reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.365 - Intervention.

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.
History: 2017 a. 369.
Certain institutional interests of the legislature were sufficient to defeat a facial challenge to the provisions of this section authorizing legislative intervention in certain cases, and those requiring legislative consent to defend and prosecute certain cases. Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 1 v. Vos, 2020 WI 67, 393 Wis. 2d 38, 946 N.W.2d 35, 19-0614.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.39 - Legislative consideration of biennial budget bill.

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.
History:  2011 a. 220; 2017 a. 365 s. 112.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.46 - Majority and minority parties.

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.
History:  1977 c. 325; 1983 a. 189.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.47 - Legislative state supported programs study and advisory committee.

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.
History:  1973 c. 266; 1975 c. 224; 1977 c. 325; 1983 a. 36 s. 96 (4); 1987 a. 403; 1993 a. 184.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.484 - Limitation on certain building projects.

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.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.485 - Parking structure funding.

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.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1995 a. 201; 1997 a. 35; 1999 a. 9.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.486 - State office building, completion of.

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.
History:  1979 c. 102; 1983 a. 36 s. 96 (4); 1987 a. 27.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.56 - Joint committee for review of administrative rules.

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.
History:  1973 c. 90, 162; 1973 c. 334 s. 58; 1973 c. 336; 1975 c. 224; 1975 c. 414 s. 28; 1977 c. 29, 277, 449; 1979 c. 34 ss. 2qcm, 2102 (32) (b); 1979 c. 270; 1981 c. 253; 1983 a. 27; 1985 a. 182 ss. 1 to 6, 57; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 25; 2017 a. 369.
Cross-reference:  See s. 227.19 (1) for a statement of legislative policy regarding legislative review of administrative rules. See s. 227.26 for review after promulgation of rules.
The vote of an absent member of the joint committee cannot be counted. Discussing legislative oversight of administrative rules. 63 Atty. Gen. 168.
Legislative committee review of administrative rules in Wisconsin. Bunn & Gallagher. 1977 WLR 935.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.565 - Legislative review of certain rules.

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.
History:  1971 c. 335; 1975 c. 418; 1977 c. 26 s. 75; 1977 c. 325, 377, 418, 447; 1979 c. 154; 1981 c. 20; 1985 a. 182 s. 57.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.57 - National conference of state legislatures.

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).
History:  1975 c. 39; 1983 a. 27 s. 2202 (33); 1993 a. 184; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 25.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.61 - Lobbying regulated; legislative purpose.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278; 1989 a. 338.
Wisconsin's New Lobby Law. Christianson. Wis. Law. June 1991.
Intended Advocate; Unintended Lobbyist: Regulating Elections and Lobbying in Wisconsin. Christianson. Wis. Law. Oct. 2007.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.65 - Lobbyist authorization.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278; 1989 a. 338; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.66 - Restrictions on practice of lobbying.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278; 1989 a. 338.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.67 - Identification of legislative and administrative proposals and topics.

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.
History:  1997 a. 186; 1999 a. 9; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2017 a. 366.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.685 - Duties of the ethics commission.

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).
History:  1977 c. 278 ss. 26, 28; 1977 c. 447; 1979 c. 32 s. 92 (8); 1979 c. 154; 1979 c. 175 s. 53; 1987 a. 186; 1989 a. 338; 1999 a. 9; 2007 a. 1; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 260 s. 81; 2015 a. 118; 2021 a. 266, 267.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.69 - Enforcement and penalties.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278; 1985 a. 332 s. 251 (1); 1989 a. 338, 359; 1997 a. 186, 283; 2001 a. 109; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 295; 2021 a. 258.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.695 - Legislative activities of state agencies.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278, 418; 1979 c. 34; 1981 c. 314 s. 146; 1989 a. 338; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2021 a. 266.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.74 - Auditing.

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.
History:  1977 c. 278; 1989 a. 338; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.75 - Fees.

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.
History:  1985 a. 29; 1989 a. 338, 359; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 27; 1997 a. 186; 1999 a. 9; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 209; 2015 a. 117; 2015 a. 118 s. 266 (10); 2015 a. 197 s. 51; 2017 a. 366; 2021 a. 58.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.80 - Legislative organization, joint committee on.

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.
History:  1977 c. 3, 325, 449; 1979 c. 34.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.82 - Committees appointed by council.

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.
History:  1979 c. 34; 1989 a. 31; 1993 a. 52, 184.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.96 - Legislative technology services bureau.

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.
History:  1997 a. 27, 237; 2015 a. 55; 2017 a. 360.
The confidentiality requirement of this section did not create a privilege to refuse to comply with a subpoena duces tecum issued by a John Doe judge. Legislative Technical Services Bureau Custodian of Records v. State, 2004 WI 65, 272 Wis. 2d 208, 680 N.W.2d 792, 02-3063.
The requirement that all data stored by Legislative Technical Services Bureau (LTSB) be kept confidential supports an objectively reasonable expectation of privacy by legislators in the data on LTSB computer backup tapes. Therefore the 4th amendment required determining if a subpoena issued by a John Doe judge for backup tape material was overbroad. Legislative Technical Services Bureau Custodian of Records v. State, 2004 WI 65, 272 Wis. 2d 208, 680 N.W.2d 792, 02-3063.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.97 - Legislative human resources office.

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.
History: 2023 a. 19.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.015 - Same; attached boards and commissions.

14.015
Same; attached boards and commissions.
(1)
Disability board. There is created a disability board which is attached to the office of the governor under s. 15.03. Where not in conflict with s. 17.025, s. 15.07 applies to the disability board. The disability board shall consist of the governor, the chief justice of the supreme court, the speaker of the assembly, the president of the senate, the minority leader of the assembly, the minority leader of the senate, and the dean of the University of Wisconsin Medical School. In case of the absence or disability of any of the members to serve for a particular meeting of the board, the lieutenant governor, a justice of the supreme court designated by the chief justice, the deputy speaker of the assembly, the majority leader of the senate, the assistant minority leader of the assembly, the assistant minority leader of the senate, or an associate dean of the University of Wisconsin Medical School designated by the dean shall serve, respectively, in place of the officers.
History:  1977 c. 9; 1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1977 c. 203; 1979 c. 34, 110, 221, 361; 1981 c. 256; 1983 a. 27; 1985 a. 29; 1991 a. 269; 1995 a. 27 s. 209s; 1995 a. 216; 1997 a. 27; 1999 a. 186.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.019 - Governor's nonstatutory committees.

14.019
Governor's nonstatutory committees.
(1)
Creation; tenure; abolition. Under the general powers of the office of the governor the governor may, by executive order, create nonstatutory committees in such number and with such membership as desired, to conduct such studies and to advise the governor in such matters as directed.
(a)
Persons appointed to a nonstatutory committee may be removed or replaced, or the committee may be abolished, by the governor at pleasure.
(b)
Any nonstatutory committee shall expire on the 4th Monday of January of the year in which a new gubernatorial term of office begins unless the new governor, by executive order, provides for its continued existence and in that case persons then serving on such committee remain members until they resign or until they are removed or replaced by action of the new governor.
(2)
Effect of appropriation. Subsection (1) continues to apply to any nonstatutory committee created by the governor even if a part of its expenses is later defrayed from state funds, whether under the general appropriation of s. 20.505 (1) (ka) or under an appropriation enacted specifically for the purposes of such committee.
(3)
Coordination. The governor shall designate an employee of the office of the governor or of the department of administration to serve as coordinator for the activities of the nonstatutory committees created by the governor. The coordinator shall keep a record of all appointments to, or resignations or removals from, such committees. The coordinator shall also provide for the retention and preservation of the records and reports of such committees and shall, when appropriate, cause the duplication of such reports for public distribution.
(4)
Program fees. The governor may authorize any committee created under this section to charge a fee for materials and services provided by it in the course of carrying out its responsibilities. The fee may not exceed the actual cost of the materials or services provided. All fees shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.505 (4) (h).
(5)
Final report; deposit. Any nonstatutory committee created by the governor and in existence at the time of the general election for a new gubernatorial term shall prepare a final written report on its activities to be submitted to the governor and, if the incumbent governor is not reelected, to the governor-elect prior to the first Monday of January of the year in which the new gubernatorial term begins. The number of copies prepared of such final reports shall be determined by the coordinator under sub. (3). The governor shall deposit sufficient copies of every final report required under this subsection with the resources for libraries and lifelong learning service under s. 43.05 (11) for distribution under s. 35.83 (3).
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1977 c. 273; 1979 c. 34; 1981 c. 20 s. 2202 (1) (b); 1991 a. 285, 316; 1993 a. 335; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 25; 2011 a. 158.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.02 - Governor may appoint employees.

14.02
Governor may appoint employees.
The governor may appoint and fix the compensation of such employees as he or she deems necessary for the execution of the functions of the office of the governor and for the domestic service of the executive residence. The governor may remove any of the appointees appointed under this section at pleasure.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1977 c. 273; 1979 c. 221; 1995 a. 216; 2015 a. 196.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.03 - Governor to coordinate state services.

14.03
Governor to coordinate state services.
The governor is directed to coordinate and insure the provision of services required by more than one state agency, including without limitation because of enumeration, the use of state communication facilities, business equipment and related personnel so as to permit more efficient and economical operation of state agencies. The cost of such services shall be charged according to s. 20.904.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.035 - Governor may enter into Indian gaming compacts.

14.035
Governor may enter into Indian gaming compacts.
The governor may, on behalf of this state, enter into any compact that has been negotiated under 25 USC 2710 (d).
History:  1989 a. 196.
Committing the state to policy choices negotiated in compacts constitutes a legislative function. Because the purpose of this section is ascertainable, and in most situations there are safeguards available to alter the policy choices made by the governor, the delegation of power to the governor is not an unconstitutional violation of the separation of powers doctrine. However, the legislature did not delegate to the governor the authority to agree to a compact of indefinite duration, which circumvents the procedural safeguards that sustain the legislature's ability to delegate that power in the first place: the power to curtail or reclaim the delegated power by future legislative action. Panzer v. Doyle, 2004 WI 52, 271 Wis. 2d 295, 680 N.W.2d 666, 03-0910.
The governor acted contrary to the public policy embodied in state law and therefore acted without authority by agreeing to a compact allowing the conduct of games prohibited by article IV, section 24, of the Wisconsin Constitution and criminal statutes. Panzer v. Doyle, 2004 WI 52, 271 Wis. 2d 295, 680 N.W.2d 666, 03-0910.
The governor exceeded the governor's authority by agreeing in a compact to waive the state's sovereign immunity, an act that the governor had no inherent or delegated power to undertake. Panzer v. Doyle, 2004 WI 52, 271 Wis. 2d 295, 680 N.W.2d 666, 03-0910.
Panzer v. Doyle: Wisconsin Constitutional Law Deals the Governor a New Hand. Wawrzyn. 89 MLR 221 (2005).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.04 - Reports to legislature.

14.04
Reports to legislature.
At the commencement of each regular session of the legislature, the governor shall communicate to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), the reports of all state officers, commissions, boards, and departments required by law to report to the governor, including the reports of state officers whose terms of office have expired covering the transactions in their respective offices from June 30 in the last year of their terms, and, at the time of communicating said reports, shall render to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), a statement of all expenditures made by the governor out of any contingent fund appropriated for the contingent expenses of the office of the governor. Biennially, the governor 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 condition of each of the public institutions of this state which are supported in whole or in part by appropriations by the state with such recommendations as deemed proper.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1977 c. 273; 1987 a. 186.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.05 - Inspection and investigation of institutions.

14.05
Inspection and investigation of institutions.
The governor may visit and inspect at any time any public institution of this state which is supported in whole or in part by appropriations by the state; and, in the case of state institutions, the governor may also cause an investigation to be made of any thereof, or of any matter connected with or of any employee in any such institution, and may appoint a suitable person therefor, and shall require a written report thereof. Such investigator shall be paid not to exceed $6.50 a day for each day actually and necessarily required in performing the duties imposed, and shall be reimbursed all actual expenses thereby incurred. The cost of any such investigation shall be charged to the appropriation for the state institution under investigation.
History:  1991 a. 316.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.07 - Records and documents; executive privy seal.

14.07
Records and documents; executive privy seal.
(1)
The private secretary to the governor, for purposes of authentication, is custodian of the public records and documents in the office of the governor.
(2)
The executive privy seal, a written description of which is deposited in the office of the secretary of state, is the seal of the private secretary to the governor, with which all the private secretary's official certificates shall be authenticated.
History:  1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1991 a. 316.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 14 - Constitutional offices and interstate bodies. › 14.08 - Deposit of acts; notice.

14.08
Deposit of acts; notice.
The governor shall deposit each legislative act enacted by the governor's approval in the office of the secretary of state under s. 35.095 (2) (b), and shall so inform the house of origin.
History:  1981 c. 372.