2017 Wisconsin Act 369

6.855 (5) A governing body may designate more than one alternate site under sub. (1).

369,1k Section 1k. 6.86 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.86 (1) (b) Except as provided in this section, if application is made by mail, the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on the 5th day immediately preceding the election. If application is made in person, the application shall be made no earlier than the opening of business on the 3rd Monday 14 days preceding the election and no later than 7 p.m. on the Friday Sunday preceding the election. No application may be received on a legal holiday. An application made in person may only be received Monday to Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. each day. A municipality shall specify the hours in the notice under s. 10.01 (2) (e). The municipal clerk or an election official shall witness the certificate for any in-person absentee ballot cast. Except as provided in par. (c), if the elector is making written application for an absentee ballot at the partisan primary, the general election, the presidential preference primary, or a special election for national office, and the application indicates that the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1), the application shall be received by the municipal clerk no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the application indicates that the reason for requesting an absentee ballot is that the elector is a sequestered juror, the application shall be received no later than 5 p.m. on election day. If the application is received after 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election, the municipal clerk or the clerk's agent shall immediately take the ballot to the court in which the elector is serving as a juror and deposit it with the judge. The judge shall recess court, as soon as convenient, and give the elector the ballot. The judge shall then witness the voting procedure as provided in s. 6.87 and shall deliver the ballot to the clerk or agent of the clerk who shall deliver it to the polling place or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, to the municipal clerk as required in s. 6.88. If application is made under sub. (2) or (2m), the application may be received no later than 5 p.m. on the Friday immediately preceding the election.

369,1L Section 1L. 6.865 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.865 (1) In this section, “military elector" and "overseas elector" have has the meanings meaning given under s. 6.34 (1).

369,1m Section 1m. 6.87 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (2) Except as authorized under sub. (3) (d), the municipal clerk shall place the ballot in an unsealed envelope furnished by the clerk. The envelope shall have the name, official title and post-office address of the clerk upon its face. The other side of the envelope shall have a printed certificate which shall include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that if the absentee elector voted in person under s. 6.86 (1) (ar), the elector presented proof of identification to the clerk and the clerk verified the proof presented. The certificate shall also include a space for the municipal clerk or deputy clerk to enter his or her initials indicating that the elector is exempt from providing proof of identification because the individual is a military elector or an overseas elector who does not qualify as a resident of this state under s. 6.10 or is exempted from providing proof of identification under sub. (4) (b) 2. or 3. The certificate shall be in substantially the following form:

[STATE OF ....

County of ....]

or

[(name of foreign country and city or other jurisdictional unit)]

I, ...., certify subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, that I am a resident of the [.... ward of the] (town) (village) of ...., or of the .... aldermanic district in the city of ...., residing at ....* in said city, the county of ...., state of Wisconsin, and am entitled to vote in the (ward) (election district) at the election to be held on ....; that I am not voting at any other location in this election; that I am unable or unwilling to appear at the polling place in the (ward) (election district) on election day or have changed my residence within the state from one ward or election district to another later than 28 days before the election. I certify that I exhibited the enclosed ballot unmarked to the witness, that I then in (his) (her) presence and in the presence of no other person marked the ballot and enclosed and sealed the same in this envelope in such a manner that no one but myself and any person rendering assistance under s. 6.87 (5), Wis. Stats., if I requested assistance, could know how I voted.

Signed ....

Identification serial number, if any: ....

The witness shall execute the following:

I, the undersigned witness, subject to the penalties of s. 12.60 (1) (b), Wis. Stats., for false statements, certify that I am an adult U.S. citizen** and that the above statements are true and the voting procedure was executed as there stated. I am not a candidate for any office on the enclosed ballot (except in the case of an incumbent municipal clerk). I did not solicit or advise the elector to vote for or against any candidate or measure.

....(Name Printed name)

....(Address)***

Signed ....

* — An elector who provides an identification serial number issued under s. 6.47 (3), Wis. Stats., need not provide a street address.

** — An individual who serves as a witness for a military elector or an overseas elector voting absentee, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of Wisconsin under s. 6.10, Wis. Stats., need not be a U.S. citizen but must be 18 years of age or older.

*** — If this form is executed before 2 special voting deputies under s. 6.875 (6), Wis. Stats., both deputies shall witness and sign.

369,1mg Section 1mg. 6.87 (3) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (3) (d) A municipal clerk shall, if the clerk is reliably informed by a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b) regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, of a facsimile transmission number or electronic mail address where the elector can receive an absentee ballot, transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the elector's ballot to that elector in lieu of mailing under this subsection. An elector may receive an absentee ballot only if the elector is a military elector or an overseas elector under s. 6.34 (1) and has filed a valid application for the ballot as provided in s. 6.86 (1). If the clerk transmits an absentee ballot to a military or overseas elector electronically, the clerk shall also transmit a facsimile or electronic copy of the text of the material that appears on the certificate envelope prescribed in sub. (2), together with instructions prescribed by the commission. The instructions shall require the military or overseas elector to make and subscribe to the certification as required under sub. (4) (b) and to enclose the absentee ballot in a separate envelope contained within a larger envelope, that shall include the completed certificate. The elector shall then affix sufficient postage unless the absentee ballot qualifies for mailing free of postage under federal free postage laws and shall mail the absentee ballot to the municipal clerk. Except as authorized in s. 6.97 (2), an absentee ballot received from a military or overseas elector who receives the ballot electronically shall not be counted unless it is cast in the manner prescribed in this paragraph and sub. (4) and in accordance with the instructions provided by the commission.

369,1mp Section 1mp. 6.87 (4) (a) (intro.) and 1. of the statutes are consolidated, renumbered 6.87 (4) (a) and amended to read:

6.87 (4) (a) In this subsection: 1. “Military, “military elector" has the meaning given in s. 6.34 (1) (a).

369,1mq Section 1mq. 6.87 (4) (a) 2. of the statutes is repealed.

369,1ms Section 1ms. 6.87 (4) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

6.87 (4) (b) 1. Except as otherwise provided in s. 6.875, the an elector voting absentee, other than a military elector or an overseas elector, shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult U.S. citizen. A military elector or an overseas elector voting absentee, regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, shall make and subscribe to the certification before one witness who is an adult but who need not be a U.S. citizen. The absent elector, in the presence of the witness, shall mark the ballot in a manner that will not disclose how the elector's vote is cast. The elector shall then, still in the presence of the witness, fold the ballots so each is separate and so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit them in the proper envelope. If a consolidated ballot under s. 5.655 is used, the elector shall fold the ballot so that the elector conceals the markings thereon and deposit the ballot in the proper envelope. If proof of residence under s. 6.34 is required and the document enclosed by the elector under this subdivision does not constitute proof of residence under s. 6.34, the elector shall also enclose proof of residence under s. 6.34 in the envelope. Except as provided in s. 6.34 (2m), proof of residence is required if the elector is not a military elector or an overseas elector and the elector registered by mail or by electronic application and has not voted in an election in this state. If the elector requested a ballot by means of facsimile transmission or electronic mail under s. 6.86 (1) (ac), the elector shall enclose in the envelope a copy of the request which bears an original signature of the elector. The elector may receive assistance under sub. (5). The return envelope shall then be sealed. The witness may not be a candidate. The envelope shall be mailed by the elector, or delivered in person, to the municipal clerk issuing the ballot or ballots. If the envelope is mailed from a location outside the United States, the elector shall affix sufficient postage unless the ballot qualifies for delivery free of postage under federal law. Failure to return an unused ballot in a primary does not invalidate the ballot on which the elector's votes are cast. Return of more than one marked ballot in a primary or return of a ballot prepared under s. 5.655 or a ballot used with an electronic voting system in a primary which is marked for candidates of more than one party invalidates all votes cast by the elector for candidates in the primary.

369,1mt Section 1mt. 6.88 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.88 (1) When an absentee ballot arrives at the office of the municipal clerk, or at an alternate site under s. 6.855, if applicable, the clerk shall enclose it, unopened, in a carrier envelope which shall be securely sealed and endorsed with the name and official title of the clerk, and the words “This envelope contains the ballot of an absent elector and must be opened in the same room where votes are being cast at the polls during polling hours on election day or, in municipalities where absentee ballots are canvassed under s. 7.52, stats., at a meeting of the municipal board of absentee ballot canvassers under s. 7.52, stats.". If the elector is a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), or an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b) regardless of whether the elector qualifies as a resident of this state under s. 6.10, and the ballot was received by the elector by facsimile transmission or electronic mail and is accompanied by a separate certificate, the clerk shall enclose the ballot in a certificate envelope and securely append the completed certificate to the outside of the envelope before enclosing the ballot in the carrier envelope. The clerk shall keep the ballot in the clerk's office or at the alternate site, if applicable until delivered, as required in sub. (2).

369,1mv Section 1mv. 6.97 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

6.97 (1) Whenever any individual who is required to provide proof of residence under s. 6.34 in order to be permitted to vote appears to vote at a polling place and cannot provide the required proof of residence, the inspectors shall offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. Whenever any individual, other than a military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), or, an overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b), or an elector who has a confidential listing under s. 6.47 (2), appears to vote at a polling place and does not present proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2), whenever required, the inspectors or the municipal clerk shall similarly offer the opportunity for the individual to vote under this section. If the individual wishes to vote, the inspectors shall provide the elector with an envelope marked “Ballot under s. 6.97, stats." on which the serial number of the elector is entered and shall require the individual to execute on the envelope a written affirmation stating that the individual is a qualified elector of the ward or election district where he or she offers to vote and is eligible to vote in the election. The inspectors shall, before giving the elector a ballot, write on the back of the ballot the serial number of the individual corresponding to the number kept at the election on the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.97". If voting machines are used in the municipality where the individual is voting, the individual's vote may be received only upon an absentee ballot furnished by the municipal clerk which shall have the corresponding number from the poll list or other list maintained under s. 6.79 and the notation “s. 6.97" written on the back of the ballot by the inspectors before the ballot is given to the elector. When receiving the individual's ballot, the inspectors shall provide the individual with written voting information prescribed by the commission under s. 7.08 (8). The inspectors shall indicate on the list the fact that the individual is required to provide proof of residence or proof of identification under s. 6.79 (2) but did not do so. The inspectors shall notify the individual that he or she may provide proof of residence or proof of identification to the municipal clerk or executive director of the municipal board of election commissioners. The inspectors shall also promptly notify the municipal clerk or executive director of the name, address, and serial number of the individual. The inspectors shall then place the ballot inside the envelope and place the envelope in a separate carrier envelope.

369,1n Section 1n. 7.15 (1) (cm) of the statutes is amended to read:

7.15 (1) (cm) Prepare official absentee ballots for delivery to electors requesting them, and except as provided in this paragraph, send an official absentee ballot to each elector who has requested a ballot by mail, and to each military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), and overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b), who has requested a ballot by mail, electronic mail, or facsimile transmission, no later than the 47th day before each partisan primary and general election and no later than the 21st day before each other primary and election if the request is made before that day; otherwise, the municipal clerk shall send or transmit an official absentee ballot within one business day of the time the elector's request for such a ballot is received. The clerk shall send or transmit an absentee ballot for the presidential preference primary to each elector who has requested that ballot no later than the 47th day before the presidential preference primary if the request is made before that day, or, if the request is not made before that day, within one business day of the time the request is received. For purposes of this paragraph, “business day" means any day from Monday to Friday, not including a legal holiday under s. 995.20.

369,1ng Section 1ng. 7.15 (1) (j) of the statutes is amended to read:

7.15 (1) (j) Send an absentee ballot automatically to each elector and send or transmit an absentee ballot to each military elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (a), and each overseas elector, as defined in s. 6.34 (1) (b), making an authorized request therefor in accordance with s. 6.22 (4), 6.24 (4) (c), or 6.86 (2) or (2m).

369,3 Section 3 . 13.124 of the statutes is created to read:

13.124 Legal representation. (1) (a) The speaker of the assembly, in his or her sole discretion, may authorize a representative to the assembly or assembly employee who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the representative's or employee's duties. The speaker shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

(b) The speaker of the assembly, in his or her sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), in any action in which the assembly is a party or in which the interests of the assembly are affected, as determined by the speaker. The speaker shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

(2) (a) The senate majority leader, in his or her sole discretion, may authorize a senator or senate employee who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the senator's or employee's duties. The senate majority leader shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

(b) The senate majority leader, in his or her sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), in any action in which the senate is a party or in which the interests of the senate are affected, as determined by the senate majority leader. The senate majority leader shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

(3) (a) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization, in their sole discretion, may authorize an employee of a legislative service agency, as defined in s. 13.90 (1m) (a), who requires legal representation to obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, if the acts or allegations underlying the action are arguably within the scope of the employee's duties. The cochairpersons shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

(b) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization, in their sole discretion, may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, in any action in which the legislature is a party or in which the interests of the legislature are affected, as determined by the cochairpersons. The cochairpersons shall approve all financial costs and terms of representation.

369,4 Section 4 . 13.127 of the statutes is created to read:

13.127 Advice and consent of the senate. Any individual nominated by the governor or another state officer or agency, and with the advice and consent of the senate appointed, to any office or position may not hold the office or position, be nominated again for the office or position, or perform any duties of the office or position during the legislative session biennium if the individual's confirmation for the office or position is rejected by the senate.

369,5 Section 5 . 13.365 of the statutes is created to read:

13.365 Intervention. Pursuant to s. 803.09 (2m), when a party to an action challenges in state or federal court the constitutionality of a statute, facially or as applied, challenges a statute as violating or preempted by federal law, or otherwise challenges the construction or validity of a statute, as part of a claim or affirmative defense:

(1) The committee on assembly organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the assembly. The committee on assembly organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a), to represent the assembly in any action in which the assembly intervenes.

(2) The committee on senate organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the senate. The committee on senate organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (b), to represent the senate in any action in which the senate intervenes.

(3) The joint committee on legislative organization may intervene at any time in the action on behalf of the legislature. The joint committee on legislative organization may obtain legal counsel other than from the department of justice, with the cost of representation paid from the appropriation under s. 20.765 (1) (a) or (b), as determined by the cochairpersons, to represent the legislature in any action in which the joint committee on legislative organization intervenes.

369,7 Section 7 . 13.56 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

13.56 (2) Participation in certain proceedings. The cochairpersons of the joint committee for review of administrative rules or their designated agents shall accept service made under ss. 227.40 (5) and 806.04 (11). If the committee determines that the legislature should be represented in the proceeding, it shall request the joint committee on legislative organization to designate the legislature's representative for intervene in the proceeding as provided under s. 806.04 (11). The costs of participation in the proceeding shall be paid equally from the appropriations under s. 20.765 (1) (a) and (b), except that such costs incurred by the department of justice shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.455 (1) (d).

369,8 Section 8 . 13.90 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

13.90 (2) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization or their designated agent shall accept service made under s. ss. 806.04 (11) and 893.825 (2). If the committee, the senate organization committee, or the assembly organization committee, determines that the legislature should be represented intervene in the proceeding, that committee shall designate the legislature's representative for the proceeding. as provided under s. 803.09 (2m), the assembly shall represent the assembly, the senate shall represent the senate, and the joint committee on legislative organization shall represent the legislature. The costs of participation in the proceeding shall be paid equally from the appropriations under s. 20.765 (1) (a) and (b), except that such costs incurred by the department of justice shall be paid from the appropriation under s. 20.455 (1) (d).

369,9 Section 9 . 13.90 (3) of the statutes is renumbered 13.90 (3) (c) and amended to read:

13.90 (3) (c) The joint committee on legislative organization shall assign office space for legislative offices and the offices of the legislative service agencies as defined in sub. (1m). The joint committee may assign any space in the capitol not reserved for other uses under s. 16.835. Except as provided in ss. 13.09 (6) and 13.45 (4) (c), the joint committee may locate any legislative office or the office of any legislative service agency outside the capitol at another suitable building in the city of Madison.

369,10 Section 10 . 13.90 (3) (a) and (b) of the statutes are created to read:

13.90 (3) (a) In this subsection, “legislative service agency” has the meaning given in sub. (1m).

(b) The cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization shall lease or acquire office space for legislative offices or legislative service agencies under par. (c).

369,11 Section 11 . 13.91 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

13.91 (1) (c) Perform the functions prescribed in s. 227.15 for the review and resolution of problems ch. 227 relating to administrative rules and guidance documents.

369,16 Section 16 . 16.84 (2m) of the statutes is created to read:

16.84 (2m) Send notice to the joint committee on legislative organization of any proposed changes to security at the capitol, including the posting of a firearm restriction under s. 943.13 (1m) (c) 2. or 4. If, within 14 working days after the date of the notice, the cochairpersons of the joint committee on legislative organization do not notify the department that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the department's proposal, the department may implement the changes as proposed in the notice. If, within 14 working days after the date of the department's notice, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the department that the committee has scheduled a meeting to review the department's proposal, the department may implement the proposed changes only upon approval of the committee. If there is a risk of imminent danger, the department may take any action related to security at the capitol that is necessary to prevent or mitigate the danger and the cochairpersons may review the action later if the cochairpersons determine review is necessary.

369,17 Section 17 . 16.84 (5) (d) of the statutes is repealed.

369,18 Section 18 . 16.973 (15) of the statutes is created to read:

16.973 (15) By October 1 of each year, submit to the joint committee on finance and the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) a report on the administration of the information technology and communication services self-funded portal. The report shall include the following information regarding the portal for the immediately preceding fiscal year:

(a) A financial statement of state revenues and expenditures.

(b) A list of services available through the portal, identifying services added since the previous reporting period.

(c) Fees charged for each service available through the portal.

(d) The activity level of each service available through the portal.

(e) Any other information the department determines to be appropriate to include.

369,19 Section 19 . 20.455 (1) (gh) of the statutes is amended to read:

20.455 (1) (gh) Investigation and prosecution. Moneys received under ss. 23.22 (9) (c), 49.49 (6), 100.263, 133.16, 281.98 (2), 283.91 (5), 289.96 (3) (b), 291.97 (3), 292.99 (2), 293.87 (4) (b), 295.19 (3) (b) 2., 295.79 (4) (b), and 299.97 (2), for the expenses of investigation and prosecution of violations, including attorney fees, and for expenses related to s. 165.055 (3).

369,20 Section 20 . 20.455 (2) (gb) of the statutes is amended to read:

20.455 (2) (gb) Gifts and grants. The amounts in the schedule to carry out the purposes for which gifts and grants are made and received. All moneys received from gifts and grants, other than moneys received for and credited to another appropriation account under this subsection, to carry out the purposes for which made and received shall be credited to this appropriation account.

369,21 Section 21 . 20.455 (3) (g) of the statutes is amended to read:

20.455 (3) (g) Gifts, grants and proceeds. The amounts in the schedule to carry out the purposes for which gifts and grants are made and collected. All moneys received from gifts and grants and all proceeds from services, conferences, and sales of publications and promotional materials to carry out the purposes for which made or collected, except as provided in sub. (2) (gm) and (gp) and to transfer to s. 20.505 (1) (kg), at the discretion of the attorney general, an amount not to exceed $98,300 annually, shall be credited to this appropriation account.

369,22 Section 22 . 35.93 (2) (b) 3. im. of the statutes is created to read:

35.93 (2) (b) 3. im. Notices of public comment periods on proposed guidance documents under s. 227.112 (1) (a).

369,23 Section 23 . 45.57 of the statutes is amended to read:

45.57 Veterans homes; transfer of funding. The department may transfer all or part of the unencumbered balance of any of the appropriations under s. 20.485 (1) (g), (gd), (gk), or (i) to the veterans trust fund or to the veterans mortgage loan repayment fund. The department shall notify the joint committee on finance in writing of any balance transferred under this section.

369,24 Section 24 . 165.055 (3) of the statutes is repealed.

369,26 Section 26 . 165.08 of the statutes is renumbered 165.08 (1) and amended to read:

165.08 (1) Any civil action prosecuted by the department by direction of any officer, department, board, or commission, shall be compromised or discontinued when so directed by such officer, department, board or commission. Any or any civil action prosecuted by the department on the initiative of the attorney general, or at the request of any individual may be compromised or discontinued with the approval of the governor an intervenor under s. 803.09 (2m) or, if there is no intervenor, by submission of a proposed plan to the joint committee on finance for the approval of the committee. The compromise or discontinuance may occur only if the joint committee on finance approves the proposed plan. No proposed plan may be submitted to the joint committee on finance if the plan concedes the unconstitutionality or other invalidity of a statute, facially or as applied, or concedes that a statute violates or is preempted by federal law, without the approval of the joint committee on legislative organization.

(2) In any criminal action prosecuted by the attorney general, the department shall have the same powers with reference to such action as are vested in district attorneys.

369,27 Section 27 . 165.10 of the statutes, as created by 2017 Wisconsin Act 59, is amended to read:

165.10 Limits on expenditure Deposit of discretionary settlement funds. Notwithstanding s. 20.455 (3), before the The attorney general may expend shall deposit all settlement funds under s. 20.455 (3) (g) that are not committed under the terms of the settlement, the attorney general shall submit to the joint committee on finance a proposed plan for the expenditure of the funds. If the cochairpersons of the committee do not notify the attorney general within 14 working days after the submittal that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the proposed plan, the attorney general may expend the funds to implement the proposed plan. If, within 14 working days after the submittal, the cochairpersons of the committee notify the attorney general that the committee has scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the proposed plan, the attorney general may expend the funds only to implement the plan as approved by the committee into the general fund.

369,28 Section 28 . 165.25 (1) of the statutes is amended to read: