SECTION 955t. 44.72 (2) (a) of the statutes is repealed.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 of the statutes is repealed.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 963. 44.72 (5) of the statutes is created to read:
44.72 (5) FOREIGN LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION GRANTS. (a) Beginning in the 2000-01 fiscal year, the board shall award at least one grant in each fiscal year, on a competitive basis, to an educational organization or consortium of educational organizations for the development and implementation of a foreign language instruction program in a public school in grades kindergarten to 6.
(b) The board shall award grants under par. (a) from the appropriation under s. 20.275 (1) (b). The board may not award a grant to an organization or consortium of organizations unless the foreign language instruction is provided to pupils using data lines or video links for which access is provided under s. 44.73 (1) or for which a grant is awarded under s. 44.73 (6).
(c) The board shall promulgate rules defining "educational organization" for the purposes of 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, 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:
45.76 (1) (c) Home improvements. A loan of not more than $15,000 $25,000 to improve a home, including construction of a garage.
SECTION 994. 45.79 (9) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
45.79 (9) (a) All moneys received from any source for repayment of loans, mortgages or mortgage loan notes funded with proceeds of revenue obligations issued under sub. (6) (c) shall be deposited into one or more separate nonlapsible trust funds in the state treasury or with a trustee as provided in s. 18.56 (9) (j) appointed for that purpose by the authorizing resolution for the revenue obligations. The board may pledge revenues received by the funds to secure revenue obligations issued under sub. (6) (c) and shall have all other powers necessary and convenient to distribute the proceeds of the revenue obligations and loan repayments in accordance with subch. II of ch. 18. Unrestricted balances in the funds may be used to fund additional loans issued under sub. (6) (c) and pay the balances owing on loans after the assumptions of the loans or the closings of the sales of residences under sub. (10) (c).
SECTION 995. 46.03 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
46.03 (1) INSTITUTIONS GOVERNED. Maintain and govern the Mendota and the Winnebago mental health institutes; the secure mental health facility established under s. 46.055; and the centers for the developmentally disabled.
SECTION 996. 46.03 (7) (g) of the statutes is created to read:
46.03 (7) (g) Before July 1, 2005, establish a statewide automated child welfare information system.
SECTION 997. 46.03 (22) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
46.03 (22) (a) "Community living arrangement" means any of the following facilities licensed or operated, or permitted under the authority of the department: child welfare agencies under s. 48.60, group homes for children under s. 48.02 (7) and community-based residential facilities under s. 50.01; but does not include adult family homes, as defined in s. 50.01, day care centers, nursing homes, general hospitals, special hospitals, prisons and jails. "Community living arrangement" also includes a youth village program as described in s. 118.42.
SECTION 999m. 46.036 (8) of the statutes is created to read:
46.036 (8) If the department proposes to consolidate contracts into one single contract to cover care or services under more than one program administered by the subunit of the department that is primarily responsible for administering public health, the department shall submit the proposed contract to the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance. The proposed contract shall detail the programs for which care or services are being contracted, the allocation of funds for each program and outcome performance incentives and disincentives offered under the contract. If the cochairpersons of the committee do not notify the secretary within 14 working days after receiving the proposed contract that the cochairpersons have scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the contract, the department may enter into the contract as proposed. If, within 14 working days after receiving the proposed contract, the cochairpersons notify the secretary that the cochairpersons have scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the proposed contract, the department may not enter into the contract except as approved by the committee.
SECTION 1000. 46.043 of the statutes is created to read:
46.043 Additional services of mental health institutes. (1) In addition to inpatient and outpatient services provided at mental health institutes under ss. 51.05 and 51.07, the department may authorize mental health institutes to offer services other than inpatient mental health services when the department determines that community services need to be supplemented. Services that may be offered under this section include mental health outpatient treatment and services, day programming, consultation and services in residential facilities, including group homes, child caring institutions and community-based residential facilities.