conditions shall, at a minimum, require all of the following:

(a) That the nonrenewal be on other than an individual basis.

(b) That the insurer demonstrate to the commissioner that renewal will affect the insurer’s solvency or loss experience as specified in the rule.

History: 1989 a. 31 .