SECTION 951. 44.70 (3m) of the statutes is created to read:
44.70 (3m) "Public library system" has the meaning given in s. 43.01 (5).
SECTION 952. 44.70 (5) of the statutes is created to read:
44.70 (5) "Universal service fund" means the trust fund established under s. 25.95.
SECTION 953. 44.71 (2) of the statutes is renumbered 44.71 (2) (a), and 44.71 (2) (a) 5. and 8., as renumbered, are amended to read:
44.71 (2) (a) 5. Subject to s. 196.218 (4r) (f) 44.73 (5), in cooperation with the department and the public service commission, provide telecommunications access to school districts, private schools, cooperative educational service agencies, technical college districts, private colleges and public library boards educational agencies under the program established under s. 196.218 (4r) 44.73.
8. Purchase educational technology equipment for use by school districts, cooperative educational service agencies and public educational institutions in this state and permit the districts, agencies and institutions to purchase or lease the equipment, with an option to purchase the equipment at a later date. This paragraph subdivision does not require the purchase or lease of any educational technology equipment from the board.
SECTION 953g. 44.71 (2) (a) 6m. of the statutes is created to read:
44.71 (2) (a) 6m. No later than October 1 of each year, submit a report containing the discount rates provided to the board for telecommunications service under 47 USC 254 to the department of administration, the joint committee on finance and the public service commission.
SECTION 954. 44.71 (2) (bm) of the statutes is created to read:
44.71 (2) (bm) The board may contract with the Wisconsin advanced telecommunications foundation to provide administrative services to the foundation.
SECTION 955. 44.72 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (1) (a) Award grants to applicants on a competitive basis through one funding cycle annually, except that the board shall ensure that at least one grant is awarded annually to an applicant located in the territory of each cooperative educational service agency.
SECTION 955m. 44.72 (1) (d) of the statutes is created to read:
44.72 (1) (d) Promulgate rules establishing administrative procedures, eligibility criteria and application requirements for awarding grants under this section.
SECTION 955p. 44.72 (1) (e) of the statutes is created to read:
44.72 (1) (e) Consult with the department of public instruction before awarding grants under this subsection.
SECTION 955t. 44.72 (2) (a) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 956. 44.72 (2) (b) 3. of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 956g. 44.72 (2) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (2) (c) A school district is eligible for a grant under par. (a) or (b) 2. only if the annual meeting in a common school district, or the school board in a unified school district or in a school district operating under ch. 119, adopts a resolution requesting the grant. A grant under this subsection may not be used to replace funding available from other sources.
SECTION 956r. 44.72 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (2) (d) A school district receiving a grant under par. (a) or (b) shall deposit the moneys in a separate fund. The moneys may be used for any purpose related to educational technology, except that a school district may not use the moneys to pay the salary or benefits of any school district employe.
SECTION 957. 44.72 (2) (e) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (2) (e) The board shall distribute the grants under par. (b) 2. and 3. annually on the first Monday in February.
SECTION 958. 44.72 (4) (title) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (4) (title) SUBSIDIZED EDUCATIONAL EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY INFRASTRUCTURE LOANS FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE.
SECTION 959. 44.72 (4) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (4) (a) Subsidized loans Financial assistance authorized. The board may make subsidized loans provide financial assistance under this subsection to school districts from the proceeds of public debt contracted under s. 20.866 (2) (zc) and to public library boards from the proceeds of public debt contracted under s. 20.866 (2) (zcm). Subsidized loans Financial assistance under this subsection may be used only for the purpose of upgrading the electrical wiring of school and library buildings in existence on October 14, 1997, and installing and upgrading computer network wiring.
SECTION 960. 44.72 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (4) (b) Subsidized loan Financial assistance applications, terms and conditions. The board shall establish application procedures for, and the terms and conditions of, subsidized loans financial assistance under this subsection. The board shall make a loan to a school district or public library board in an amount equal to 50% of the total amount of financial assistance for which the board determines the school district or public library board is eligible and provide a grant to the school district or public library board for the remainder of the total. The terms of any financial assistance under this subsection may include provision of professional building construction services under s. 16.85 (15). The board shall determine the interest rate on these loans under this subsection. The interest rate shall be as low as possible but shall be sufficient to fully pay all interest expenses incurred by the state in making the loans and to provide reserves that are reasonably expected to be required in the judgment of the board to ensure against losses arising from delinquency and default in the repayment of subsidized the loans. The term of a subsidized loan under this subsection may not exceed 10 years.
SECTION 961. 44.72 (4) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (4) (c) Repayment of subsidized loans. A school district's or public library board's total payments on a loan made under this subsection shall be equal to 50% of the total debt service on the loan, as determined by the board. A school district or public library board is not obligated to pay the remaining 50% of the debt service on the loan. The board shall credit all moneys received from school districts under this paragraph for repayment of loans under this subsection to the appropriation account under s. 20.275 (1) (h). The board shall credit all moneys received from public library boards under this paragraph for repayment of loans under this subsection to the appropriation account under s. 20.275 (1) (hb).
SECTION 962. 44.72 (4) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
44.72 (4) (d) Funding for subsidized loans financial assistance. The board, with the approval of the governor and subject to the limits of s. 20.866 (2) (zc) and (zcm), may request that the building commission contract public debt in accordance with ch. 18 to fund loans financial assistance under this subsection.
SECTION 967. 45.25 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (1) ADMINISTRATION. The department of veterans affairs shall administer a tuition and fee reimbursement program for eligible veterans enrolling as undergraduates in any institution within the university of Wisconsin system, enrolling in any technical college under ch. 38 of higher education, as defined in s. 45.396 (1) (a), in this state or receiving a waiver of nonresident tuition under s. 39.47.
SECTION 968. 45.25 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (2) (d) The individual is a resident at the time of application for the tuition and fee reimbursement program and was a Wisconsin resident at the time of entry or reentry into service or was a resident for any consecutive 5-year period after completing entry or reentry into service on active duty and before the time date of his or her application. If a person applying for a benefit under this section meets that 5-consecutive-year residency requirement, the department may not require the person to reestablish that he or she meets the 5-consecutive-year residency requirement when he or she later applies for any other benefit under this chapter that requires a 5-consecutive-year residency.
SECTION 969. 45.25 (2) (e) of the statutes is created to read:
45.25 (2) (e) The individual is enrolled for at least 12 credits during the semester for which reimbursement is sought.
SECTION 970. 45.25 (3) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (3) (a) Except as provided in par. (am), an individual who meets the requirements under sub. (2), upon satisfactory completion of an a full-time undergraduate semester in any institution within the university of Wisconsin system or a semester at any technical college district school under ch. 38 of higher education, as defined in s. 45.396 (1) (a), in this state or any institution from which the individual receives a waiver of nonresident tuition under s. 39.47, may be reimbursed for up to 50% 65% of the individual's tuition and fees, but that. The reimbursement under this paragraph is limited to a maximum of 50% 65% of the standard cost for a state resident for an equivalent undergraduate course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison per course or the difference between the individual's tuition and fees and the grants or scholarships, including those made under s. 21.49, that the individual receives specifically for the payment of the tuition or fees, whichever is less. Reimbursement is available only for tuition and fees that are part of a curriculum that is relevant to a degree in a particular course of study at the institution or school.
SECTION 971. 45.25 (3) (am) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (3) (am) A disabled individual who meets the requirements under sub. (2) and whose disability is rated at 30% or more under 38 USC 1114 or 1134, upon satisfactory completion of an undergraduate semester in any institution within the university of Wisconsin system or a semester at any technical college district school under ch. 38 of higher education, as defined in s. 45.396 (1) (a), in this state or any institution from which the individual receives a waiver of nonresident tuition under s. 39.47, may be reimbursed for up to 100% of the individual's tuition and fees, but that. The reimbursement under this paragraph is limited to 100% of the standard cost for a state resident for an equivalent undergraduate course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison per course, or the difference between the individual's tuition and fees and the grants or scholarships, including those made under s. 21.49, that the individual receives specifically for the payment of the tuition or fees, whichever is less. Reimbursement is available only for tuition and fees that are part of a curriculum that is relevant to a degree in a particular course of study at the institution or school.
SECTION 972. 45.25 (4) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (4) (a) An individual is not eligible for reimbursement under sub. (2) for more than 120 credits of part-time study or 8 full semesters of full-time study at any institution within the university of Wisconsin system of higher education, as defined in s. 45.396 (1) (a), in this state, 60 credits of part-time study or 4 full semesters of full-time study at a technical college under ch. 38 any institution of higher education, as defined in s. 45.396 (1) (a), in this state that offers a degree upon completion of 60 credits, or an equivalent amount of credits at an institution where he or she is receiving a waiver of nonresident tuition under s. 39.47.
SECTION 973. 45.25 (4) (b) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (4) (b) (intro.) The department may provide reimbursement under sub. (2) to an individual who is delinquent in child support or maintenance payments or who owes past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, as established by the receipt by the department of a certification under s. 49.855 appearance of the individual's name on the statewide support lien docket under s. 49.854 (2) (b), only if the individual provides the department with one of the following:
SECTION 974. 45.25 (4) (b) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:
45.25 (4) (b) 2. A statement that the individual is not delinquent in child support or maintenance payments and does not owe past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, signed by the clerk of circuit court department of workforce development or its designee within 7 working days before the date of the application.
SECTION 975. 45.35 (5) (a) 2. c. of the statutes is amended to read:
45.35 (5) (a) 2. c. Has been a resident of this state for any consecutive 5-year period after completing entry or reentry into service on active duty and before the date of his or her application or death. If a person applying for a benefit under this subchapter meets that 5-consecutive-year residency requirement, the department may not require the person to reestablish that he or she meets the 5-consecutive-year residency requirement when he or she later applies for any other benefit under this chapter that requires a 5-consecutive-year residency.
SECTION 976. 45.35 (14) (h) of the statutes is created to read:
45.35 (14) (h) To provide grants to the governing bodies of federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands from the appropriation under s. 20.485 (2) (km) if that governing body enters into an agreement with the department regarding the creation, goals and objectives of a tribal veterans' service officer, appoints a veteran to act as a tribal veterans' service officer and gives that veteran duties similar to the duties described in s. 45.43 (5), except that the veteran shall report to the governing body of the tribe or band. The department may make annual grants of up to $2,500 under this paragraph and shall promulgate rules to implement this paragraph.
SECTION 977. 45.35 (15) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.35 (15) LIBERAL CONSTRUCTION INTENDED. This section, ss. 45.25, 45.351, 45.356 and 45.37 and subch. II shall be construed as liberally as the language permits in favor of applicants.
SECTION 979. 45.356 (6) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.356 (6) (intro.) The department may provide a loan under this section after the department receives a certification under s. 49.855 (7) that the applicant is delinquent in child support or maintenance payments or owes past support, medical expenses or birth expenses to an applicant whose name appears on the statewide support lien docket under s. 49.854 (2) (b) only if the applicant does one of the following:
SECTION 980. 45.356 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.356 (6) (b) Provides to the department a statement that the applicant is not delinquent in child support or maintenance payments and does not owe past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, signed by the clerk of circuit court department of workforce development or its designee within 7 working days before the date of the application.
SECTION 981. 45.356 (9) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.356 (9) (a) The department may borrow from the veterans mortgage loan repayment fund under s. 45.79 (7) (a) and shall pledge to obtain money to make loans made under this section as collateral for the borrowing.
SECTION 982. 45.356 (9) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.356 (9) (b) The department may enter into transactions with the state investment board to obtain money to make loans under this section. Transactions authorized under this paragraph may include the sale of loans.
SECTION 982m. 45.358 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.358 (2) CONSTRUCTION AND OPERATION OF CEMETERIES. Subject to authorization under ss. 13.48 (10) and 20.924 (1), the department of veterans affairs may construct and operate veterans cemeteries in northwestern and southeastern Wisconsin and may employ such personnel as are necessary for the proper management of the cemeteries. The cemetery in southeastern Wisconsin is the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The cemetery in northwestern Wisconsin is the Northern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The department may acquire, by gift, purchase or condemnation, lands necessary for the purposes of the cemeteries. Title to the properties shall be taken in the name of this state. Every deed of conveyance shall be immediately recorded in the office of the proper register of deeds and thereafter filed with the secretary of state. All cemeteries operated by the department are exempt from the requirements of ss. 157.061 to 157.70 and 440.90 to 440.95.
SECTION 983. 45.37 (3) (b) (title) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 984. 45.37 (3) (b) of the statutes is renumbered 45.37 (3) and amended to read:
45.37 (3) Nonresident. A veteran who was not a resident of this state at the time of enlistment or induction into service but who is otherwise qualified for membership may be admitted if the veteran has been a resident of this state for any consecutive 5-year period after completing enlistment or induction into service on active duty and before the date of his or her application. If a person applying for a benefit under this subchapter meets that 5-consecutive-year residency requirement, the department may not require the person to reestablish that he or she meets the 5-consecutive-year residency requirement when he or she later applies for any other benefit under this chapter that requires a 5-consecutive-year residency.
SECTION 984m. 45.385 of the statutes is amended to read:
45.385 Veterans residential, treatment and nursing care facilities. Subject to authorization under ss. 13.48 (10) and 20.924 (1), the department of veterans affairs may construct or renovate and operate residential, treatment and nursing care facilities in southeastern Wisconsin and may, including a community-based residential facility, to be known as the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Retirement Center. The department may employ such personnel as are necessary for the proper management of the facilities Southern Wisconsin Veterans Retirement Center. The department may acquire by gift, purchase or condemnation lands necessary for the purposes of the facilities Southern Wisconsin Veterans Retirement Center. Title to any properties acquired under this section shall be taken in the name of this state. Every deed of conveyance shall be immediately recorded in the office of the proper register of deeds and filed with the secretary of state.
SECTION 985. 45.396 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.396 (1) (a) "Institution of higher education" means an educational institution meeting the requirements of P.L. 89-329 for institutions covered therein and of P.L. 89-287 for business, trade, technical or vocational schools and full-time post-high school technical colleges has the meaning given in 20 USC 1088 (a).
SECTION 986. 45.396 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.396 (5) Except as provided in sub. (9), the reimbursement may not exceed 50% 65% of the cost of tuition and fees and shall also be limited to a maximum of 50% 65% of the standard cost for a state resident for tuition and fees for an equivalent undergraduate course at the University of Wisconsin-Madison per course and may not be provided to an individual more than 4 times during any consecutive 12-month period.
SECTION 987. 45.396 (6) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.396 (6) (intro.) The department may make a grant to an applicant under this section after the department receives a certification under s. 49.855 (7) that the applicant is delinquent in child support or maintenance payments or owes past support, medical expenses or birth expenses to an applicant whose name appears on the statewide support lien docket under s. 49.854 (2) (b) only if the applicant provides the department with one of the following:
SECTION 988. 45.396 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.396 (6) (b) A statement that the applicant is not delinquent in child support or maintenance payments and does not owe past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, signed by the clerk of circuit court department of workforce development or its designee within 7 working days before the date of the application.
SECTION 989g. 45.397 (4) of the statutes is repealed.
SECTION 990. 45.71 (16) (a) 2m. a. of the statutes is amended to read:
45.71 (16) (a) 2m. a. Has been a resident of this state for any consecutive 5-year period after completing enlistment or induction into service on active duty and before the date of his or her application or death. If a person applying for a benefit under this subchapter meets that 5-consecutive-year residency requirement, the department may not require the person to reestablish that he or she meets the 5-consecutive-year residency requirement when he or she applies for any other benefit under this chapter that requires a 5-consecutive-year residency.
SECTION 991. 45.74 (6) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.74 (6) DELINQUENT SUPPORT PAYMENTS. (intro.) The person is delinquent in child support or maintenance payments or owes past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, as evidenced by a certification under s. 49.855 (7) the appearance of the person's name on the statewide support lien docket under s. 49.854 (2) (b), unless the person provides the department or authorized lender with one of the following:
SECTION 992. 45.74 (6) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.74 (6) (b) A statement that the person is not delinquent in child support or maintenance payments and does not owe past support, medical expenses or birth expenses, signed by the clerk of circuit court department of workforce development or its designee within 7 working days before the date of the application.
SECTION 993. 45.76 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
