Wisconsin Legislature: 25,9152

(a) Directional signs along I 90 in La Crosse County for the Shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

(b) Directional signs along USH 151 in the vicinity of STH 33 for Wayland Academy located in Beaver Dam in Dodge County.

(2) Harbor assistance program.

(a) Notwithstanding any limitation specified in section 85.095 (2) (a) or (b) of the statutes, from the appropriation under section 20.866 (2) (uv) of the statutes, as affected by this act, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.095 (2) (a) of the statutes of $6,000,000 in the 2005-07 fiscal biennium to a city in northeastern Wisconsin that has a harbor facility for the purpose of constructing new boatlift facilities or improving existing boatlift facilities that serve or will serve at least 2 commercial enterprises that enhance economic development and will provide at least 600 new jobs in this state.

(b) Notwithstanding any limitation specified in section 85.095 (2) (a) or (b) of the statutes, from the appropriation under section 20.866 (2) (uv) of the statutes, as affected by this act, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.095 (2) (a) of the statutes of $2,100,000 in the 2005-07 fiscal biennium for a boat slip repair and reconstruction project in northeastern Wisconsin if the project is necessary to retain at least 2,500 jobs in this state.

(c) Notwithstanding any limitation specified in section 85.095 (2) (b) of the statutes, from the appropriation under section 20.866 (2) (uv) of the statutes, as affected by this act, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.095 (2) (a) of the statutes of $1,600,000 in the 2005-07 fiscal biennium for the construction of a dockwall in the city of Marinette at the Waupaca Foundry.

(2q) Freight rail preservation Program. In the 2005-07 fiscal biennium, from the public debt contracted under section 20.866 (2) (uw) of the statutes, the department of transportation shall allocate $5,000,000 annually for rail rehabilitation projects and $1,000,000 annually for rail bridge projects.

(3f) Cassville ferry grant. The department of transportation shall award a grant of $30,000 annually in the 2005-07 biennium from the appropriation account under section 20.395 (3) (eq) of the statutes to the operator of the Cassville Mississippi River Ferry for the operations costs of the ferry.

(3s) Sugar River State Trail underpass.

(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b), in the 2005-07 biennium, the Department of Transportation shall construct an underpass for the Sugar River State Trail at the intersection of the trail with STH 69 in the village of New Glarus in Green County when the Department of Transportation rehabilitates that section of STH 69.

(b) If the village of new Glarus agrees with the department of transportation that a lower cost improvement project would provide substantially similar safety enhancements as the project described in par. (a), the department of transportation may construct the lower cost improvement project instead of constructing the project described in par. (a).

(3t) Safety improvement study. In the 2005-07 biennium, the department of transportation shall conduct an engineering study of the segment of STH 58 in Sauk County between the Sauk County/Richland County line and CTH G to determine ways to improve public safety on that segment of STH 58. The department of transportation shall make any changes recommended in the study to improve public safety in the segment of STH 58 in Sauk County between the Sauk County/Richland County line and CTH G.

(4f) Agency request relating to Marquette interchange reconstruction project bonding. Notwithstanding section 16.42 (1) of the statutes, in submitting information under section 16.42 of the statutes for purposes of the 2007-09 biennial budget act, the department of transportation shall include recommended reductions to the appropriation under section 20.395 (3) (cr) of the statutes for each fiscal year of the 2007-09 fiscal biennium reflecting the transfer from this appropriation account to the appropriation account under section 20.395 (6) (au) of the statutes, as created by this act, of amounts for anticipated debt service payments, in each fiscal year of the 2007-09 fiscal biennium, on general obligation bonds issued under section 20.866 (2) (uup) of the statutes, as created by this act.

(4w) Passenger rail service.

(a) The department of transportation may submit, in each fiscal year of the 2005-07 biennium, a request to the joint committee on finance to supplement the appropriation under section 20.395 (2) (cr) of the statutes by up to $572,700 in fiscal year 2005-06 and up to $629,900 in fiscal year 2006-07 from the appropriation account under section 20.865 (4) (u) of the statutes for passenger rail service. Any request submitted under this paragraph shall be submitted by the due date for agency requests for the joint committee on finance's second quarterly meeting under section 13.10 of the statutes of the year in which the request is made. The committee may supplement the appropriation under section 20.395 (2) (cr) of the statutes by up to $572,700 in fiscal year 2005-06 and up to $629,900 in fiscal year 2006-07 from the appropriation account under section 20.865 (4) (u) of the statutes for passenger rail service and, notwithstanding section 13.101 (3) of the statutes, the committee is not required to find that an emergency exists prior to making the supplementation.

(b) If the joint committee on finance determines that the moneys provided under section 20.395 (2) (cr) and (cx) of the statutes are sufficient for passenger rail service in any fiscal year of the 2005-07 biennium, the committee may:

1. Supplement, by up to to $572,700 in fiscal year 2005-06 and up to $629,900 in fiscal year 2006-07 from the appropriation account under section 20.865 (4) (u) of the statutes, other department of transportation appropriations. Notwithstanding section 13.101 (3) of the statutes, the committee is not required to find that an emergency exists prior to making the supplementation.

2. Transfer moneys from the appropriation account under section 20.395 (2) (cx) of the statutes that are not needed for passenger rail services to other department of transportation appropriations. Notwithstanding section 13.101 (4) of the statutes, the committee is not required to find, prior to making the transfer, that unnecessary duplication of functions can be eliminated, more efficient and effective methods for performing programs will result, or legislative intent will be more effectively carried out because of such transfer.

(c) If the committee approves a supplement under paragraph (a), the committee may supplement, by the amount by which the supplement it approves under paragraph (a) is less than $572,700 in fiscal year 2005-06 or $629,900 in fiscal year 2006-07, other department of transportation appropriations. Notwithstanding section 13.101 (3) of the statutes, the committee is not required to find that an emergency exists prior to making the supplementation.

(d) If, in considering a request made under paragraph (a), the joint committee on finance determines that $572,700 in fiscal year 2005-06 or $629,900 in fiscal year 2006-07 is not sufficient to fund passenger rail service, the committee may supplement the appropriation account under section 20.395 (2) (cr) of the statutes, from the appropriation under section 20.865 (4) (u) of the statutes, by an amount that would not cause the transportation fund to have a negative balance. Notwithstanding section 13.101 (3) of the statutes, the committee is not required to find that an emergency exists prior to making the supplementation.

(5f) Village of Oregon streetscaping project. In the 2005-07 fiscal biennium, from the appropriation under section 20.395 (2) (nx) of the statutes, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.026 (2) of the statutes of $4 84,000 to the village of Oregon in Dane County for a streetscaping project on Main Street and Janesville Street in the village of Oregon if the village of Oregon contributes funds for the project that at least equal 20 percent of the costs of the project.

(5g) Chippewa county crossing and ramp. In the 2005-07 fiscal biennium, from the appropriation under section 20 .395 (2) (nx) of the statutes, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.026 (2) of the statutes of $80,000 to Chippewa County for the construction of a pedestrian-railroad crossing and handicap-accessible ramp related to the Ray's Beach revitalization project on Lake Wissota in Chippewa County if Chippewa County contributes funds for the project that at least equal 20 percent of the costs of the project .

(5h) Village of Weston bicycle-pedestrian bridge. In the 2005-07 fiscal biennium, from the appropriation under section 20.395 (2) (nx) of the statutes, the department of transportation shall award a grant under section 85.026 (2) of the statutes of $576,000 to the village of Weston in Marathon County for the construction of a bicycle-pedestrian bridge over STH 29 adjacent to Birch Street and the Weston Regional Medical Center in the village of Weston if the village of Weston contributes funds for the project that at least equal 20 percent of the costs of the project.

(6n) Eisner Avenue project in Sheboygan County. Notwithstanding limitations on the amount and use of aids provided under section 86.31 of the statutes, as affected by this act, or on eligibility requirements for receiving aids under section 86.31 of the statutes, as affected by this act, the department of transportation shall award a grant of $500,000 in the 2005-07 fiscal biennium to the city of Sheboygan in Sheboygan County for the rehabilitation of Eisner Avenue in Sheboygan County if the city of Sheboygan and the town of Sheboygan in Sheboygan County reach an agreement on the amount of funds to be contributed by each toward the total local share of the project costs. Payment of the grant under this subsection shall be made from the appropriation under section 20.395 (2) (ft) of the statutes, as created by this act, equally from funds allocated under section 86.31 (3m) of the statutes, as affected by this act, and from funds allocated under section 86.31 (3r) of the statutes, as affected by this act, and is in addition to the city of Sheboygan's entitlement, as defined in section 86.31 (1) (ar) of the statutes, to aids under section 86.31 of the statutes, as affected by this act.

(7f) Request for engineering positions transfer for 2006-07. The department of transportation may submit a request to the joint committee on finance under section 13.10 of the statutes to reallocate not more than 6.0 engineering positions in fiscal year 2006-07 to other position types that support the department of transportation's highway delivery functions.

25,9149 Section 9149. Nonstatutory provisions; treasurer.

25,9150 Section 9150. Nonstatutory provisions; University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority.

25,9151 Section 9151. Nonstatutory provisions; University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Board.

25,9152 Section 9152. Nonstatutory provisions; University of Wisconsin System.

(1) Occupational safety and health administration testing.

(a) Positions and employees.

1. The authorized FTE positions for the department of health and family services, funded from the appropriations under section 20.435 (1) (a), (gm), and (m) of the statutes, as affected by this act, are decreased by 9.5 FTE positions, for the purpose of providing occupational safety and health administration testing.

3. The authorized FTE positions for the state laboratory of hygiene, funded from the appropriation under section 20.285 (1) (fd) of the statutes, are increased by 0.95 FTE position, for the purpose of providing occupational safety and health administration testing.

4. The authorized FTE positions for the state laboratory of hygiene, funded from the appropriation under section 20.285 (1) (i) of the statutes, as affected by this act, are increased by 0.5 FTE position, for the purpose of providing occupational safety and health administration testing.

5. The authorized FTE positions for the state laboratory of hygiene, funded from the appropriation under section 20.285 (1) (m) of the statutes, are increased by 11.55 FTE positions, for the purpose of providing occupational safety and health administration testing.

6. All incumbent employees in the department of health and family services who perform occupational safety and health administration testing are transferred on the effective date of this subdivision to the state laboratory of hygiene. Employees transferred under this subdivision have all the rights and the same status under subchapter V of chapter 111 and chapter 230 of the statutes in the employment commission that they enjoyed before the transfer. Notwithstanding section 230.28 (4) of the statutes, no employee so transferred who has attained permanent status in class must serve a probationary period.

(b) Tangible personal property. On the effective date of this paragraph, all tangible personal property, including records, that relates to occupational safety and health administration testing of the department of health and family services is transferred to the state laboratory of hygiene.

(c) Contracts. All contracts entered into by the department of health and family services that relate to occupational safety and health administration testing and that are in effect on the effective date of this paragraph remain in effect and are transferred to the state laboratory of hygiene. The state laboratory of hygiene shall carry out any obligations under such a contract until the state laboratory of hygiene modifies or rescinds the contract to the extent allowed.

(3) Plan to eliminate positions. By May 30, 2006, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System shall submit to the secretary of administration for his or her approval a plan to eliminate 200 administrative positions within the University of Wisconsin System, specified by position classification and location. Notwithstanding section 16.505 (2p) of the statutes, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System may not during the 2006-07 fiscal year create any full-time equivalent academic staff or faculty positions from revenues appropriated under section 20.285 (1) (a) of the statutes until the secretary of administration approves the plan.

(4) Allocation of funds. Of moneys appropriated under section 20.285 (1) (a) of the statutes for the 2006-07 fiscal year, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System shall allocate $105,000 for the University of Wisconsin-Fox Valley engineering initiative and $500,000 for implementing the recommendations of the committee on baccalaureate expansion. Of moneys appropriated under section 20.285 (1) (a) of the statutes for both the 2005-06 and 2006-07 fiscal years, the Board of Regents shall allocate $378,300 for the University of Wisconsin–Rock County engineering initiative.

(5) Sale of real property. If the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System sells any real property under its jurisdiction prior to July 1, 2007, the board shall credit the net proceeds of the sale to the appropriation account under section 20.285 (1) (iz) of the statutes, as affected by this act, except that if there is any outstanding public debt used to finance the acquisition, construction, or improvement of any property that is sold, the board shall deposit a sufficient amount of the net proceeds from the sale of the property in the bond security and redemption fund under section 18.09 of the statutes to repay the principal and pay the interest on the debt, and any premium due upon refunding any of the debt. If the property was acquired, constructed, or improved with federal financial assistance, the board shall pay to the federal government any of the net proceeds required by federal law. If the property was acquired by gift or grant or acquired with gift or grant funds, the board shall adhere to any restriction governing use of the proceeds.

(6q) Energy costs study. By January 1, 2006, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the department of administration shall submit a joint report to the building commission concerning the apportionment of energy costs for buildings used, owned, or leased by the University of Wisconsin System, including the allocation of federal and private funding for energy costs.

(6r) Task force on University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

(a) There is created a task force to study and develop an implementation plan under paragraph (b) for the transformation of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha into a campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. The task force shall consist of one representative of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, one representative of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, one student enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and one student enrolled at the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha, all appointed by the University of Wisconsin System president; one representative of the Waukesha County Technical College, appointed by the Technical College System president; 2 representatives of Waukesha County government, one of whom is appointed by the Waukesha county executive and the other of whom is appointed by the Waukesha county board chairperson; and 2 representatives of the Waukesha County business community, appointed by the Waukesha county executive. The task force shall select a chairperson.

(b) The implementation plan shall include recommendations regarding all of the following:

1. Maintaining the accessibility and affordability mission of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

2. Increasing the number of 4-year baccalaureate and the number of graduate degrees awarded by the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

3. Determining the academic programs necessary to meet the needs of the economy in the area surrounding the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

4. Addressing issues regarding the assumption of assets and liabilities of the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha.

5. Resolving outstanding employment issues.

(c) By January 1, 2007, the task force shall submit the plan under paragraph (b) to the joint committee on finance. If the cochairpersons of the committee do not notify the task force within 14 working days after the date of the plan's submittal that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the plan, the plan may be implemented as proposed. If, within 14 working days after the date of the plan's submittal, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the task force that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the plan, the plan may be implemented only upon the approval of the committee.

(d) The Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System shall merge the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha into the campus of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee pursuant to a plan approved by the joint committee on finance under paragraph (c), no later than July 1, 2007.

(7f) Collaboration study. By March 1, 2006, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System shall submit a report to the joint committee on finance and to the standing committees on higher education in the assembly and the senate on possible collaborative efforts between the University of Wisconsin-Superior and the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The study shall include all of the following:

(a) An analysis of the Tri-College University program involving North Dakota State University, Minnesota State University at Moorhead, and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota, and a consideration of similar models of collaboration among public universities.

(b) An identification of opportunities for operational cooperation or consolidation that would save money for taxpayers and students.

(d) An examination of whether coordination and cooperation between the 2 universities would increase educational offerings for their students.

(8m) Study of building projects. By January 1, 2007, the legislative audit bureau shall determine the scope of building project costs at the University of Wisconsin System and prepare and submit a study to the joint legislative audit committee that compares building project costs at the University of Wisconsin System with building project costs at other public universities.

(8q) Study on joint academic programs. By January 1, 2007, the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and the Board of Trustees of the Medical College of Wisconsin shall submit a report to the joint committee on finance on the feasibility of creating joint academic programs that would reduce worker shortages in fields that are critical to the economic development of southeastern Wisconsin and that would establish national leadership in academic areas. If the cochairpersons of the committee do not notify the Board of Regents and the Board of Trustees within 14 working days after the date of the report's submittal that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the proposed joint academic programs, the joint academic programs may be implemented as proposed. If, within 14 working days after the date of the report's submittal, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the Board of Regents and the Board of Trustees that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the proposed joint academic programs, the programs may be implemented only upon the committee's approval.

(9m) Higher education committee.

(a) There is created a committee to study the public benefits of this state's public system of higher education, to expand baccalaureate degrees for this state's residents, to foster economic development, to provide a research environment to develop intellectual properties, and to assist in the development of new business. The committee shall consist of the president of the University of Wisconsin System, or his or her appointee; the chancellor of the University of Wisconsin System colleges, or his or her appointee; the president of the Wisconsin Technical College System, or his or her appointee; a currently enrolled University of Wisconsin System student; a University of Wisconsin System alumnus, a faculty member, and a chancellor or current regent, all appointed by the president of the University of Wisconsin System; a currently enrolled Wisconsin Technical College System student, a president of a technical college district, and a Wisconsin Technical College System board member, all appointed by the president of the Wisconsin Technical College System; a business leader, a former University of Wisconsin System executive officer, and a former regent, all appointed by the president of the University of Wisconsin System; and 4 current legislators, 2 from each party and 2 from both the assembly and senate, appointed by the respective leaders of the senate and assembly. The committee shall elect a chairperson from among its members, who shall call the committee's first meeting.

(b) The committee shall complete and submit its study to the joint committee on finance by August 1, 2006. The committee shall ensure that the study does at least all of the following:

1. Addresses the issue of how colleges and universities can provide access and quality education for all residents to further their human potential and ensure the state's economic future.

2. Determines the appropriate mixture of funding to support higher education in this state, including the relationship between general purpose revenue, tuition, financial aid, and philanthropic support.

3. Continues structural improvements, efficiencies, and economies in such activities as the committee on baccalaureate expansion, integration of administrative structure, and collaborative arrangements between campuses.

4. Collaborates among all of this state's key economic, social, and educational entities to achieve the intent of the Wisconsin Idea.

25,9153 Section 9153. Nonstatutory provisions; veterans affairs.

(1) Tuition reimbursement program emergency rules. The department of veterans affairs may promulgate emergency rules under section 227.24 of the statutes implementing section 45.20 of the statutes, as affected by this act. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the department is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule under this subsection as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of emergency for a rule promulgated under this subsection.

(1f) Payment of certain tuition and part-time classroom courses. From the appropriation account under section 20.485 (2) (tf) of the statutes, the department of veterans affairs may expend not more than $1,020,000 in fiscal year 2005-06 to fund payments under sections 45.25 and 45.396, 2003 stats., for course work completed before July 1, 2005.

(2) Massage therapists and bodyworkers.

(a) Definitions. In this Section:

1. "Board" means the educational approval board.

2. "Department" means the department of regulation and licensing.

(b) Transfer of transitional duties. Any application received by the board under 2001 Wisconsin Act 74, section 23 (5) (a) that is pending with the board on the effective date of this paragraph is transferred to the department and all materials submitted to or actions taken by the board with respect to the pending application are considered as having been submitted to or taken by the department.

(3k) Assistance to needy veterans and families emergency rules. The department of veterans affairs may promulgate an emergency rule under section 227.24 of the statutes implementing section 45.40 (3m) of the statutes, as affected by this act. Notwithstanding section 227.24 (1) (a) and (3) of the statutes, the department is not required to provide evidence that promulgating a rule under this subsection as an emergency rule is necessary for the preservation of public peace, health, safety, or welfare and is not required to provide a finding of an emergency for a rule promulgated under this subsection.

25,9154 Section 9154. Nonstatutory provisions; workforce development.

(1f) Report on certain Wisconsin Works results. Not later than December 1, 2006, the department of workforce development shall submit a report to the joint committee on finance that provides information about all of the following issues related to Wisconsin Works:

(a) The success of each Wisconsin Works agency in placing Wisconsin Works participants into unsubsidized jobs.

(b) The wages earned by former Wisconsin Works participants.

(d) The results of efforts made by the department of workforce development and each Wisconsin Works agency to ensure that adequate training is provided to all staff persons of the Wisconsin Works agency.

(e) The appropriateness and effectiveness of work, education, and training activities into which Wisconsin Works participants are placed by each Wisconsin Works agency.

(1k) Child care subsidy copayments. The department of workforce development shall increase the copayment amounts specified in the copayment schedule under section 49.155 (5) of the statutes by 15 percent, beginning with fiscal year 2005-06.

(1q) Elimination of governor's work-based learning board.

(a) Assets and liabilities. On the effective date of this paragraph, all assets and liabilities of the department of workforce development that are primarily related to the technical preparation program administered by the governor's work-based learning board that is being transferred to the technical college system board under this act, as determined by the secretary of administration, shall become the assets and liabilities of the technical college system board.

(b) Tangible personal property. On the effective date of this paragraph, all tangible personal property, including records, of the department of workforce development that is primarily related to the technical preparation program administered by the governor's work-based learning board that is being transferred to the technical college system board under this act, as determined by the secretary of administration, is transferred to the technical college system board.