reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1114 - Two candidate committees.

11.1114
Two candidate committees.
(1)
If a candidate establishes a 2nd candidate committee under s. 11.0202 (2) to pursue a state or local office for which the contribution limit under this subchapter is higher than the contribution limit for the office that the candidate originally sought, the 2nd candidate committee may accept contributions up to the higher limit, but shall take into account the amount of any contributions transferred from the first candidate committee to the 2nd candidate committee to determine whether the 2nd candidate committee has reached or exceeded the higher limits.
(2)
If a candidate establishes a 2nd candidate committee under s. 11.0202 (2) to pursue a state or local office for which the contribution limit under this subchapter is lower than the contribution limit for the office that the candidate originally sought, the first candidate committee may transfer its contributions to the 2nd candidate committee in an amount not to exceed the contribution limits applicable to the 2nd candidate committee.
(3)
Upon termination of a 2nd candidate committee, the 2nd candidate committee may transfer any of its remaining funds to the first candidate committee in amounts not to exceed the contribution limits applicable to the persons who contributed to the first candidate committee.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1202 - Earmarking.

11.1202
Earmarking.
(1)
The treasurer of a candidate committee may agree with a prospective contributor that a contribution is received to be used for a specific purpose not prohibited by law. That purpose may not include a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate.
(2)
When a contribution is made to a committee other than a candidate committee, the contributor may not direct the committee to make a disbursement to a committee to support or oppose another candidate.
(3)
Except for transfers of membership-related moneys between committees of the same political party, no committee may transfer to another committee the earmarked contributions of others. Transfers of membership-related moneys between political parties shall be treated in the same manner as other transfers.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1203 - Coordination.

11.1203
Coordination.
(1)
No political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person required to report under s. 11.1001, or individual may make an expenditure for express advocacy for the benefit of a candidate that is coordinated with that candidate, candidate's committee, or candidate's agent, nor with any legislative campaign committee of the candidate's political party, or a political party, in violation of the contribution limits under s. 11.1101 or the source restrictions under s. 11.1112.
(2)
(a)
For purposes of this section, an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated if any of the following applies:
1.
The candidate, candidate's agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate's political party, or the candidate's political party communicates directly with the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual making the expenditure to specifically request that the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual make the expenditure that benefits the candidate and the political action committee, independent expenditure committee, other person, or individual explicitly assents to the request before making the expenditure.
2.
The candidate, candidate's agent, legislative campaign committee of the candidate's political party, or the candidate's political party exercises control over the expenditure or the content, timing, location, form, intended audience, number, or frequency of the communication.
(b)
If an expenditure for express advocacy is coordinated, but not in violation of the coordination prohibitions under sub. (1), all of the following apply:
1.
The political action committee or independent expenditure committee making the expenditure shall report the expenditure as required under this chapter.
2.
The candidate committee shall report the expenditure as a contribution.
(3)
None of the following are considered coordinated communications prohibited under this section:
(a)
Candidates endorsing and soliciting contributions for other candidates.
(b)
Candidates, candidate committees, legislative campaign committees, and political parties responding to inquiries about a candidate's or political party's position on legislative or policy issues.
(c)
Using publicly available information to create, produce, or distribute a communication if sub. (2) does not apply to such use.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1204 - Unlawful political contributions.

11.1204
Unlawful political contributions.
(1)
Subject to sub. (2), no person may, directly or indirectly, make any contribution other than from funds or property belonging to the person. No person may, directly or indirectly, give funds or property to another person for the purpose of making a contribution in other than the first person's name.
(2)
A conduit releasing a contribution of money in the manner prescribed in s. 11.0704 does not violate sub. (1).
(3)
No person may intentionally receive or accept any contribution made in violation of this chapter.
History:  2015 a. 117.
The unit of prosecution under former s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats., is every transfer of funds to another person accompanied by the false listing of any single contributor. An individual illegally furnishing funds from a corporate account may be convicted under former s. 11.24 (1), 1977 stats. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1205 - Use of government materials by candidates.

11.1205
Use of government materials by candidates.
(1)
(a)
Except as provided in sub. (2), no person elected to state or local office who becomes a candidate for national, state, or local office may use public funds for the cost of materials or distribution for 50 or more pieces of substantially identical material distributed after:
1.
In the case of a candidate who is nominated by nomination papers, the first day authorized by law for circulation of nomination papers as a candidate.
2.
In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a primary election by write-in votes, the day the board of canvassers issues its determination that the person is nominated.
3.
In the case of a candidate who is nominated at a caucus, the date of the caucus.
4.
In the case of any other candidate who is nominated solely by filing a declaration of candidacy, the first day of the month preceding the month which includes the last day for filing the declaration.
(b)
This subsection applies until after the date of the election or after the date of the primary election if the person appears as a candidate on a primary election ballot and is not nominated at the primary election.
(2)
This section does not apply to use of public funds for the costs of the following:
(a)
Answers to communications of constituents.
(b)
Actions taken by a state or local government administrative officer pursuant to a specific law, ordinance or resolution which authorizes or directs the actions to be taken.
(c)
Communications between members of the legislature regarding the legislative or deliberative process while the legislature is in session.
(d)
Communications not exceeding 500 pieces by members of the legislature relating solely to the subject matter of a special session or extraordinary session, made during the period between the date that the session is called or scheduled and 14 days after adjournment of the session.
History:  2015 a. 117.
Former s. 11.33, 1979 stats., applies to persons elected to state office who are seeking reelection or election to a different office and to the use of public funds for political purposes. 69 Atty. Gen. 259.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1206 - Travel by public officers.

11.1206
Travel by public officers.
(1)
No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for any trip which is exclusively for the purposes of campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless use of the vehicle or aircraft is required for purposes of security protection provided by the state or local governmental unit.
(2)
No person may use any vehicle or aircraft owned by the state or by any local governmental unit for purposes that include campaigning to support or oppose any candidate for national, state, or local office, unless the person pays to the state or local governmental unit a fee which is comparable to the commercial market rate for the use of a similar vehicle or aircraft and for any services provided by the state or local governmental unit to operate the vehicle or aircraft. If a trip is made in part for a public purpose and in part for the purpose of campaigning, the person shall pay for the portion of the trip attributable to campaigning, but in no case less than 50 percent of the cost of the trip. The portion of the trip attributable to campaigning shall be determined by dividing the number of appearances made for campaign purposes by the total number of appearances. Fees payable to the state shall be prescribed by the secretary of administration and shall be deposited in the account under s. 20.855 (6) (h). Fees payable to a local governmental unit shall be prescribed by the governing body of the governmental unit.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1207 - Political solicitation involving public officials and employees restricted.

11.1207
Political solicitation involving public officials and employees restricted.
(1)
(a)
Except as provided in par. (b), no person may solicit or receive from any state officer or employee or from any officer or employee of the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority any contribution during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties.
(b)
Paragraph (a) does not apply to communications about a referendum.
(2)
No person may solicit or receive from any officer or employee of a political subdivision of this state any contribution during established hours of employment or while the officer or employee is engaged in his or her official duties.
(3)
Every person who has charge or control in a building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by this state, by any political subdivision thereof, or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority shall prohibit the entry of any person into that building, office, or room for the purpose of making or receiving a contribution.
(4)
No person may enter or remain in any building, office, or room occupied for any purpose by the state, by any political subdivision thereof or by the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority or send or direct a letter or other notice thereto for the purpose of requesting or collecting a contribution.
(5)
This section does not apply to a response by a legal custodian or subordinate of the custodian to a request to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35 if the request is processed in the same manner as the custodian or subordinate responds to other requests to locate, reproduce, or inspect a record under s. 19.35.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1208 - Unlawful political disbursements and obligations.

11.1208
Unlawful political disbursements and obligations.
(1)
No person may intentionally receive or accept anything of value, or any promise or pledge thereof, constituting a disbursement made or obligation incurred contrary to law.
(2)
(a)
Except as provided in pars. (b) and (c), a committee may not make a disbursement or incur an obligation for the committee's or an individual's strictly personal use.
(b)
A committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for any of the following:
1.
For the purpose of making disbursements in connection with a campaign for national office.
2.
For payment of civil penalties incurred by the committee under this chapter but not under any other chapter.
3.
For the purpose of making a donation to a charitable organization or the common school fund.
4.
For payment of the expenses of nonpartisan campaigns to increase voter registration or participation.
(c)
A candidate committee may accept contributions and make disbursements from a campaign depository account for payment of inaugural expenses of an individual who is elected to state or local office. Inaugural expenses paid from contributions made to the campaign depository account are reportable under s. 11.0204 (1) as disbursements and are subject to the limits under s. 11.1101.
(3)
No contributions to or disbursements from a committee's depository account may be invested for the purpose of producing income unless the investment is in direct obligations of the United States and of agencies and corporations wholly owned by the United States, commercial paper maturing within one year from the date of investment, preferred shares of a corporation, or securities of an investment company registered under the federal investment company act of 1940 (15 USC 80a) and registered for public offer and sale in this state of the type commonly referred to as a “money market fund".
(4)
No person may make or accept a contribution, make a disbursement, make an expenditure, or incur an obligation in violation of 11 CFR 110.20 and 52 USC 30121.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1301 - Defense fund authorized.

11.1301
Defense fund authorized.
(1)
Any candidate or public official who is being investigated for, charged with, or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12, or whose agent is so investigated, charged, or convicted, may establish a defense fund for disbursements supporting or defending the candidate, official, or agent, or any dependent of the candidate, official, or agent, while that person is being investigated for, or while the person is charged with or convicted of a criminal violation of this chapter or ch. 12.
(2)
No person may use a contribution received from a contributor to a candidate committee fund for a purpose for which a defense fund is authorized under sub. (1) unless the person obtains the contributor's authorization. Notwithstanding s. 11.1202 (3), any contributor may authorize the transfer of all or part of a contribution from a campaign fund to a defense fund.
History:  2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1400 - Civil penalties.

11.1400
Civil penalties.
(1)
Any person who violates this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $500 for each violation.
(2)
In addition to the penalty under sub. (1), any person who is delinquent in filing a report required by this chapter may be required to forfeit not more than $50 or one percent of the annual salary of the office for which the candidate is being supported or opposed, whichever is greater, for each day of delinquency.
(3)
Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who makes any contribution in violation of this chapter may be required to forfeit treble the amount of the contribution or portion of that contribution which is illegally contributed.
(4)
Notwithstanding sub. (1), any person who is subject to a requirement to pay a filing fee under s. 11.0102 and who fails to pay that fee within the time prescribed in that section shall forfeit $500 plus treble the amount of the fee payable by that person.
(5)
Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (g) and 19.554, actions under this section may be brought by the commission or, upon the commission's determination of probable cause, by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person's principal place of operation is located within that county.
(6)
Any elector may file a verified petition with the commission requesting that civil action under this chapter be brought against any person or committee. The petition shall allege such facts as are within the knowledge of the petitioner to show probable cause that a violation of this chapter has occurred.
(7)
When a candidate committee treasurer or candidate's agent incurs an obligation or makes a disbursement, that action by the treasurer or agent is imputed to the candidate for purposes of civil liability under this subchapter.
(8)
In civil actions under this chapter the acts of every member of a candidate committee are presumed to be with the candidate's knowledge or approval until clearly proven otherwise.
History:  2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24g, 74 (1m).
Former s. 11.60, 1977 stats., is a civil penalty section even though some violations of it involve intent. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).
In a forfeiture action against a committee, assets of the committee, but not of its members, are reachable. Elections Board v. Ward, 105 Wis. 2d 543, 314 N.W.2d 120 (1982).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 11 - Campaign financing. › 11.1401 - Criminal penalties; prosecution.

11.1401
Criminal penalties; prosecution.
(1)
(a)
Whoever intentionally violates s. 11.1204 or any registration or reporting requirement under this chapter is guilty of a Class I felony.
(b)
Whoever intentionally violates subch. XI or s. 11.1201, 11.1208, or 11.1303 is guilty of a Class I felony if the intentional violation does not involve a specific figure or if the intentional violation concerns a figure which exceeds $100 in amount or value.
(c)
Whoever intentionally violates any of the following may be fined not more than $1,000 or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both:
1.
Any provision of this chapter other than those provided in par. (a).
2.
Any provision under par. (b) if the violation concerns a specific amount or value not exceeding $100.
(2)
Except as otherwise provided in ss. 19.49 (2) (b) 13. and 14. and (h) and 19.554, and only after the commission has determined probable cause, all prosecutions under this section shall be conducted by the district attorney for the county where the defendant resides or, if the defendant is a nonresident, by the district attorney for the county where the violation is alleged to have occurred. For purposes of this subsection, a person other than an individual resides within a county if the person's principal place of operation is located within that county.
(3)
(a)
If a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment enter a supplemental judgment declaring a forfeiture of the candidate's right to office. The supplemental judgment shall be transmitted to the officer or agency authorized to issue the certificate of nomination or election to the office for which the person convicted is a candidate. If the candidate's term has not yet begun, the candidate shall not take office. If the candidate's term has begun, the office shall become vacant. The office shall then be filled in the manner provided by law.
(b)
If a successful candidate for the legislature is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) or (b), or of any violation of ch. 12 under s. 12.60 (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the house of the legislature to which the candidate was elected.
History:  2015 a. 117 ss. 24, 24h, 74 (1m); 2021 a. 239 s. 74.
Former s. 11.61 (1) (a), 1977 stats., does not require the state to prove that the defendant had actual knowledge of the violated statute. State v. Dreske, 88 Wis. 2d 60, 276 N.W.2d 324 (Ct. App. 1979).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.01 - Definitions.

12.01
Definitions.
The definitions given under s. 11.0101 apply to this chapter, except as follows:
(1)
“Candidate" includes a candidate for national office.
(2)
“Commission" means the elections commission.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 484; 2015 a. 118; 2017 a. 366.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.03 - Campaigning restricted.

12.03
Campaigning restricted.
(1)
No election official may engage in electioneering on election day. No municipal clerk or employee of the clerk may engage in electioneering in the clerk's office or at the alternate site under s. 6.855 during the hours that ballots may be cast at those locations.
(2)
(a)
1.
No person may engage in electioneering during polling hours on election day at a polling place.
2.
No person may engage in electioneering in the municipal clerk's office or at an alternate site under s. 6.855 during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast.
(b)
1.
No person may engage in electioneering during polling hours on any public property on election day within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place.
2.
No person may engage in electioneering during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast on any public property within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing the municipal clerk's office or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
3.
No person may engage in electioneering within 100 feet of an entrance to or within a qualified retirement home or residential care facility while special voting deputies are present at the home or facility under s. 6.875 (6).
(d)
This subsection does not apply to the placement of any material on the bumper of a motor vehicle that is parked or operated at a place and time where electioneering is prohibited under this subsection.
(3)
A municipal clerk, election inspector or law enforcement officer may remove posters or other advertising which is placed in violation of this section.
(4)
In this section, “electioneering" means any activity which is intended to influence voting at an election.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 89; 1983 a. 484; 1993 a. 173; 2005 a. 451; 2011 a. 23; 2013 a. 159.
Violators may not be deprived of the right to vote, although penalties may follow. Constitutional issues are discussed. 61 Atty. Gen. 441.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.035 - Posting and distribution of election-related material.

12.035
Posting and distribution of election-related material.
(1)
In this section, “election-related material" means any written matter which describes, or purports to describe, the rights or responsibilities of individuals voting or registering to vote at a polling place or voting an absentee ballot at the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
(2)
The legislature finds that posting or distributing election-related material at the polling place, at locations where absentee ballots may be cast, or near the entrance to such locations when voting is taking place may mislead and confuse electors about their rights and responsibilities regarding the exercise of the franchise and tends to disrupt the flow of voting activities at such locations. The legislature finds that the restrictions imposed by this section on the posting or distribution of election-related material are necessary to protect the compelling governmental interest in orderly and fair elections.
(3)
(a)
No person may post or distribute any election-related material during polling hours on election day at a polling place.
(b)
No person may post or distribute any election-related material during polling hours on any public property on election day within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing a polling place.
(c)
No person may post or distribute any election-related material at the office of the municipal clerk or at an alternate site under s. 6.855 during hours that absentee ballots may be cast.
(d)
No person may post or distribute election-related material during the hours that absentee ballots may be cast on any public property within 100 feet of an entrance to a building containing the office of the municipal clerk or an alternate site under s. 6.855.
(4)
Subsection (3) does not apply to any of the following:
(a)
The posting or distribution of election-related material posted or distributed by the municipal clerk or other election officials.
(b)
The placement of any material on the bumper of a motor vehicle located on public property.
(5)
A municipal clerk, election inspector, or law enforcement officer may remove election-related material posted in violation of sub. (3) and may confiscate election-related material distributed in violation of sub. (3).
History:  2005 a. 451.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.05 - False representations affecting elections.

12.05
False representations affecting elections.
No person may knowingly make or publish, or cause to be made or published, a false representation pertaining to a candidate or referendum which is intended or tends to affect voting at an election.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1993 a. 175.
A violation of this section does not constitute defamation per se. Tatur v. Solsrud, 174 Wis. 2d 735, 498 N.W.2d 232 (1993).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.07 - Election restrictions on employers.

12.07
Election restrictions on employers.
(1)
No person may refuse an employee the privilege of time off for voting under s. 6.76 or subject an employee to a penalty therefor.
(2)
No employer may refuse to allow an employee to serve as an election official under s. 7.30 or make any threats or offer any inducements of any kind to the employee for the purpose of preventing the employee from so serving.
(3)
No employer or agent of an employer may distribute to any employee printed matter containing any threat, notice or information that if a particular ticket of a political party or organization or candidate is elected or any referendum question is adopted or rejected, work in the employer's place or establishment will cease, in whole or in part, or the place or establishment will be closed, or the salaries or wages of the employees will be reduced, or other threats intended to influence the political opinions or actions of the employees.
(4)
No person may, directly or indirectly, cause any person to make a contribution or provide any service or other thing of value to or for the benefit of a committee registered under ch. 11, with the purpose of influencing the election or nomination of a candidate to national, state or local office or the passage or defeat of a referendum by means of the denial or the threat of denial of any employment, position, work or promotion, or any compensation or other benefit of such employment, position or work, or by means of discharge, demotion or disciplinary action or the threat to impose a discharge, demotion or disciplinary action. This subsection does not apply to employment by a committee registered under ch. 11 in connection with a campaign or political party activities. This subsection also does not apply to information provided by any person that expresses that person's opinion on any candidate or committee, any referendum or the possible effects of any referendum, or the policies advocated by any candidate or committee.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1983 a. 484; 1991 a. 316; 2005 a. 451; 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.08 - Denial of government benefits.

12.08
Denial of government benefits.
No person may, directly or indirectly, cause any person to make a contribution or provide any service or other thing of value to or for the benefit of a committee registered under ch. 11, with the purpose of influencing the election or nomination of a candidate to national, state, or local office or the passage or defeat of a referendum by means of the denial or threat of denial of any payment or other benefit of a program established or funded in whole or in part by this state or any local governmental unit of this state, or a program which has applied for funding by this state or any local governmental unit of this state.
History:  1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 2015 a. 117; 2017 a. 365 s. 111.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.09 - Election threats.

12.09
Election threats.
(1)
No person may personally or through an agent make use of or threaten to make use of force, violence, or restraint in order to induce or compel any person to vote or refrain from voting at an election.
(2)
No person may personally or through an agent, by abduction, duress, or any fraudulent device or contrivance, impede or prevent the free exercise of the franchise at an election.
(3)
No person may personally or through an agent, by any act compel, induce, or prevail upon an elector either to vote or refrain from voting at any election for or against a particular candidate or referendum.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1991 a. 316; 2005 a. 451.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.11 - Election bribery.

12.11
Election bribery.
(1)
In this section, “anything of value" includes any amount of money, or any object which has utility independent of any political message it contains and the value of which exceeds $1. The prohibitions of this section apply to the distribution of material printed at public expense and available for free distribution if such materials are accompanied by a political message.
(1m)
Any person who does any of the following violates this chapter:
(a)
Offers, gives, lends or promises to give or lend, or endeavors to procure, anything of value, or any office or employment or any privilege or immunity to, or for, any elector, or to or for any other person, in order to induce any elector to:
1.
Go to or refrain from going to the polls.
2.
Vote or refrain from voting.
3.
Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular person.
4.
Vote or refrain from voting for or against a particular referendum; or on account of any elector having done any of the above.
(b)
Receives, agrees or contracts to receive or accept any money, gift, loan, valuable consideration, office or employment personally or for any other person, in consideration that the person or any elector will, so act or has so acted.
(c)
Advances, pays or causes to be paid any money to or for the use of any person with the intent that such money or any part thereof will be used to bribe electors at any election.
(2)
This section applies to any convention or meeting held for the purpose of nominating any candidate for any election, and to the signing of any nomination paper.
(3)
(a)
This section does not prohibit a candidate from publicly stating his or her preference for or support of any other candidate for any office to be voted for at the same election. A candidate for an office in which the person elected is charged with the duty of participating in the election or nomination of any person as a candidate for office is not prohibited from publicly stating or pledging his or her preference for or support of any person for such office or nomination.
(b)
This section does not apply to money paid or agreed to be paid for or on account of authorized legal expenses which were legitimately incurred at or concerning any election.
(c)
This section does not apply where an employer agrees that all or part of election day be given to its employees as a paid holiday, provided that such policy is made uniformly applicable to all similarly situated employees.
(d)
This section does not prohibit any person from using his or her own vehicle to transport electors to or from the polls without charge.
(e)
This section does not apply to any promise by a candidate to reduce public expenditures or taxes.
History:  1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 93; 1983 a. 484; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 213.
There are constitutional limits on the state's power to prohibit candidates from making promises in the course of an election campaign. Some promises are universally acknowledged as legitimate, indeed indispensable to decisionmaking in a democracy. Brown v. Hartlage, 456 U.S. 45 (1982).
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 12 - Prohibited election practices. › 12.60 - Penalties.

12.60
Penalties.
(1)
(a)
Whoever violates s. 12.09, 12.11 or 12.13 (1), (2) (b) 1. to 7. or (3) (a), (e), (f), (j), (k), (L), (m), (y) or (z) is guilty of a Class I felony.
(b)
Whoever violates s. 12.03, 12.05, 12.07, 12.08 or 12.13 (2) (b) 8., (3) (b), (c), (d), (g), (i), (n) to (x), (ze), (zm) or (zn) may be fined not more than $1,000, or imprisoned not more than 6 months or both.
(bm)
Whoever violates s. 12.13 (5) may be fined not more than $10,000 or imprisoned for not more than 9 months or both.
(c)
Whoever violates s. 12.13 (3) (am) may be required to forfeit not more than $500.
(d)
Whoever violates s. 12.035 or 12.13 (3) (h) may be required to forfeit not more than $100.
(2)
(a)
If a successful candidate for public office, other than a candidate for the legislature or a candidate for national office, is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment enter a supplemental judgment declaring a forfeiture of the candidate's right to office. The supplemental judgment shall be transmitted to the officer or agency authorized to issue the certificate of nomination or election to the office for which the person convicted is a candidate. If the candidate's term has begun, the office shall become vacant. The office shall then be filled in the manner provided by law.
(b)
If a successful candidate for the legislature or U.S. congress is adjudged guilty in a criminal action of any violation of this chapter under sub. (1) (a) committed during his or her candidacy, the court shall after entering judgment certify its findings to the presiding officer of the legislative body to which the candidate was elected.
(3)
Any election official who is convicted of any violation of this chapter shall, in addition to the punishment otherwise provided, be disqualified to act as an election official for a term of 5 years from the time of conviction.
(4)
Prosecutions under this chapter shall be conducted in accordance with s. 11.1401 (2).
History:  1973 c. 334; 1975 c. 85; 1977 c. 418 s. 924 (18) (e); 1977 c. 427; 1979 c. 249, 311, 328; 1983 a. 484; 1985 a. 304; 1997 a. 283; 1999 a. 49; 2001 a. 109; 2005 a. 451; 2007 a. 1; 2015 a. 117.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.02 - Regular sessions.

13.02
Regular sessions.
The legislature shall meet annually.
(1)
The legislature shall convene in the capitol on the first Monday of January in each odd-numbered year, at 2 p.m., to take the oath of office, select officers, and do all other things necessary to organize itself for the conduct of its business, but if the first Monday of January falls on January 1 or 2, the actions here required shall be taken on January 3.
(2)
The regular session of the legislature shall commence at 2 p.m. on the first Tuesday after the 8th day of January in each year unless otherwise provided under sub. (3).
(3)
Early in each biennial session period, the joint committee on legislative organization shall meet and develop a work schedule for the legislative session, which shall include at least one meeting in January of each year, to be submitted to the legislature as a joint resolution.
(4)
Any measures introduced in the regular annual session of the odd-numbered year which do not receive final action shall carry over to the regular annual session held in the even-numbered year.
History:  1971 c. 15; 1973 c. 24, 333; 1987 a. 4.
Sub. (3) satisfies the Wisconsin Constitution by authorizing the legislature's own committee to set its work schedule. League of Women Voters v. Evers, 2019 WI 75, 387 Wis. 2d 511, 929 N.W.2d 209, 19-0559.
How the legislature meets, when it meets, and what descriptive titles the legislature assigns to those meetings or their operating procedures constitute parts of the legislative process with which the judicial branch has no jurisdiction or right to interfere. League of Women Voters v. Evers, 2019 WI 75, 387 Wis. 2d 511, 929 N.W.2d 209, 19-0559.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.03 - Oaths of members.

13.03
Oaths of members.
The speaker of the assembly, president of the senate, governor, secretary of state, attorney general, any court of record or the clerk thereof, any court of appeals judge or any justice of the supreme court may administer the oath of office to the members and officers of the legislature. The oath shall be filed with the secretary of state.
History:  1977 c. 187.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.04 - Legislators' eligibility to other civil office.

13.04
Legislators' eligibility to other civil office.
(1)
No member of the legislature shall, during the term for which the legislator was elected, be appointed or elected to any civil office in this state, which shall have been created, or the emoluments of which shall have been increased, during the term for which the legislator was elected.
(2)
Any former member of the legislature may, after expiration of the term for which the former member was elected to the legislature, be appointed or elected to any judicial office or state civil office or position and shall, if so appointed or elected, be entitled to the full compensation, expense reimbursement or other emoluments established by law for such office or position.
(3)
Any incumbent member of the legislature may, during the term for which the member was elected to the legislature, seek election to any judicial office or state elective office for a term commencing upon the expiration of the member's current legislative term and shall, if so elected, upon the commencement of the new term be entitled to the full compensation, expense reimbursement or other emoluments for such office or position established by law as of the date on which the term begins.
(4)
Any incumbent member of the legislature who, during the term for which the member was elected to the legislature, by appointment or election assumes any judicial office or state civil office or position for which the compensation or other emoluments were increased during the member's current legislative term by legislative action, or by any other official action requiring the assent of or subject to veto by the legislature, shall be entitled to the compensation or other emoluments for such office or position only at the rate in effect prior to such increase.
(5)
Nothing in this subsection shall prevent the concurrent appointment of an incumbent legislator to an unsalaried part-time state position created during the legislator's current legislative term when the emoluments for such position are limited to reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of the duties of the position and when the duties of such position are not incompatible with the legislator's duties as a member of the legislature.
(6)
No member of the legislature may hold office as a legislator concurrent with holding office as a county executive for more than 60 days following certification of the election for either office.
History:  1973 c. 333; 1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 27; 2015 a. 154.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.05 - Logrolling prohibited.

13.05
Logrolling prohibited.
Any member of the legislature who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature in consideration or upon condition that any other person elected to the same legislature will give or will promise or agree to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any other measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in such legislature, or who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence for or against any measure on condition that any other member will give his or her vote or influence in favor of any change in any other bill pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature, is guilty of a Class I felony.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 283; 2001 a. 109.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.06 - Executive favor.

13.06
Executive favor.
Any member of the legislature who gives, offers or promises to give his or her vote or influence in favor of or against any measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature, or that has already been passed by either house of the legislature, in consideration of or on condition that the governor approve, disapprove, veto or sign, or agree to approve, disapprove, veto or sign, any other measure or proposition pending or proposed to be introduced in the legislature or that has already been passed by the legislature, or either house thereof, or in consideration or upon condition that the governor nominate for appointment or appoint or remove any person to or from any office or position under the laws of this state, is guilty of a Class I felony.
History:  1991 a. 316; 1997 a. 35, 283; 2001 a. 109.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.07 - Freedom of debate confirmed.

13.07
Freedom of debate confirmed.
Nothing in ss. 13.05 and 13.06 shall be construed as prohibiting free discussion and deliberation upon any question pending before the legislature by members thereof, privately or publicly, nor as prohibiting agreements by members to support any single measure pending, on condition that certain changes be made in such measure, nor as prohibiting agreements to compromise conflicting provisions of different measures.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.08 - Mileage allowance.

13.08
Mileage allowance.
(1)
The chief clerk of each house, immediately after the commencement of each regular or special session of the legislature, shall certify to the department of administration the names of all qualified members and the number of miles for which each member is entitled to be reimbursed. All such certificates shall be approved by the presiding officer.
(2)
All members of the legislature shall be entitled to an allowance for transportation expenses incurred in going to and returning from the state capitol once every week during any legislative session, at the same rate per mile for each mile traveled in going to and returning from the state capitol on the most usual route as is provided for transportation for state officers and employees under s. 20.916. Such allowances shall be paid monthly upon presentation to the department of administration of a verified written statement containing such information as the department requires.
(4)
Any member of the legislature may use any convenient public transportation and be reimbursed in full for not to exceed one round trip weekly actually traveled via such transportation.
History:  1971 c. 13.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.085 - Bills increasing certain tax rates.

13.085
Bills increasing certain tax rates.
(1)
Except as provided in sub. (2), no house of the legislature may pass a bill that increases the rate of the state sales tax or that increases any of the rates of the income tax or franchise tax unless the bill is approved by two-thirds of those members present and voting.
(2)
Subsection (1) shall not apply if the legislature passes a joint resolution requiring a statewide advisory referendum on the question of whether the legislature should authorize the tax increase provided in the bill and a majority of voters voting at the referendum vote to approve the tax increase.
History:  2011 a. 9.
2023 Wisconsin Statutes & Annotations › Chapter 13 - Legislative branch. › 13.09 - Joint committee on finance.

13.09
Joint committee on finance.
(1)
There is created a joint standing committee, to be known as the joint committee on finance, consisting of 8 senators and 8 representatives to the assembly appointed as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses.
(3)
The committee may inquire into the operations or activities of any agency, department, board, institution or commission of the state, to determine better methods, systems or procedures for improving state government operations.
(5)
Within one week after the general election in November of those years in which gubernatorial election is held, if the incumbent governor is not reelected, the committee shall convene and approve a budget for the newly elected governor to enable the incoming governor to review and analyze the budget, to hire staff and obtain space, and to do such other tasks as the committee approves. Funds approved by the committee shall be released to the office of the governor from the appropriation under s. 20.525 (1) (a) and any staff employed or expenses incurred by the incoming governor shall be charged to that appropriation. Employees of the incoming governor shall be placed on the payroll of the office of the governor. The procedures under s. 13.10 do not apply to this subsection.
(6)
The joint committee on finance shall maintain its offices and meeting room on the 4th floor of the east wing of the capitol.
History:  1971 c. 125; 1975 c. 224; 1977 c. 325; 1981 c. 20 ss. 2e, 2m, 3s, 3t; 1983 a. 3, 27; 1983 a. 83 s. 22; 1983 a. 308, 377, 524, 538; 1985 a. 2, 29, 300; 1987 a. 4, 307; 1989 a. 31; 2013 a. 20.
The Joint Committee on Finance has no authority to set aside a collective bargaining agreement between the regents and the teaching assistants association. 59 Atty. Gen. 200.
The one man-one vote principle is inapplicable to legislative committees since that principle applies only to the exercise of legislative powers and those powers cannot constitutionally be delegated to these committees. There has been no unconstitutional delegation to the joint committee on finance. 63 Atty. Gen. 173.
Nonpartisanship is not a requirement of the committee clerk position, and the clerk does not work for a nonpartisan agency or perform nonpartisan budgetary or policy analysis. Nevertheless, given the nature of the clerk's responsibilities, a decision maker could reasonably consider an applicant's history of partisan activity. However, an applicant's political affiliation and the applicant's history of partisan activities are two distinct considerations. Albers-Anders v. Pocan, 905 F. Supp. 2d 944 (2012).