Rule-Making Notices
Notice of Hearing
Commerce
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections
101.02 (15) (j),
101.127,
101.14 (1) (a) and
(2) (c) 1.,
101.63 (1),
227.11 (2) (a), and
227.16, Stats., the Department of Commerce will hold a public hearing on proposed rules in Chapters
Comm 14,
21 to
23,
61 to
63 and
66 relating to fire prevention; recordkeeping for fires; fire suppression for mobile kitchens; structural, ventilating, and vapor-barrier requirements for one- and two-family dwellings; air barriers and local enforcement for commercial buildings; and previously constructed buildings that are converted to community-based residential facilities; and affecting small businesses.
Hearing Information
The public hearing will be held as follows:
Date and Time:
|
Location:
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December 18, 2009
Friday
At 10:00 a.m.
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Thompson Commerce Center Third Floor, Room 3B
201 West Washington Avenue
Madison, Wisconsin
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This hearing will be held in an accessible facility. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call Sam Rockweiler at (608) 266-0797 or at Contact Through Relay at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon a request from a person with a disability.
Appearances at Hearing and Submission of Written Comments
Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing, via e-mail. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this rulemaking will remain open until December 23, 2009, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend the hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. E-mail comments should be sent to
sam.rockweiler@wisconsin.gov. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.
Copies of Proposed Rule
The proposed rules and an analysis of them are available on the Internet by entering “Comm 14" in the search engine at the following Web site:
https://apps4.dhfs.state.wi.us/admrules/ public/Search. Paper copies may be obtained without cost from Roberta Ward at the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Program Development, P.O. Box 2689, Madison, WI, 53701-2689; or at telephone (608) 266-8741 or at Contact Through Relay; or at
roberta.ward@wisconsin.gov. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.
Analysis Prepared by Department of Commerce
Statutes interpreted
Statutory authority
Explanation of agency authority
Section
101.02 (15) (j) of the Statutes requires the Department to promulgate rules for the construction, repair and maintenance of safe public buildings and places of employment.
Section
101.127 of the Statutes requires the Department to adopt rules for previously constructed buildings that are converted to homelike community-based residential facilities.
Section
101.14 (1) of the Statutes authorizes the Department to make reasonable orders for the repair or removal of any buildings or other structures or combustible or explosive materials or inflammable conditions which are dangerous to any other building or premises or to occupants or which hinder firefighters in case of fire.
Section
101.14 (2) (c) 1.
of the Statutes requires the Department to promulgate by rule any exceptions where fire prevention inspections can be performed less frequently than once in each non-overlapping 6-month period per calendar year.
Section
101.63 (1) of the Statutes requires the Department to adopt rules which establish standards for the construction and inspection of one- and two-family dwellings.
Section
227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes authorizes the Department to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any Statute administered by the Department. Those Statutes include section 101.02 (15) (j), which addresses construction of safe public buildings and places of employment; section 101.14 (1) (am), which establishes a fire-suppression-system exemption for low-use mobile kitchens; and 101.141, which addresses record keeping for all building-related fires. Section
19.21 (4) (b) establishes a minimum time period for cities, villages and towns to retain public records.
Related statute or rule
The Department has various statutory obligations and rules relating to fire prevention and building safety – which include the design and construction requirements in chapters Comm 60 to 66 for public buildings and places of employment, as promulgated under sections
101.02 (15) (j) and
101.14 (4) of the Statutes; and the fire-prevention and inspection requirements in chapters Comm 10 and 14 for public buildings and places of employment, as promulgated under sections
101.14 (1) (a) and
(2) of the Statutes.
Summary of rule
The proposed rules for chapter Comm 14 in this order primarily update the incorporated National Fire Protection Association's NFPA® 1 fire prevention code from the 2006 edition to the 2009 edition. The rules also specify (1) the information that all fire departments must report to the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for all fires that involve buildings; (2) an occupancy period of no more than six months, for seasonal occupancies to be eligible for being inspected only once per calendar year; (3) a time period of at least seven years, for cities, villages and towns to retain records for fire prevention inspections and fire dues entitlement; (4) the maximum size and usage, and minimum record keeping, for a mobile kitchen that is allowed to not have an exhaust hood and corresponding automatic fire suppression system; (5) some minor cross-reference and other editorial corrections in the requirements for one- and two-family dwellings; (6) submittal of local ordinances where municipalities choose to perform plan review or inspection of commercial buildings; (7) requirements for air barriers in the exterior walls of commercial buildings; and (8) design requirements for previously constructed buildings that are converted to a community-based residential facility for five to 20 residents.
Comparison with federal regulations
The Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (P.L.
93-498) authorizes the National Fire Data Center in the USFA to gather and analyze information on the magnitude of the nation's fire problem, as well as the detailed characteristics and trends of the problem. The Act further authorizes the USFA to develop uniform data reporting methods, and to encourage and assist state agencies in developing and reporting data. In order to carry out the intentions of the Act, the National Fire Data Center has established the National Fire Incident Reporting System.
An Internet-based search of the 2007 and 2008 editions of the Federal Register did not reveal any currently proposed regulations regarding fire investigation reports, fire inspections for buildings that are occupied seasonally, or commercial cooking equipment for mobile kitchens.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
Illinois:
The State of Illinois is applying the 2006 edition of the
International Fire Code® (IFC), excluding Chapter
4, to public schools. No references were found relating to adoption of NFPA 1.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire reports," “seasonal occupancies," “fire inspections," “fire records," “mobile kitchens," “fire incident reporting," “fire incidents," “fire reports," “incident reporting," and “NFIRS reports" yielded the following results: The officer making investigations must notify the Office of the State Fire Marshal by the 15th of the month following the occurrence of fire. The notification must include a statement of all facts relating to the cause and origin of the fire, and such information as may be called for in a format approved or on forms provided by the Office. Reporting of such information must be based upon the nationally recognized standards of the United States Fire Administration's National Fire Incident Reporting System. OSFM no longer accepts data via e-mail or data on disks. Fire departments are trained to upload their own data directly to the USFA. Reporting “No Activity" is also required. No department can receive any state or federal funding without first being a faithful reporter to the NFIRS program.
An Internet-based search of the Illinois Administrative Code revealed that Illinois has adopted the NFPA 101® Life Safety Code®, which does address commercial cooking devices, but does not specify fire-protection exemptions for mobile kitchens of less than a particular square footage or of limited use, nor does it specifically address fire inspection of seasonal occupancies.
Iowa:
The State of Iowa has adopted the 2000 edition of the IFC. The only reference found for NFPA 1 related to use by local municipalities.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire reports," “seasonal occupancies," “fire inspections," “fire records," “mobile kitchens," “fire incident reporting," “fire incidents," “fire reports," “incident reporting," and “NFIRS reports" yielded the following results: For reports of fires and emergency responses, the State Fire Marshal's Division is to be notified immediately when death, serious bodily injury, or property damage in excess of two hundred thousand dollars has occurred as a result of a fire or if arson is suspected. For all other fires causing fifty dollars or more in damage or emergency response by the fire service, a report must be filed within ten days following the end of the month. The penalty for non-reporting is a simple misdemeanor. Based on course offerings for Iowa Fire School, Iowa follows NFIRS and encourages use Firehouse Software®. Fires are investigated by city or township officials, and reports are filed with the State Fire Marshal within a week unless an extension is granted. These fire records are on file in the Fire marshal's office, and some data is not considered accessible for public record.
The IFC, as adopted by Iowa, does not specifically address fire inspection of seasonal occupancies. The IFC does address commercial cooking devices, but does not specify fire-protection exemptions for mobile kitchens of less than a particular square footage or of limited use.
Michigan:
The State of Michigan has adopted the 2006 edition of NFPA 1.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire reports," “seasonal occupancies," “fire inspections," “fire records," “mobile kitchens," “fire incident reporting," “fire incidents," “fire reports," “incident reporting," and “NFIRS reports" yielded the following results: Immediately after the occurrence of fire resulting in loss of life or property, the chief must make and file with the State Fire Marshal a complete fire incident report of the fire. The report must be made on and according to modules supplied by the State Fire Marshal. Violation of these requirements is a misdemeanor. Michigan requires local police and fire departments to report incidents such as fires to the Michigan Bureau of Fire Services, which maintains these records.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire inspections," “seasonal occupancies" and “mobile kitchens" yielded no results of Michigan regulations specifically regarding these issues. An Internet-based search of the Michigan Administrative Rules revealed that they do not specify fire-protection exemptions for mobile kitchens of less than a particular square footage or of limited use, nor do they specifically address fire inspection of seasonal occupancies.
Minnesota:
The State of Minnesota has adopted the 2006 edition of the IFC. No references were found relating to adoption of NFPA 1.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire reports," “seasonal occupancies," “fire inspections," “fire records," “mobile kitchens," “fire incident reporting," “fire incidents," “fire reports," “incident reporting," and “NFIRS reports" yielded the following results: Minnesota requires local officers to investigate fires and to file a report with the State Fire Marshal within a week. The Fire Marshal maintains these records and compiles statistics based on the data, which is available to the public. However, as of January 1, 2009, Minnesota began providing a statewide software program for fire reporting created by ImageTrend Inc. It is recommended that incidents be reported to the State Fire Marshal Division monthly.
An Internet-based search of the terms “fire inspections," “seasonal occupancies" and “mobile kitchens" yielded no results of Minnesota regulations specifically regarding these issues. The 2006 edition of the IFC, as adopted by Minnesota, does not specifically address fire inspection of seasonal occupancies. The IFC does address commercial cooking devices, but does not specify fire-protection exemptions for mobile kitchens of less than a particular square footage or of limited use.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
The data and methodology for developing these proposed rules were derived from and consisted of comparing the 2006 and 2009 editions of NFPA 1, and incorporating the applicable criteria from
2007 Wisconsin Acts 75 and
173.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
The primary documents that were used to determine the effect of the proposed rules on small businesses were the 2006 and 2009 editions of NFPA 1;
2007 Wisconsin Act 75, which addresses record keeping for all building-related fires; and
2007 Wisconsin Act 173, which establishes a fire-suppression-system exemption for small, low-use mobile kitchens.
Small Business Impact
The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on small businesses because the 2009 edition of NFPA 1, as modified in chapter Comm 14, is not expected to impose costs that substantially exceed the costs imposed by the currently adopted 2006 edition; the record-keeping requirements for fires and fire-prevention inspections apply only to fire departments and municipalities; and the record-keeping requirement for low-use mobile kitchens applies only where an exemption is desired from installing an exhaust hood and corresponding automatic fire suppression system.
Initial regulatory flexibility analysis
Types of small businesses that will be affected by the rules.
Owners and operators of public buildings and places of employment, or other premises if dangerous fire hazards exist; and owners and operators of small, low-use mobile kitchens who choose to not equip the kitchen with an exhaust hood and corresponding automatic fire suppression system.
Reporting, bookkeeping and other procedures required for compliance with the rules.
A record must be maintained that shows the mobile kitchen is used on fewer than 12 days in a calendar year, for the purpose of cooking.
Types of professional skills necessary for compliance with the rules.
No new professional skills would be needed for compliance with these rules.
Rules have a significant economic impact on small businesses?
No.
Small business regulatory coordinator
Any inquiries for the small business regulatory coordinator for the Department of Commerce can be directed to Sam Rockweiler via email:
sam.rockweiler@wisconsin.gov. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.
Environmental Analysis
The Department has considered the environmental impact of the proposed rules. In accordance with chapter Comm 1, the proposed rules are a Type III action. A Type III action normally does not have the potential to cause significant environmental effects and normally does not involve unresolved conflicts in the use of available resources. The Department has reviewed these rules and finds no reason to believe that any unusual conditions exist. At this time, the Department has issued this notice to serve as a finding of no significant impact.
Fiscal Estimate
Assumptions used in arriving at fiscal estimate
The proposed rules will not impose any significant costs on local governments, because the requirements are not expected to significantly change their current workloads or needed resources for reporting fires, performing fire prevention inspections and maintaining records.
The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on small businesses because (1) the 2009 edition of NFPA 1, as modified in chapter Comm 14, is not expected to impose costs that substantially exceed the costs imposed by the currently adopted 2006 edition; (2) the record-keeping requirements for fires and fire-prevention inspections apply only to fire departments and municipalities; and (3) the record-keeping requirement for low-use mobile kitchens applies only where an exemption is desired from installing an exhaust hood and corresponding automatic fire suppression system.
State fiscal effect
None.
Local government costs
None.
Long-range fiscal implications
None known.
Agency Contact Person
Joe Hertel, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Bureau of Program Development, P.O. Box 2689, Madison, WI, 53701-2689; telephone (608) 266-5649; e-mail
joe.hertel@wisconsin.gov.
Notice of Hearing
Health Services
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss.
50.36 (1),
50.377 (2), and
227.11 (2) (a), Stats., the Department of Health Services will hold a public hearing to consider changes to Chapter
DHS 124, relating to forfeitures, anatomical gifts, and automated external defibrillator (AED) training for hospitals.
Hearing Information
Date and Time
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Location
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December 14, 2009
9:30 AM to 11:30 AM
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Wilson St. State Office Bldg.
1 West Wilson Street
Room B 272
Madison, WI
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Accessibility
English
DHS is an equal opportunity employer and service provider. If you need accommodations because of a disability or need an interpreter or translator, or if you need this material in another language or in an alternate format, you may request assistance to participate by contacting
Pat Benesh at (608) 264-9896. You must make your request at least 7 days before the activity.
Spanish
DHFS es una agencia que ofrece igualdad en las oportunidades de empleo y servicios. Si necesita algún tipo de acomodaciones debido a incapacidad o si necesita un interprete, traductor o esta información en su propio idioma o en un formato alterno, usted puede pedir asistencia para participar en los programas comunicándose con
Pat Benesh al número (608) 264-9896. Debe someter su petición por lo menos 7 días de antes de la actividad.
Hmong
DHFS yog ib tus tswv hauj lwm thiab yog ib qhov chaw pab cuam uas muab vaj huam sib luag rau sawv daws. Yog koj xav tau kev pab vim muaj mob xiam oob qhab los yog xav tau ib tus neeg pab txhais lus los yog txhais ntaub ntawv, los yog koj xav tau cov ntaub ntawv no ua lwm hom lus los yog lwm hom ntawv, koj yuav tau thov kev pab uas yog hu rau
Pat Benesh ntawm (608) 264-9896. Koj yuav tsum thov qhov kev pab yam tsawg kawg 7 hnub ua ntej qhov hauj lwm ntawd.
Copies of the Proposed Rule
A copy of the rules may be obtained from the department by downloading the rules from
www.adminrules.wisconsin. gov or by contacting:
Pat Benesh, Quality Assurance Program Spec-Senior
Division of Quality Assurance
1 West Wilson St., Room 1150
Madison, WI 53701
Phone: 608-264-9896
Fax: 608-267-7119
Submission of Written Comments
Comments may be submitted to Pat Benesh, as shown above or to the Wisconsin Administrative Rules Website at
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov until
December 15, 2009, 4:30 p.m.
Analysis Prepared by the Department of Health Services
Statutes interpreted
Statutory authority
Explanation of agency authority
Section
50.36 (1), Stats., requires the department to promulgate rules for the construction, maintenance and operation of hospitals deemed necessary to provide safe and adequate care and treatment of patients and to protect the health and safety of patients in a hospital. Section
50.377 (2), Stats., permits the department to directly assess forfeitures for violations of s.
50.375 (2) and
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims. Section
227.11 (2) (a), Stats., provides state agencies with general rulemaking authority to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by the agency if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.
Related statute or rule
See the “Statutes interpreted" and “Statutory authority" sections.
Plain language analysis
Section
157.06, Stats., specifies provisions relating to anatomical gifts. Under this proposed order, the department replaces the existing requirements under s.
DHS 124.05 (3) (i), with a requirement for hospitals to comply with relevant provisions relating to anatomical gifts under s.
157.06, Stats. The proposed rule removes the more prescriptive requirements on the subject.
Section
50.36 (5), Stats., requires that before providing emergency services in a hospital, medical and nursing personnel have proficiency in the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) achieved through instruction provided by an individual, organization or institution that is approved by the department. Under this proposed order, the department creates s.
DHS 124.05 (3) (j), to require hospitals to ensure compliance with s.
50.036 (5), Stats., for use of automated external defibrillators by medical and nursing personnel.
Section
50.375, Stats., requires a hospital that provides emergency services to provide emergency contraception services to a female victim of sexual assault.
Section
50.377, Stats., provides that “[w]hoever violates a requirement under s.
50.375 (2) or
(3), Stats., may be required to forfeit not less than $2,500 nor more than $5,000 for each violation." There are 3 separate requirements under s.
50.375 (2), Stats., and one requirement under s.
50.375 (3), Stats. The department, under s.
50.377,
(2), Stats., may directly assess the forfeitures for violations of these requirements. Under this proposed order, the department establishes forfeiture dollar amounts for violations of s.
50.375 (2) and
(3), Stats., and the statutory requirements for notice of assessment and appeal rights relating to a forfeiture assessment.
A hospital that violates all 4 requirements would be subject to a total forfeiture of $10,000 for the first violation of those requirements, and a total forfeiture of $20,000 for a subsequent violation of the same requirements.
Comparison with federal regulations
Emergency contraception: There appear to be no existing or proposed federal regulations that address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule.
Anatomical gifts:
42 CFR 482.45, Condition of Participation and
42 CFR 121, Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, include requirements for hospitals relating to organ, tissue and eye procurement.
Automated external defibrillators: There appear to be no existing or proposed federal regulations that address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
Illinois:
Emergency contraception: Illinois administrative code requires hospitals to provide medical and factually accurate written and oral information about emergency contraception and how and when victims may be provided emergency contraception. Hospitals that are found out of compliance with the code have 14 working days to submit a plan of correction to the state agency. If the hospital fails to submit an acceptable plan of correction or fails to implement the plan of correction within the time frames, the hospital is subject to the imposition of a fine of up to $100 per day until the hospital complies with the requirement of the code. Administrative Code Section: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 545.95 and 545.67. The proposed rule establishes forfeiture amounts as permitted under s.
50.389, Stats., for violations of s.
50.375 (2) or
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.
Anatomical gifts: Illinois administrative code requires hospitals to have an agreement with its federally designated organ procurement agency providing for notification when potential organ donors become available and to provide access to the medical records of deceased patients. Administrative Code Section: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 250.280. The proposed rule requires hospitals to comply with relevant provisions under s.157.06, Stats., relating to anatomical gifts. The proposed rule removes the more prescriptive requirements on the subject.
Automated external defibrillators: Illinois administrative code requires users of AEDs to be trained. Administrative Code Section: 77 Ill. Adm. Code 525.400. The proposed rule requires hospitals to ensure compliance with s.
50.036 (5), Stats., for use of automated external defibrillators by medical and nursing personnel.
Iowa:
Emergency contraception: Iowa has no administrative code regarding emergency contraception in hospitals. The proposed rule establishes forfeiture amounts as permitted under s.
50.389, Stats., for violations of s.
50.375 (2) or
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.
Anatomical gifts: Iowa has no administrative code regarding anatomical gifts in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to comply with relevant provisions under s.157.06, Stats., relating to anatomical gifts. The proposed rule removes the more prescriptive requirements on the subject.
Automated external defibrillators: Iowa has no administrative code regarding the use of automated external defibrillators in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to ensure compliance with s.
50.036 (5), Stats., for use of automated external defibrillators by medical and nursing personnel.
Michigan:
Emergency contraception: Michigan has no administrative code regarding emergency contraception in hospitals. The proposed rule establishes forfeiture amounts as permitted under s.
50.389, Stats., for violations of s.
50.375 (2) or
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.
Anatomical gifts: Michigan has no administrative code regarding anatomical gifts in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to comply with relevant provisions under s.157.06, Stats., relating to anatomical gifts. The proposed rule removes the more prescriptive requirements on the subject.
Automated external defibrillators: Michigan has no administrative code regarding the use automated external defibrillators in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to ensure compliance with s.
50.036 (5), Stats., for use of automated external defibrillators by medical and nursing personnel.
Minnesota:
Emergency contraception: Minnesota has no administrative code regarding emergency contraception. The proposed rule establishes forfeiture amounts as permitted under s.
50.389, Stats., for violations of s.
50.375 (2) or
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception for sexual assault victims.
Anatomical gifts: Minnesota has no administrative code regarding anatomical gifts in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to comply with relevant provisions under s.157.06, Stats., relating to anatomical gifts. The proposed rule removes the more prescriptive requirements on the subject.
Automated external defibrillators
: Minnesota has no administrative code regarding the use automated external defibrillators in hospitals. The proposed rule requires hospitals to ensure compliance with s.
50.036 (5), Stats., for use of automated external defibrillators by medical and nursing personnel.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
The Department relied on all of the following sources to draft the proposed rule to determine the impact on small businesses.
•
The Department solicited comments from representatives of the Wisconsin Hospital and Health Association, Wisconsin Public Psychiatric Hospital, Rural Wisconsin Health Cooperative and Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin. Representatives from these organizations reviewed the initial draft of the rule.
•
The 2002 Economic Census – Wisconsin Geographic Series, compiled by the U.S. census bureau every 5 years for each year ending in “2" and “7" and contains the latest available economic data (2007 data is not yet published-August 2009) compiled on businesses located in Wisconsin.
•
Criteria adopted by the Department and approved by the Wisconsin Small Business Regulatory Review Board to determine whether the Department's proposed rules have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses. Pursuant to the Department's criteria, a proposed rule will have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small businesses if at least 10% of the businesses affected by the proposed rules are small businesses and if operating expenditures, including annualized capital expenditures, increase by more than the prior year's consumer price index or reduces revenues by more than the prior year's consumer price index. For the purposes of this rulemaking, 2008 is the index year. The consumer price index is compiled by the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics; the preliminary rate for the Midwest in 2008 is currently estimated at 3.9 percent.
•
Section
227.114 (1) (a), Wisconsin Stats., defines “small business" as a business entity, including its affiliates, which is independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field, and which employees 25 or fewer full-time employees or which has gross annual sales of less than $5,000,000.
•
DHS databases including the Aspen information System which contains demographic, licensing, program, and compliance history of hospitals in Wisconsin.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) includes hospitals in the Health Care and Social Assistance sector, (sector 62) and further defined in sub-sector 622 hospitals. Industries in the hospitals subsector provide medical, diagnostic, and treatment services that include physician, nursing, and other health services to inpatients and the specialized accommodation services required by inpatients. Hospitals may also provide outpatient services as a secondary activity. Establishments in the Hospitals subsector provide inpatient health services, many of which can only be provided using the specialized facilities and equipment that form a significant and integral part of the production process.
Employment statistics and revenue data from the 2002 NAICS dataset for Wisconsin report $9.4 billion in revenue with over 103,000 employees receiving over $3.5 billion in wages.
None of Wisconsin's hospitals meet the definition of a small business under s.
227.114 (1), Stats.
Small Business Impact
There is no fiscal impact on small business as defined in s.
227.114 (1), Stats., as none of Wisconsin's hospitals meet the definition of a small business.
Small business regulatory coordinator
Rosie Greer
608-266-1279
Fiscal Estimate
Under the proposed order, the department establishes forfeiture dollar amounts for violations of s.
50.375 (2) and
(3), Stats., relating to emergency contraception services to a female victim of sexual assault. The proposed forfeiture assessment ranges from $2,500 for a first violation to $5,000 for a subsequent violation. The Wisconsin constitution requires that all forfeitures are to be deposited in the Common School Fund with this department receiving no benefit from the forfeiture assessment. The State of Wisconsin operates 4 hospitals, 11 other hospitals are operated by counties or other local governmental entities and would be subject to forfeiture assessment if they were found to be out of compliance. There may be an increase in costs for government run hospitals that violate s.
50.375, Stats. There are no other provisions in the proposed rules beyond statutory requirements that would affect state or local government costs.
There is no fiscal impact on small business as defined in s.
227.114 (1), Stats., as none of Wisconsin's hospitals meet the definition of a small business.
A copy of the fiscal estimate may be obtained from the department upon request.
State fiscal effect
Indeterminate. Increase in costs that may be possible to absorb within the agency's budget.
Fund sources affected
GPR.
Affected Ch.
20 appropriations
Local government costs
Increase costs.
Local government units affected
Cities and Counties.
Private sector fiscal effect
None.
Agency Contact Person
Pat Benesh, Quality Assurance Program Spec-Senior
Division of Quality Assurance
1 West Wilson St., Room 1150
Madison, WI 53701
Phone: 608-264-9896
Fax: 608-267-7119
Notice of Hearing
Natural Resources
Fish, Game, etc., Chs.
NR 1—
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to s.
227.11 (2) (a), Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold a public hearing on revisions to section
NR 45.04 (1) (g), Wis. Adm. Code, relating to regulation of firewood entering department lands. The proposed amendment would prohibit anyone from bringing onto department managed lands firewood from greater than 25 miles from the campground or property, from outside of Wisconsin, or from areas quarantined by the state, a federal agency or tribal government or designated zones of infestation if the property is outside of the quarantine or infested zone unless the firewood source is approved by the Wisconsin DATCP. The amendment also defines firewood for the use of this rule.
Hearing Information
The hearing will be held on:
December 15, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the following sites:
•
Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St., Room 315, Madison
•
UW-Green Bay, 2420 Nicolet Drive, Room IS1034, Green Bay
•
UW-Marathon County, 518 S. 7th Ave., Room 220, Wausau
•
UW-Eau Claire, 105 Garfield Ave., Room 1118, Old Library, Eau Claire
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance at 608-264-9247 with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Copies of Proposed Rule and Submission of Written Comments
The proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov. (Search this Web site using the Natural Resources Board Order No. FR-25-09. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance, Division of Forestry, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by e-mail to
Andrea.DissTorrance@wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until December 31, 2009. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. If you do not have Internet access, a personal copy of the proposed rule and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be obtained from: Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance, Division of Forestry P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707 or by calling (608) 264-9247.
Analysis Prepared by the Department of Natural Resources
Statutes interpreted
Statutory authority
Related statute or rule
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) ch.
ATCP 21 regulates import and movement of firewood and other host material of the emerald ash borer, Asian longhorn beetle, hemlock woolly adelgid and sudden oak death. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources ch.
NR 40 prohibits the movement of materials carrying specific invasive species, such as firewood with emerald ash borer (EAB) or asian longhorned beetle. This rule supports ch.
ATCP 21 and
NR 40.
Plain language analysis
This rule will prohibit anyone from bringing onto department managed lands firewood from greater than 25 miles from the campground or property, from outside of Wisconsin, or from areas quarantined by the state, a federal agency or tribal government or designated zones of infestation if the property is outside of the quarantine or infested zone unless the firewood source is approved by the Wisconsin DATCP. The purpose of this rule is to reduce the risk of introduction and spread of EAB and other invasive insects and diseases of trees by reducing the distance firewood used on the properties is moved. Currently, EAB is moving primarily on firewood and parks and campgrounds in other states have been sites of new introductions as a result (Muirhead et al. 2006). This rule will provide additional protection for state parks and forests, set a good example for county, municipal and private campgrounds and reduce a reason people move firewood: for use while camping. While this rule may cause some inconvenience for campers, it is dwarfed by the cost of infestation or establishment of this pest to the public and the state. To minimize any inconvenience, the department is working with firewood dealers and the Wisconsin DATCP to assure a sufficient supply of safe and affordable firewood at department campgrounds.
Invasive, foreign pests and diseases are often very destructive as native trees typically have little resistance, there are rarely effective natural enemies to regulate infestations and effective pesticides may be unavailable. EAB is a dramatic example of this situation. Where it is established, it has eliminated all ash species in the region. Cities and towns in southeastern Michigan have been stripped of street trees and lowland forests decimated as this beetle has killed the ash trees that dominate these landscapes. The cost of removal of hazardous dead trees alone has cost communities millions and they continue to suffer associated costs from reduced property values and increased energy and water costs. Wisconsin is at least as vulnerable to EAB as Michigan. Thirty percent of our community trees are ash and ash species are common to dominant in our northern hardwood, central hardwood and lowland forests. Dealing with EAB and other invasives once established is very expensive but EAB and many other invasives move slowly if not transported on firewood or other host material. If this artificial movement can be reduced, many communities and woodlands in Wisconsin need not suffer damage from EAB for many years. While federal and state quarantines on nursery stock and logs have been effective, those on firewood have largely failed to prevent movement of this pest. Most infestations distant from the core infestation in southeastern Michigan have been traced back to firewood as the source of the introduction. Recognizing this risk, the Wisconsin DATCP and DNR have proposed additional limits on movement of firewood into and within the state. This rule supports DATCP's external quarantine and DNR's NR 40. In addition, the further tightening of restrictions on firewood allowed into state properties sends a strong message that we need to be even more active in preventing spread of EAB now that it is in the state. In the event that an infestation of emerald ash borer is discovered on a department property, movement from that property of all infested host material including firewood would be halted by the DATCP and NR 40, minimizing the risk of spread.
The regulation of firewood into department properties is supported by an intensive information and education program to reach campers who could be affected by the new regulation and to raise awareness of the risk posed by the movement of firewood. The department also reaches out to municipal and private campground managers to educate them on why we are taking this step and encourage and support them if they decide to do likewise. The department will also work with the DATCP and firewood dealers to ensure campers have a sufficient supply of safe and reasonably priced firewood.
Comparison with federal regulations
The Apostle Islands National Park has prohibited bringing any firewood into the park since 2006. The Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest prohibits firewood from greater than 25 miles onto the forest. The Army Corp of Engineers regulates the firewood they allow onto their lands along the upper Mississippi.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
Michigan:
Michigan prohibits movement of ash products including firewood from the quarantined counties. Campers from quarantined areas entering Michigan parks are questioned if they brought firewood from the quarantined area and if so confiscation of firewood and fines could result.
Minnesota:
Minnesota state parks allow wood from approved vendors that are within Minnesota and within 100 miles of the park. To be approved, vendors must either exclude ash from their wood, heat treat or debark the wood. Firewood from EAB quarantined counties is not allowed into parks outside the quarantined area.
Iowa:
Iowa state parks prohibit wood from EAB or gypsy moth quarantined areas unless carrying a USDA certificate stamp indicating the wood has been treated to prevent transmission of the pest.
Illinois:
Illinois prohibits the movement of host materials including wood from the area quarantined for Asian longhorned beetle and is considering regulation of firewood entering state lands.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
Firewood is generally recognized as a major source of new infestations of EAB (Muirhead et al 2006) and other invasives that infest wood. Figure 1. shows the outlying infestations of EAB in Michigan in 2005 and their probable source. Note that most of the colonies outside epicenter in the Detroit area were traced back to infested firewood brought in from the quarantined area. Quarantines on nursery stock and logs have been successful in discouraging exportation of infested host material from these sources. When such quarantines are broken, it is often detected quickly and material can be retrieved or at least the potentially infested area can be accurately delineated and treated. This happened in Maryland and Virginia where a dealer received an illegal shipment of nursery stock from Michigan. The Virginia introduction appears to have been successfully eradicated though the one in Maryland is still being treated. In contrast, much firewood is moved by individuals and there is little that can be done to regulate its movement out of a quarantined area except to try and educate the public to the risk. An external quarantine can add a second opportunity to intercept the infested host material and enforcement is often more vigorous since the people enforcing the quarantine are trying to protect their own resources.
One advantage we have in dealing with wood infesting pests and diseases is that many move slowly on their own, like EAB. If we can reduce the distance infested firewood moves, we can slow the spread of these invasives. Slowing the expansion of infestations and establishment of new populations has benefits. It buys time for the development of new control options. It delays the time when a community or forest will suffer impacts allowing time to prepare, minimizing losses. Once an invasive has become established in the state it is even more important to prevent spread, even locally. It is our communities and forests that directly benefit. Further restricting the distance from which firewood may be brought into state lands sends a strong message that we must increase our efforts to prevent spread of invasives like EAB and not give up just because it is now found in the state. Recently, Forestry staff working with a Forest Service scientist developed a model of the risk of introducing a wood borne invasive into Wisconsin state campgrounds given increasing numbers of populations of the invasive in the state and differing distances from which firewood was allowed into the property. Figure 2. shows the results of this model. As the number of populations of an invasive increases in Wisconsin, the number of state campgrounds that are at risk because a population of the pest is within the circumference for allowable firewood also increases. However, the rate at which the number of campgrounds at risk increases is very different for the four distances modeled. For example, at 8 populations of invasive X in Wisconsin, 54% of the state campgrounds were at risk in the 50 mile radius model, 21% were at risk in the 25 mile radius, and only 4% were at risk when only wood from 10 miles away was allowed into the campground. This model shows the importance of reducing the distance firewood moves in reducing the risk of introductions into our parks, communities and forests.
Figure 1. 2005 Map of infestations of emerald ash borer and probable source of infestation.
While risk of introduction of EAB or other wood borne pests and diseases would be minimized if we did not allow wood from outside the property to enter, that is not practical. Many state campgrounds could not supply wood from within their boundaries. We presented the results of our model to Parks program leaders and State Forest staff and asked for input on whether to reduce the distance from which wood could be brought into their properties. They responded that the distance should be reduced to reduce the risk of introduction and send the right message to the public but that they felt that they could not reliably supply enough firewood at all campgrounds if we reduced the distance below 25 miles. For these reasons, the DNR recommends that firewood be allowed onto state lands from no more than 25 miles from its point of origin.
Figure 2. Mean number (+SD) of Wisconsin state campgrounds where a population of wood borne invasive X occurs within the distance firewood is allowed into the campground given a number of populations of invasive X (# Invasives) randomly distributed in Wisconsin. Four allowable distances were plotted; 100, 50, 25 and 10 miles from the campground. There are 172 state campgrounds used in this model.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
This rule is designed to reduce the spread of invasive forest pests and diseases such as the EAB which pose a grave threat to Wisconsin forest and urban landscapes. This rule will help protect Wisconsin industries associated with tourism and forest products by protecting the resources on which they depend. Some firewood dealers may be initially impacted by this rule if they get firewood from greater then 25 miles from the state campgrounds or from out of state. Early analysis of a statewide survey of firewood dealers indicates that most dealers are obtaining their wood within 50 miles of the area where they sell it so fewer dealers may be impacted than might at first be thought. Dealers supplying firewood to state campgrounds have been able to segregate their wood into that from within the allowable distance and that from outside. DATCP has developed an approval process so that larger dealers that distribute over a wider area can have their wood approved for use on department properties using several treatments.
While this rule will require campers to obtain firewood near their campsite, this small expense will be dwarfed by savings to individuals and private business in its contribution to preventing or delaying the establishment of EAB and other invasive pests and diseases. Where EAB has been introduced, homeowners must pay hundreds of dollars to remove yard trees killed by the beetle as well as suffer property value decline due to loss of the trees. Communities must bear the cost of removal and replacement of killed ash trees along streets and in parks. Michigan communities have requested 6 million from Federal Emergency Management Agency to remove and replace street trees. Businesses that deal in nursery stock, logs and firewood are also impacted by establishment of EAB as markets outside the infested area no longer want their products or require costly inspections to show the shipment is pest free.
Small Business Impact
Pursuant to s.
227.114, Stats., it is not anticipated that the proposed rule will have an economic impact on small businesses.
Environmental Analysis
The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch.
NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
Fiscal Estimate
Summary
We do not expect any fiscal effects on county, city, village, town, school district, technical college district or sewerage districts from these rules.
We expect that the major expense may be in communicating the new regulations to the public. Publications will be developed and printed in quantities sufficient to supply all campers arriving at our public campgrounds for the next 2 years. Therefore, printing costs are estimated at $50,000 in the first year. We expect that the public information and education effort will last 2 years with the greatest costs in the first year. We do not expect to add any staff to implement these rules, and we do not anticipate costs to the private sector as a result of these rules.
State fiscal effect
Increase costs that may be possible to absorb within agency's budget.
Local government costs
None.
Fund sources affected
SEG.
Affected Ch.
20 appropriations
Long-range fiscal implications
We do not expect long-term fiscal impacts. Expenses associated with public education and information will be in the next 2 years.
Agency Contact Person
Dr. Andrea Diss-Torrance
Phone: 608-264-9247
Fax: 608-266-8576
Notice of Hearing
Natural Resources
Environmental Protection — General, Chs.
NR 100—
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections
281.12 (1),
281.15,
281.19 (1) and
299.11, Stats., and ch.
160, Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on amendments to Chapter
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to groundwater quality.
Hearing Information
The hearings will be held on the following dates and locations [Note: it is useful to check the website, or at the Visitor Center, for the UW campus locations listed below, for assistance locating campus buildings and to obtain information on campus visitor parking policies]:
December 11, Friday, 10:00 a.m.
Natural Resources State Office Building/GEF 2, Room G09, 101 South Webster Street, Madison, WI, 53703
December 14, Monday, 10:00 a.m.
Sauk County-UW Extension, West Square Administration Building, Room B30, 505 Broadway, Baraboo, WI, 53913
December 15, Tuesday, 10:00 a.m.
Eau Claire State Office Building, Room 139,
718 West Clairemont Avenue, Eau Claire, WI, 54701
December 15, Tuesday, 4:00 p.m.
UW-Stevens Point, Communications Arts Center (CAC), Room 211, 1101 Reserve Street, Stevens Point, WI, 54481
December 16, Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.
UW-Oshkosh, Halsey Science Center, Room 259,
921 Elmwood Avenue, Oshkosh, WI, 54901
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call Jim McLimans at (608) 266-2726 with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
Copies of Proposed Rules and Submission of Written Comments
The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed and comments electronically submitted at the following Internet site:
http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov . Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted via U.S. mail to: Mr. Mike Lemcke, Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources, Bureau of Drinking Water & Groundwater, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI, 53707. Comments may be submitted until December 30, 2009. Written comments, whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail, will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings. A personal copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Mr. Lemcke.
Analysis Prepared by the Department of Natural Resources
Statutory authority
Plain language analysis
Chapter
160, Stats., requires the Department to develop numerical groundwater quality standards, consisting of enforcement standards and preventive action limits. Chapter
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, establishes groundwater standards and creates a framework for implementation of the standards by the Department. These proposed amendments to ch.
NR 140 would add new state groundwater quality standards for 15 substances and revise existing standards for another 15 substances. In accordance with ch.
160, Stats., amendments to ch.
NR 140 groundwater quality standards are based on recommendations from the Department of Health Services.
New public health related groundwater quality standards are proposed for: 1,4-Dioxane, Acetochlor, Acetochlor - ESA + OXA, Aluminum, Ammonia, Chlorodifluoromethane, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethenamid/Dimethenamid-P, Dinitrotol- uenes, Ethyl Ether, Manganese, Metolachlor - ESA + OXA, Perchlorate, Propazine and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol.
Revised public health related groundwater quality standards are proposed for: 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, Acetone, Boron, Carbaryl, Chloromethane, Dibutyl Phthalate, Ethylene Glycol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Phenol, Prometon, Toluene and Xylene.
Minor revisions, to clarify rule language and update rule reference information, are also proposed to ch.
NR 140. These revisions include:
•
Replacing current “Chromium" in ch.
NR 140 Table 1 with “Chromium (total)" to clarify that ch.
NR 140 standards apply to total chromium (combination of chromium III and chromium VI).
•
Replacing current “Cyanide" term in ch.
NR 140 Table 1 with “Cyanide, free" to clarify that ch.
NR 140 standards apply to “free cyanide" (HCN, CN
- and metal-cyanide complexes that are easily dissociated into free cyanide ions).
•
Changing “Metolachlor" in ch.
NR 140 Table 1 to “Metolachlor/s-Metolachlor" to clarify that ch.
NR 140 standards apply to both Metolachlor (CAS RN 51218-45-2) and its stereo isomer, s-Metolachlor (CAS RN 87392-12-9).
•
Revising units for field specific conductance in s.
NR 140.20 Table 3 from micromhos/cm (micromhos per centimeter) to
mS/cm (microsiemens per centimeter).
•
Revising s.
NR 140.28(5)(c)6 note to add “for discharges, as defined by s.
283.01(4), Stats" language related to the need for a wastewater discharge permit.
•
Adding CAS RN of 142363-53-9 for Alachlor-ESA to Appendix I to Table 1.
•
Changing existing Appendix I to Table 1 CAS RN for Asbestos from 12001-29-5 (chrysotile asbestos) to 1332-21-4 (asbestos, all forms).
•
Adding “Chromium (total)", with CAS RN of 7440-47-3, to Appendix I to Table 1.
•
Adding CAS RN of 542-75-6 for cis/trans 1,3 Dichloropropene (mixed isomers) to Appendix I to Table 1.
•
Changing existing Appendix I to Table 1 CAS RN for Fluoride from 16984-48-8 to 7681-49-4.
•
Adding 1,1,1,2-PCA synonym for 1,1,1,2 tetrachloroethane to Appendix I to Table 1.
•
Adding 1,1,2,2-PCA synonym for 1,1,2,2 tetrachloroethane to Appendix I to Table 1.
•
Adding 1,1,1-TCA synonym for 1,1,1 trichloroethane to Appendix I to Table 1.
Comparison with federal regulations
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) establishes health based drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs), cancer risk levels and health advisories (HAs). Federal drinking water MCLs are established based on scientific risk assessments and, in some cases, economic and technological considerations. Cancer risk levels are established as the concentration of a chemical in drinking water that corresponds to a specific excess estimated lifetime cancer risk. Federal lifetime health advisories (LHAs) are developed based on an established health risk acceptable daily intake (ADI) level or reference dose (RfD). An ADI or RfD is the daily oral exposure to a chemical that is likely to be without an appreciable risk over a lifetime.
No federal drinking water MCLs have yet been established for any of the substances for which new Wisconsin state groundwater quality standards are proposed. Federal 1 in 1,000,000 drinking water cancer risk levels have been established at 3 ppb for 1,4-Dioxane and at 0.05 ppb for DNT (mixture of 2,4-/2,6-DNT). US EPA LHAs have been established at 2 ppb for Chlorpyrifos, at 300 ppb for Manganese and at 10 ppb for Propazine. The US EPA has also developed an “Interim Drinking Water Health Advisory" of 15 ppb for Perchlorate. RfDs have been established by EPA for: Dimethenamid at 0.05 mg/kg-day, Ethyl Ether at 0.2 mg/kg-day and Perchlorate at 0.0007 mg/kg-day. A Reference Concentration (RfC) for Chronic Inhalation Exposure of 50 mg/cu.m has been established by EPA for Chlorodifluoromethane.
US EPA Contaminant Candidate List (CCL): The Contaminant Candidate List (CCL) is the US EPA's list of unregulated contaminants which may require national drinking water regulation in the future. The current list is designated Contaminant Candidate List 2 (CCL 2). Substances currently on EPA's CCL 2 include: Aluminum, Acetochlor, Acetochlor-ESA, Acetochlor-OXA, Metolachlor-ESA, Metolachlor-OXA and Perchlorate. Substances currently proposed for inclusion on EPA's draft CCL 3
include: 1,4-Dioxane, Acetochlor, Acetochlor-ESA, Acetochlor-OXA, Chlorodifluoromethane, Metolachlor- ESA, Metolachlor-OXA, and Perchlorate.
Comparison of rules in adjacent states
The proposed amendments to ch.
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, would add new state numeric groundwater quality standards for 15 substances: 1,4-Dioxane, Acetochlor, Acetochlor ESA + OXA, Aluminum, Ammonia (as N), Chlorodifluoromethane, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethenamid/ Dimethenamid-P, Dinitrotoluenes (Total Residues), Ethyl Ether, Manganese, Metolachlor ESA + OXA, Perchlorate, Propazine and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol. The groundwater quality standards contained in ch.
NR 140 are used in Wisconsin by state regulatory agencies as state groundwater protection standards. These standards are used as contamination site cleanup levels, design and management criteria for regulated activities and as minimum public health and welfare protection standards for contaminants in groundwater.
The states surrounding Wisconsin: Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa, also use groundwater protection values/levels/standards in their regulation of practices and activities that might impact the quality of groundwater resources. Three of the states surrounding Wisconsin have promulgated individual state groundwater protection standards and one utilizes established federal standards (federal drinking water maximum contaminant levels, lifetime health advisory levels and established cancer risk levels) as their state groundwater protection standards.
Groundwater protection quality standards are usually developed based on health risk assessments. States are often required to follow state specific health risk assessment methodology when establishing groundwater protection quality standards. States may use state specific health risk assessments; factors and methodology in calculating and developing their groundwater protection standards. This use of different health risk assessment factors and methodologies has lead to the establishment of different state groundwater protection standard levels for the same substance. For example, the health based groundwater protection quality standard for manganese used by the states surrounding Wisconsin varies by state - the standard used in Minnesota is 300 ppb, the standard used in Michigan is 860 ppb, Illinois uses 150 ppb and the standard used in Iowa is 300 ppb, the federal Lifetime Health Advisory level.
Minnesota:
The state of Minnesota has established state groundwater protection “Health Risk Limits" (HRLs) under Minnesota Statutes Section 103H.201. The State of Minnesota has established HRLs for Acetochlor at 9 ppb and for Ethyl Ether at 1,000 ppb. The Minnesota Department of Health has also calculated “Health Based Values" (HBVs) for some groundwater contaminants. Minnesota HBVs are not standards that have been promulgated by rule but are calculated concentrations that may be used as advisory levels by Minnesota state groundwater and environmental protection programs. The State of Minnesota has established HBVs for: Metolachlor-ESA at 800 ppb, Metolachlor-OXA at 800 ppb, Acetochlor-ESA at 300 ppb and Acetochlor-OXA at 100 ppb. The Minnesota Department of Health also issues Risk Assessment Advice (RAA) levels for some groundwater contaminants. Minnesota Department of Health RAAs are advisory concentrations developed to assist Minnesota agencies in evaluating potential health risks to humans from exposures to a chemical. Generally, RAAs contain greater uncertainty than HRLs and HBVs because the information available to develop them is more limited. The State of Minnesota has established a RAA for Manganese at 300 ppb.
Michigan:
The state of Michigan has established state groundwater protection quality standards. Michigan “Drinking Water Criteria and Risk Based Screening Levels (RBSLs)" are Michigan state groundwater protection standards authorized in accordance with Michigan's Natural Resources and Environmental Protection Act, 1994 PA 451 (NREPA). The State of Michigan has established a Drinking Water Criteria/RBSL for: 1,4-Dioxane at 85 ppb, Manganese at 860 ppb, Aluminum at 300 ppb, Propazine at 200 ppb, Chlorpyrifos at 22 ppb, Ethyl Ether at 3,700 ppb and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol at 3,900 ppb. The State of Michigan also has established a Drinking Water Criteria/RBSL for “all potential sources of nitrate-nitrogen", including ammonia nitrogen, in groundwater drinking water supplies at 10,000 ppb.
Illinois:
The state of Illinois has established state groundwater quality standards for “potable resource groundwater". Illinois Groundwater Quality Standards are state groundwater protection standards promulgated in 35 Ill. Adm. Code 620, environmental protection regulations. Illinois state “Groundwater Quality Standards for Class I: Potable Resource Groundwater" have been established for Manganese at 150 ppb. The state of Illinois also has established “Groundwater Cleanup Objectives" in 8 Ill. Adm. Code 259. Illinois Groundwater Cleanup Objectives include both Illinois state Groundwater Quality Standards and Human Threshold Toxicant Advisory Concentrations (HTTACs). Illinois has established state Groundwater Cleanup Objectives for Class I, Potable Resource Groundwater: at 21 ppb for Chlorpyrifos, at 2 ppb for Acetochlor and at 10,000 ppb for Ammonia. The Illinois Acetochlor groundwater cleanup objective value was established in accordance with the Acetochlor Registration Agreement monitoring program. The state groundwater cleanup objective for Ammonia was developed based on the US EPA's 30,000 ppb Lifetime Health Advisory level for ammonia in drinking water.
Iowa:
The state of Iowa has not established specific state groundwater protection standards. In accordance with Iowa Environmental Protection Regulations 567 IAC Chapter
133, Iowa uses established federal EPA
lifetime health advisory levels, “negligible risk levels" (NRLs) for carcinogens (estimate of one additional cancer case per million people over a lifetime of exposure) and federal drinking water maximum contaminant levels (MCLs) as “Action Levels" in their regulation of practices and activities that may adversely impact groundwater quality. As noted in section 6 above, federal lifetime health advisory levels have been established at 2 ppb for Chlorpyrifos, at 300 ppb for Manganese and at 10 ppb for Propazine. Federal 1 in 1,000,000 drinking water cancer risk levels have been established at 3 ppb for 1,4-Dioxane and at 0.05 ppb for DNT (mixture of 2,4-/2,6-DNT).
Summary of the factual data and analytical methodologies
In accordance with s. 160. 07, Stats., the Department is required, for substances of public health concern, to propose rules establishing recommendations from the Department of Health Services (DHS) as state groundwater quality enforcement standards. In accordance with s.
160.15, Stats., the Department is required to establish by rule a preventive action limit for each substance for which an enforcement standard is established.
The DHS has provided the Department, in a document titled Scientific Support Documentation for Cycle 9 Revisions of NR 140.10 Groundwater Enforcement Standard & Preventive Action Limit Recommendations (dated May 2009), its recommendations for new state public health related groundwater quality standards for 15 substances: 1,4-Dioxane, Acetochlor, Acetochlor ESA + OXA, Aluminum, Ammonia (as N), Chlorodifluoromethane, Chlorpyrifos, Dimethenamid/Dimethenamid-P, Dinitrotolu- enes, Ethyl Ether, Manganese, Metolachlor ESA + OXA, Perchlorate, Propazine and Tertiary Butyl Alcohol. DHS has also provided recommendations for revisions to existing public health related state groundwater quality standards for 15 additional substances: 1,3-Dichlorobenzene, 1,3-Dichloropropene, Acetone, Boron, Carbaryl, Chloromethane, Dibutyl Phthalate, Ethylene Glycol, Methyl Ethyl Ketone, Metolachlor, Metribuzin, Phenol, Prometon, Toluene and Xylene.
The Department is proposing rules establishing the DHS enforcement standard recommendations as ch.
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, state groundwater quality enforcement standards. The Department is also proposing rules establishing ch.
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, state groundwater quality preventive action limits in accordance with s.
160.15 (1), Stats.
Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small businesses
In its determination of the effect of this proposed rule on small businesses, the Department used analysis and supporting documentation that included information from the U.S. Department of Agriculture—National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), the University of Wisconsin (UW)—Department of Agronomy and the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Information used from the United States Department of Agriculture NASS included agricultural chemical usage reports from 2001-2007, and the NASS Agricultural Chemical Use Database. Information used from the UW Department of Agronomy included the UW Extension 2008 Herbicide price list and the UW Extension Corn and Soybean Herbicide Chart. Information from DATCP included data from DATCP's Agricultural Chemicals in Wisconsin Groundwater - Final Report March 2008 document and results from the agency's groundwater monitoring and pesticide registration databases.
Small Business Impact
The Department has determined that this rule order will not have a significant economic impact on small businesses. Chapter
NR 140, Wis. Adm. Code, currently contains groundwater standards for 123 substances of public health concern, 8 substances of public welfare concern and 15 indicator parameters. The proposed groundwater standard revisions would apply to all regulated facilities, practices and activities which may impact groundwater quality.
The enforcement of Wisconsin state groundwater quality standards is done by state regulatory agencies through their groundwater protection programs. State regulatory agencies, in exercising their statutory powers and duties, establish groundwater protection regulations that assure that regulated facilities and activities will not cause state groundwater quality standards to be exceeded. A state regulatory agency may establish specific design and management criteria to ensure that regulated facilities and activities will not cause the concentration of a substance in groundwater, affected by the facilities or activities, to exceed state groundwater quality enforcement standards or preventive action limits at an applicable “point of standards application" location.
Regulated facilities, practices and activities, which are sources of the substances for which new and revised groundwater standards are proposed are, for the most part, likely sources of substances for which groundwater standards already exist. Consequently, there will likely be few cases where the proposed standards will be exceeded where existing standards are not currently being exceeded. Additional monitoring costs may be imposed upon regulated facilities, practices and activities, but the extent of such monitoring and any costs associated with it, while too speculative to quantify at this time, are not expected to be significant.
The proposed revisions to state groundwater quality standards include new and revised standards for some pesticides and pesticide degradation products found in Wisconsin groundwater. New proposed groundwater quality standards include standards for the insecticide chlorpyrifos, the herbicides acetochlor, dimethenamid and propazine, and the herbicide degradation products acetochlor ethane sulfonic acid and oxanilic acid, and metolachlor ethane sulfonic acid and oxanilic acid.
The insecticide active ingredient chlorpyrifos is used in corn to control rootworm, and in soybeans to control aphids and spider mites. There are currently 32 insecticide products registered in Wisconsin that contain the active ingredient chlorpyrifos. Chlorpyrifos has been reported as detected in groundwater at 2% of DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program sites. In a DATCP 2007 statewide survey of agricultural chemicals in Wisconsin groundwater, no chlorpyrifos was reported detected in 398 private water supply wells sampled.
Acetochlor and dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P are herbicides that have been used in Wisconsin to control weeds in corn and soybeans. There are currently 46 herbicide products registered in Wisconsin that contain the active ingredient acetochlor or dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P. Acetochlor has been reported as detected in groundwater at 25% of DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program sites and dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P has been reported as detected at 27% of those sites. In DATCP's 2007 statewide survey of agricultural chemicals in Wisconsin groundwater, no “parent" acetochlor or dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P were reported as detected in 398 private water supply wells sampled. Metabolite degradation products of these herbicides were, however, detected in some of the sampled wells.
Propazine is a herbicide used for weed control on sorghum, umbelliferous crops (carrots, parsley etc.) and greenhouse ornamentals. It is also a contaminant of the herbicide atrazine, which is used in Wisconsin on corn. There are currently no herbicide products registered in Wisconsin that contain the active ingredient propazine. Propazine has been reported as detected in groundwater at 22% of DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program sites.
The acetochlor ethane sulfonic acid and oxanilic acid (acetochlor ESA & OXA) degradation products of acetochlor have been found in Wisconsin groundwater. In DATCP's 2007 statewide survey of agricultural chemicals in Wisconsin groundwater, acetochlor ESA & OXA were reported as detected in 16 private water supply wells and 3 private water supply wells respectively, of 398 wells sampled. The highest levels of acetochlor ESA & OXA reported in the DATCP study were 2.32 ppb and 4.36 ppb respectively. The highest levels reported in the DATCP groundwater monitoring database for private water supply wells are 9.52 ppb for acetochlor-ESA and 4.36 ppb for acetochlor-OXA.
In the DATCP's 2007 statewide survey of agricultural chemicals in Wisconsin groundwater, metolachlor ESA & OXA were reported as detected in 106 private water supply wells and 18 private water supply wells respectively, of 398 wells sampled. The highest levels of metolachlor ESA & OXA reported in the DATCP study were 6.54 ppb and 1.37 ppb respectively. The highest levels reported in the DATCP groundwater monitoring database for private water supply wells are 31.2 ppb for metolachlor-ESA and 22.8 ppb for metolachlor-OXA.
As it appears that the occurrence of the pesticides chlorpyrifos, acetochlor, dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P and propazine in Wisconsin groundwater is limited to DATCP Agricultural Chemical Cleanup Program sites, and as the pesticide metabolite degradation products acetochlor ESA & OXA and metolachlor ESA & OXA have been detected statewide at levels relatively low compared to proposed state groundwater quality standards for those substances, and as comparably priced alternative herbicide products appear to be available to state farmers, the Department has determined that any management practice restrictions placed on the pesticides chlorpyrifos, acetochlor, dimethenamid/dimethenamid-P and propazine to limit their impact on Wisconsin groundwater, or on acetochlor or metolachlor to limit the impact of their ESA or OXA metabolite degradation products on groundwater, are unlikely to have a significant economic impact on corn or soybean growers in Wisconsin.
Small business regulatory coordinator
Environmental Analysis
The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch.
NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
Fiscal Estimate
Summary
Although additional monitoring costs may be imposed upon the state or local government entities that are within the regulated community, the extent of such monitoring and any costs associated with it — while too speculative to quantify at this time — are not expected to be significant. Further, any increased monitoring costs associated with the setting of an ES and PAL for new substances and the lowering of the existing ES and PAL for other substances may be offset by cost savings associated with the relaxing of ESs and PALs for other compounds. Thus, on balance, the Department believes it is unlikely that there will be additional costs to state and local governments resulting from adopting these groundwater standards
State fiscal effect
None.
Local government costs
None.
Agency Contact Person
Mike Lemcke, Chief, Groundwater Management Section, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, Bureau of Drinking Water & Groundwater, 101 S. Webster Street, Madison, WI 53707-7921; (608) 266-2104;
Michael.Lemcke@wisconsin.gov.
Notice of Hearings
Revenue
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss.
71.80 (9m) (c),
77.61 (19) (c), and
227.24, Stats., the Department of Revenue will hold public hearings to consider emergency rules and the creation of permanent rules revising Chapters
Tax 2 and
11, relating to penalties for failure to produce records.
Hearing Information
The hearings will be held:
December 10, 2009 at 1:30 p.m.
Events Room
State Revenue Building
2135 Rimrock Road
Madison, Wisconsin
December 21, 2009 at 9:00 a.m.
Events Room
State Revenue Building
2135 Rimrock Road
Madison, Wisconsin
Handicap access is available at the hearing location.
Submission of Written Comments
Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearings and may make an oral presentation. It is requested that written comments reflecting the oral presentation be given to the department at the hearings. Written comments may also be submitted to the contact person shown below no later than December 21, 2009. Written comments will be given the same consideration as testimony presented at the hearings.
Dale Kleven
Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
2135 Rimrock Road
P.O. Box 8933
Madison, WI 53708-8933
Analysis Prepared by the Department of Revenue
Statutes interpreted
Statutory authority
Explanation of agency authority
Sections
71.80 (9m) (c) and
77.61 (19) (c), Stats., provide that the Department shall promulgate rules to administer the penalties for failure to produce records.
Related statute or rule
There are no other applicable statutes or rules.
Plain language analysis
This proposed rule does the following:
•
Reflects changes in Wisconsin's tax laws due to the adoption of penalties for failure to produce records.
•
Provides guidance to Department employees and taxpayers so that the penalties can be administered in a fair and consistent manner. This includes providing a standard response time, a standard for noncompliance, and penalty waiver provisions.
Comparison with federal regulations
There is no existing or proposed federal regulation that is intended to address the activities to be regulated by the rule.
Comparison with rules in adjacent states
The department is not aware of a similar rule in an adjacent state.
Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
2009 Wisconsin Act 28 adopted statutory changes creating penalties for failure to produce records. Within these provisions are requirements that the Department promulgate rules to administer these penalties. The department has created this rule to reflect these changes in Wisconsin's tax laws and comply with statutory requirements.
Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business
As explained above, this emergency rule is created to reflect changes in Wisconsin's tax laws and comply with statutory requirements. As the rule itself does not impose any significant financial or other compliance burden, the department has determined that it does not have a significant effect on small business.
Anticipated costs incurred by private sector
This proposed rule does not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector.
Small Business Impact
This proposed rule does not have a significant effect on small business.
Fiscal Estimate
Summary
The fiscal effect of these changes (a minimal increase in state revenues) was included in the fiscal estimates of
2009 Wisconsin Act 28. Consequently, this proposed rule has no fiscal effect.
State fiscal effect
None.
Local government costs
None.
Text of Proposed Rule
SECTION 1. Tax 2.85 is created to read:
Tax 2.85 Penalty for failure to produce records under s. 71.80(9m), Stats. (1) GENERAL. A person who fails to produce records or documents, as provided under ss.
71.74 (2) and
73.03 (9), Stats., that were requested by the department may be subject to the following penalties:
(a)
The disallowance of deductions, credits, exemptions or income inclusion to which the requested records relate.
(b)
In addition to any other penalties that the department may impose, a penalty for each violation under s.
71.80 (9m), Stats., that is equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the amount of the additional tax on any adjustment made by the department that results from the person's failure to produce the records.
(2)
DEFINITIONS. In this section:
(a)
“Disallowance," “inclusion," or “adjustment" include action taken by the department when a proposed assessment or refund or notice of assessment or refund is issued to a taxpayer.
(b)
“Records" or “documents" include both paper and electronic formats. Examples include, but are not limited to, bills, receipts, invoices, contracts, letters, memos, accounting statements or schedules, general ledgers, journal entries, and board of director's minutes.
(c)
“Records requested were not provided" means that all records requested were not provided to the department within the time specified by the department.
(d)
“Written request for records" includes requests made by letter, e-mail, fax or any other written form.
(3)
PROCEDURES. The penalties in this section may be imposed if the records requested were not provided and the department provided the following notifications regarding the records requested:
(a)
A first written request for records where the department allowed the person a minimum of 15 days for the records to be provided.
(b)
A second written request for records where the department allowed the person a minimum of 30 days for the records to be provided. This second written request for records shall include a statement explaining that if the requested records are not provided by the date specified, the penalties provided by s.
71.80(9m), Stats., may be imposed.
Examples: 1) The department issues a first written request for records to John Jones on May 5, 2010, allowing him until May 20, 2010 to provide the records requested. Mr. Jones does not provide the requested records to the department by May 20, 2010. The department issues a second written request for records to him on June 1, 2010, allowing him until July 1, 2010, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s.
71.80(9m), Stats. Mr. Jones does not provide the requested records by July 1, 2010. Therefore, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include in Wisconsin income the additional income to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Mr. Jones not providing the records requested.
2) The department issues a first written request for records to Corporation A on September 1, 2009, allowing Corporation A until October 6, 2009, to provide the records requested. Corporation A does not provide the requested records to the department by October 6, 2009. The department issues a second written request for records to Corporation A on October 21, 2009, allowing Corporation A until November 30, 2009, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s. 71.80(9m), Stats. Corporation A does not provide the requested records by November 30, 2009. Therefore, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include in Wisconsin income the additional income to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Corporation A not providing the records requested.
3) The department issues a first written request for records to Corporation B on January 5, 2010, allowing Corporation B until January 20, 2010, to provide the records requested. Corporation B does not provide the requested records to the department by January 20, 2010. The department issues a second written request for records to Corporation B on February 8, 2010, allowing Corporation B until March 10, 2010, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s. 71.80(9m), Stats. Corporation B provides records to the department by March 10, 2010, but the department determines that the taxpayer did not provide some of the records requested by March 10, 2010. Therefore, since the taxpayer did not provide all of the records requested by March 10, 2010, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include in Wisconsin income the additional income to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Corporation B not providing the records requested.
(4)
WAIVER OF PENALTIES. (a) The penalties in this section may be waived if the person whose records were requested can show that, under all the facts and circumstances, its response to the written request for records or its failure to respond to the written request for records was reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. In determining whether the penalties will be waived, the department may consider the following factors:
1. Death of the taxpayer, tax preparer, accountant or other responsible party.
2. Onset of debilitating illness or injury of the taxpayer, tax preparer, accountant or other responsible party.
3. Natural disaster such as tornado, flood or fire.
4. Records that were destroyed due to events beyond control of the taxpayer or other responsible party and not due to neglect.
5. Any other unusual circumstance that the department believes pertinent.
(b) Providing requested records after the time period required for providing the records has expired, as provided in sub. (3), may result in a reduction of the penalty provided in sub. (1) (a) if the department determines that these records support a reduction in the disallowance or inclusion previously made by the department, but would not result in a reduction of the penalty provided in sub. (1) (b) unless the person can show that under all the facts and circumstances providing the requested records at that time was reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control.
Examples: 1) Since Corporation C does not provide the records requested by the date specified in a second written request for records to support interest expense deducted, the department issues a proposed audit report to Corporation C disallowing all the interest expense previously deducted. Additional tax of $100,000 and penalty of $25,000 results in the proposed audit report from disallowing this interest expense. Corporation C provides the records requested 26 days after the department issues the proposed audit report but before the notice of assessment is issued and explains that they were too busy with other aspects of their business to respond to the two written requests for records by the dates specified. In this situation, the failure to provide the records requested is not reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. However, the records provided support half of the interest expense deduction previously claimed. Therefore, the interest expense adjustment is modified to reduce the proposed additional tax from $100,000 to $50,000, but the original proposed penalty of $25,000 for failure to provide records remains.
2) Since Mr. Smith does not provide the records requested regarding his cash business to support the reported gross receipts by the date specified in a second written request for records, the department issues a notice of assessment to Mr. Smith including an estimated amount into income for unreported receipts. Additional tax of $60,000, a negligence penalty of $15,000 and a penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 results in the assessment from including these estimated receipts. Mr. Smith appeals the assessment, provides the records that were requested during the audit, and explains that he forgot to provide the records that were previously requested. In this situation, the failure to provide the records requested is not reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. However, the records provided show that unreported receipts were only 20% of the amount previously included by the department as estimated unreported receipts. Therefore, the unreported receipts adjustment and negligence penalty are modified to reduce the additional tax from $60,000 to $12,000 and the negligence penalty from $15,000 to $3,000, but the original penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 remains.
3) Assume the same facts as example 2, except that Mr. Smith explains that he did not previously provide the requested records because his accountant had possession of them and was in the hospital when the records were requested during the audit. In this situation the failure to provide the records requested is reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. Therefore, the unreported receipts adjustment is modified to reduce the additional tax from $60,000 to $12,000, the negligence penalty is reduced from $15,000 to $3,000 and the original penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 is waived.
SECTION 2. Tax 11.90 is created to read:
Tax 11.90 Penalty for failure to produce records under s. 77.61 (19), Stats. (1) GENERAL. A person who fails to produce records or documents, as provided under ss.
73.03(9) and
77.59(2), Stats., that were requested by the department may be subject to the following penalties:
(a)
The disallowance of deductions, credits, exemptions or inclusions of additional taxable sales or additional taxable purchases to which the requested records relate.
(b)
In addition to any other penalties that the department may impose, a penalty for each violation under s.
77.61(19), Stats., that is equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the amount of the additional tax on any adjustment made by the department that results from the person's failure to produce the records.
(2)
DEFINITIONS. In this section:
(a)
“Disallowance," “inclusion," or “adjustment" include action taken by the department when a proposed assessment or refund or notice of assessment or refund is issued to a taxpayer.
(b)
“Records" or “documents" include both paper and electronic formats. Examples include, but are not limited to, bills, receipts, invoices, contracts, letters, memos, accounting statements or schedules, general ledgers, journal entries, and board of director's minutes.
(c)
“Records requested were not provided" means that all records requested were not provided to the department within the time specified by the department.
(d)
“Written request for records" includes requests made by letter, e-mail, fax or any other written form.
(3)
PROCEDURES. The penalties in this section may be imposed if the records requested were not provided and the department provided the following notifications regarding the records requested:
(a)
A first written request for records where the department allowed the person a minimum of 15 days for the records to be provided.
(b) A second written request for records where the department allowed the person a minimum of 30 days for the records to be provided. This second written request for records shall include a statement explaining that if the requested records are not provided by the date specified, the penalties provided by s.
77.61 (19), Stats., may be imposed.
Examples: 1) The department issues a first written request for records to John Jones on May 5, 2010, allowing him until May 20, 2010, to provide the records requested. Mr. Jones does not provide the requested records to the department by May 20, 2010. The department issues a second written request for records to him on June 1, 2010, allowing him until July 1, 2010, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s.
77.61(19), Stats. Mr. Jones does not provide the requested records by July 1, 2010. Therefore, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include the additional taxable sales or additional taxable purchases to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Mr. Jones not providing the records requested.
2) The department issues a first written request for records to Corporation A on September 1, 2009, allowing Corporation A until October 6, 2009, to provide the records requested. Corporation A does not provide the requested records to the department by October 6, 2009. The department issues a second written request for records to Corporation A on October 21, 2009, allowing Corporation A until November 30, 2009, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s.
77.61 (19), Stats. Corporation A does not provide the requested records by November 30, 2009. Therefore, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include the additional taxable sales or additional taxable purchases to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Corporation A not providing the records requested.
3) The department issues a first written request for records to Corporation B on January 5, 2010, allowing Corporation B until January 20, 2010, to provide the records requested. Corporation B does not provide the requested records to the department by January 20, 2010. The department issues a second written request for records to Corporation B on February 8, 2010, allowing Corporation B until March 10, 2010, to provide the records requested. Included in this second written request for records is a notification regarding the penalties provided by s.
77.61 (19), Stats. Corporation B provides records to the department by March 10, 2010, but the department determines that the taxpayer did not provide some of the records requested by March 10, 2010. Therefore, since the taxpayer did not provide all of the records requested by March 10, 2010, the department may disallow the deductions, credits, or exemptions or include the additional taxable sales or additional taxable purchases to which the requested records relate and impose a penalty equal to the greater of $500 or 25% of the additional tax on the adjustments made resulting from Corporation B not providing the records requested.
(4)
WAIVER OF PENALTIES. (a) The penalties in this section may be waived if the person whose records were requested can show that, under all the facts and circumstances, its response to the written request for records or its failure to respond to the written request for records was reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. In determining whether the penalties will be waived, the department may consider the following factors:
1. Death of the taxpayer, tax preparer, accountant or other responsible party.
2. Onset of debilitating illness or injury of the taxpayer, tax preparer, accountant or other responsible party.
3. Natural disaster such as tornado, flood or fire.
4. Records that were destroyed due to events beyond control of the taxpayer or other responsible party and not due to neglect.
5. Any other unusual circumstance that the department believes pertinent.
(b) Providing requested records after the time period required for providing the records has expired, as provided in sub. (3), may result in a reduction of the penalty provided in sub. (1) (a) if the department determines that these records support a reduction in the disallowance or inclusion previously made by the department, but would not result in a reduction of the penalty provided in sub. (1) (b) unless the person can show that under all the facts and circumstances providing the requested records at that time was reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control.
Examples: 1) Since Corporation C does not provide the records requested by the date specified in a second written request for records to support deductions for exempt sales, the department issues a proposed audit report to Corporation C disallowing all the deductions for exempt sales previously claimed. Additional tax of $100,000 and penalty of $25,000 results in the proposed audit report from disallowing the deductions for exempt sales. Corporation C provides the records requested 26 days after the department issues the proposed audit report but before the notice of assessment is issued and explains that they were too busy with other aspects of their business to respond to the two written requests for records by the dates specified. In this situation, the failure to provide the records requested is not reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. However, the records provided support half of the deductions for exempt sales previously claimed. Therefore, the deductions for exempt sales adjustment is modified to reduce the proposed additional tax from $100,000 to $50,000, but the original proposed penalty of $25,000 for failure to provide records remains.
2) Since Mr. Smith does not provide the records requested regarding his cash business to support the reported gross receipts by the date specified in a second written request for records, the department issues a notice of assessment to Mr. Smith including an estimated amount into taxable sales for unreported receipts. Additional tax of $60,000, a negligence penalty of $15,000 and a penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 results in the assessment from including these estimated receipts. Mr. Smith appeals the assessment, provides the records that were requested during the audit, and explains that he forgot to provide the records that were previously requested. In this situation, the failure to provide the records requested is not reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. However, the records provided show that unreported receipts were only 20% of the amount previously included by the department as estimated unreported receipts. Therefore, the unreported receipts adjustment and negligence penalty are modified to reduce the additional tax from $60,000 to $12,000 and the negligence penalty from $15,000 to $3,000, but the original penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 remains.
3) Assume the same facts as example 2, except that Mr. Smith explains that he did not previously provide the requested records because his accountant had possession of them and was in the hospital when the records were requested during the audit. In this situation the failure to provide the records requested is reasonable or justified by factors beyond the person's control. Therefore, the unreported receipts adjustment is modified to reduce the additional tax from $60,000 to $12,000, the negligence penalty is reduced from $15,000 to $3,000 and the original penalty for failure to produce records of $15,000 is waived.
Agency Contact Person
Dale Kleven
Department of Revenue
Mail Stop 6-40
2135 Rimrock Road
PO Box 8933
Madison WI 53708-8933
Telephone: (608) 266-8253
