AB666: Bill Text

LRB-4326/1

RCT:kaf:lp

1997 - 1998 LEGISLATURE

1997 Assembly BILL 666

December 18, 1997 - Introduced by Representatives Springer, Skindrud, Gronemus, Plouff, Hasenohrl, Musser and Grothman, cosponsored by Senators Moen and Decker. Referred to Committee on Rural Affairs.

AB666,1,2 An Act relating to: milk procurement fees, food warehouse fees, food processing plant fees and retail food establishment fees and making an appropriation.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection (DATCP) administers food safety laws. Among other things, DATCP licenses and inspects food warehouses, food processing plants, retail food establishments (such as grocery stores), dairy plants and dairy farms. DATCP's food safety activities are financed in part from fees paid by regulated entities and in part from general state funds. Current law authorizes DATCP to raise the fees by rule.

This bill increases the amount of general state funds appropriated to DATCP for its food safety program. This bill also prohibits DATCP from increasing the following fees before July 1, 1999:

1. Food warehouse fees.

2. Food processing plant fees.

3. Retail food establishment fees.

4. Milk procurement fees, which are imposed on dairy plant operators.

For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

AB666, s. 1 Section 1. Nonstatutory provisions; agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

AB666,2,6 (1) Food program fees. Notwithstanding sections 97.20 (2g), 97.27 (5), 97.29 (5) and 97.30 (5) of the statutes, before July 1, 1999, the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection may not increase the amount of the fees under sections 97.20 (2g), 97.27 (3), 97.29 (3) or 97.30 (3) above the amount in effect on July 1, 1997.

AB666, s. 2 Section 2. Appropriation changes; agriculture, trade and consumer protection.

AB666,2,13 (1) Foods inspection programs. In the schedule under section 20.005 (3) of the statutes for the appropriation to the department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection under section 20.115 (1) (a) of the statutes, as affected by the acts of 1997, the dollar amount is increased by $360,000 for fiscal year 1997-98 and the dollar amount is increased by $600,000 for fiscal year 1998-99 to increase funding for food inspection programs.

AB666,2,14 (End)