January 16, 2001 - Introduced by Representatives Skindrud, Jensen, Walker,
Ward, Ainsworth, Bies, Freese, Gunderson, Hahn, Hoven, Huebsch,
Jeskewitz, Krawczyk, Ladwig, F. Lasee, Leibham, McCormick, D. Meyer, Nass,
Rhoades, Stone, Urban, Vrakas, Albers
and Friske, cosponsored by Senator
Welch. Referred to Committee on Tax and Spending Limitations.
AB2,1,9 1An Act to amend 7.15 (2) (d), 8.05 (3) (d) and (e), 8.06, 9.20 (4), 24.66 (3) (b), 24.66
2(4), 32.72 (1), 38.15 (1), 59.08 (7) (b), 59.605 (3) (a) 1., 60.62 (2), 60.74 (5) (b),
361.187 (1), 61.46 (1), 62.09 (1) (a), 64.03 (1), 64.39 (3), 66.0101 (8), 66.0217 (7)
4(a) 3., 66.0219 (4) (b), 66.0227 (3), 66.0619 (2m) (b), 66.0815 (1) (c), 66.0921 (2),
566.1103 (10) (d), 67.05 (4) and (5), 67.05 (6a) (a) 2. a., 67.05 (6m) (b), 67.10 (5)
6(b), 67.12 (12) (e) 5., 81.01 (3) (b) (intro.), 86.21 (2) (a), 117.20, 119.48 (4) (b) and
7(c), 119.49 (1) (b) and (2), 121.91 (3) (a), 197.04 (1) (b) and (2), 197.10 (2) and
8198.19 (1); and to create 8.065 and 15.615 of the statutes; relating to:
9scheduling of referenda by local governments.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
Under current law, referenda are authorized or required to be held by local
governments under various laws for various purposes. In some cases, these
referenda are authorized or required to be held at special elections when no offices
appear on the ballot. In most cases, there is no limitation upon the frequency that
questions relating to the same subject matter may be submitted.
This bill provides that, unless a more restrictive limitation applies currently,
a referendum by a local government may only be held concurrently with the spring

primary (held in most election districts in each year), the spring election (held in each
year), or on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an
odd-numbered year (no election is currently held on that date), or concurrently with
the September primary (held in each even-numbered year) or general election (held
in each even-numbered year). The bill also provides that, unless a more restrictive
limitation applies currently, no referendum submitted by the same local government
relating to substantially similar subject matter or relating to authorization for the
borrowing of money may be held more than once in any 12-month period. However,
the bill creates a state referendum appeal board consisting of the governor, the
senate majority leader, the senate minority leader, the speaker of the assembly, and
the assembly minority leader or their designees, which is empowered to permit a
local government to hold a referendum on a date that is not otherwise permitted if
the board finds that an emergency exists which requires the referendum to be held
on a date that is not otherwise permitted.
The bill applies to all referenda, including referenda concerning direct
legislation (initiative) in cities and villages.
For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.
The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:
AB2, s. 1 1Section 1. 7.15 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,2,112 7.15 (2) (d) Whenever the governing body of any municipality submits any
3question to a vote of the electors or whenever a proper recall petition and certificate
4are filed under s. 9.10, the municipal clerk shall issue a call for the election and
5prepare and distribute ballots as required in the authorization of submission or as
6provided in s. 9.10. The date of the referendum shall be established in accordance
7with s. 8.065, and shall be
fixed by the municipal clerk or board of election
8commissioners unless otherwise provided by law or unless the governing body fixes
9a date. The ballot for any referendum shall conform to s. 5.64 (2). If there is already
10an official municipal referendum ballot for the election, the question may appear on
11the same ballot.
AB2, s. 2 12Section 2. 8.05 (3) (d) and (e) of the statutes are amended to read:
AB2,3,6
18.05 (3) (d) The question of adoption of the nonpartisan primary under this
2subsection may be submitted to the electors at any regular election authorized under
3s. 8.065 to be
held in the town or at a special election called for the purpose. When
4a petition requesting adoption of the nonpartisan primary conforming to the
5requirements of s. 8.40 signed by at least 20 electors of the town is filed with the town
6clerk as provided in s. 8.37, the question shall be submitted to a vote.
AB2,3,117 (e) Petitions requesting a vote on the question at a regular town election shall
8be filed in accordance with s. 8.37 no later than 5 p.m. the last Tuesday in February.
9When the petition is filed, the clerk shall check its sufficiency. Whether at a regular
10or special election, the
The clerk shall give separate notice by one publication in a
11newspaper at least 5 days before the election.
AB2, s. 3 12Section 3. 8.06 of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,3,16 138.06 Special elections may be called. Towns, cities, villages and school
14districts may call special elections for any purpose whenever such action is
15authorized or required by law. If an election is called for a special referendum, the
16election shall be called and noticed under as provided in s. 8.55.
AB2, s. 4 17Section 4. 8.065 of the statutes is created to read:
AB2,3,19 188.065 Scheduling of referenda. (1) In this section, "local governmental
19unit" has the meaning given in s. 16.97 (7).
AB2,4,3 20(2) Unless otherwise required by law or unless authorized under sub. (3), a
21referendum held by any local governmental unit that is authorized or required by
22law to hold a referendum may only be held concurrently with the spring primary,
23spring election, September primary, or general election, or on the first Tuesday after
24the first Monday of November of an odd-numbered year. Unless otherwise required
25by law or unless authorized under sub. (3), no referendum submitted by the same

1local governmental unit relating to substantially similar subject matter or relating
2to authorization for the borrowing of money may be held more than once in any
312-month period.
AB2,4,17 4(3) If a local governmental unit wishes to hold a special referendum on a date
5that is not concurrent with an election specified in s. 5.02 (5), (18), (21), or (22) or on
6a date other than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of an
7odd-numbered year, the local governmental unit may petition the referendum
8appeal board for a determination that an emergency exists with respect to a
9particular question. The referendum appeal board shall make a determination
10within 10 days after receipt of a petition under this subsection. If the referendum
11appeal board finds, with the concurrence of at least 4 members, that an emergency
12exists which requires a special referendum to be held by a local governmental unit
13on a date that is not concurrent with an election specified in s. 5.02 (5), (18), (21), or
14(22) or on a date other than the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November of
15an odd-numbered year, the board may permit a referendum relating to the question
16specified in the petition to be held on a date determined by the local governmental
17unit.
AB2, s. 5 18Section 5. 9.20 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,5,519 9.20 (4) The common council or village board shall, without alteration, either
20pass the ordinance or resolution within 30 days following the date of the clerk's final
21certificate, or submit it to the electors at the next spring or general election
22authorized under s. 8.065, if the election is more than 6 weeks after the date of the
23council's or board's action on the petition or the expiration of the 30-day period,
24whichever first occurs. If there are 6 weeks or less before the election, the ordinance
25or resolution shall be voted on at the next election authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or

1an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3)
thereafter. The council or board by a
2three-fourths vote of the members-elect may order a special election for the purpose
3of voting on the ordinance or resolution at any time prior to the next election, but not
4more than one special election for direct legislation may be ordered in any 6-month
5period.
AB2, s. 6 6Section 6. 15.615 of the statutes is created to read:
AB2,5,7 715.615 Same; attached boards.
AB2,5,12 8(2) Referendum appeal board. There is created a referendum appeal board
9which is attached to the elections board under s. 15.03. The referendum appeal board
10shall consist of the governor, the senate majority leader, the senate minority leader,
11the speaker of the assembly, and the assembly minority leader or the designees of
12these persons. Members of the board shall serve for indefinite terms.
AB2, s. 7 13Section 7. 24.66 (3) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,5,2014 24.66 (3) (b) For long-term loans by unified school districts. Every application
15for a loan, the required repayment of which exceeds 10 years, shall be approved and
16authorized for a unified school district by a majority vote of the members of the school
17board at a regular or special meeting of the school board. Every vote so required shall
18be by ayes and noes duly recorded. In addition, the application shall be approved for
19a unified school district by a majority vote of the electors of the school district at a
20special election referendum as provided under sub. (4).
AB2, s. 8 21Section 8. 24.66 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,6,422 24.66 (4) Popular vote, when required. If any municipality is not empowered
23by law to incur indebtedness for a particular purpose without first submitting the
24question to its electors, the application for a state trust fund loan for that purpose
25must be approved and authorized by a majority vote of the electors at a special

1election
referendum called, in accordance with s. 8.065, and noticed and held in the
2manner provided for other special elections referenda. The question to be voted on
3shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37. The notice of the election referendum shall state
4the amount of the proposed loan and the purpose for which it will be used.
AB2, s. 9 5Section 9. 32.72 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,6,126 32.72 (1) Sections 32.50 to 32.71 do not take effect in any city until the following
7question is submitted to the electors of the city at a special election referendum called
8in accordance with s. 8.065
and adopted by a majority vote of the electors voting:
9"Shall subchapter II of chapter 32, Wisconsin Statutes, be effective in the city of
10................, thus allowing the city to acquire and condemn property for street
11widening and similar purposes, financed through assessments of benefits and
12damages?". The question shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37.
AB2, s. 10 13Section 10. 38.15 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,7,214 38.15 (1) Subject to sub. (3), if the district board intends to make a capital
15expenditure in excess of $500,000, excluding moneys received from gifts, grants or
16federal funds, for the acquisition of sites, purchase or construction of buildings, the
17lease/purchase of buildings if costs exceed $500,000 for the lifetime of the lease,
18building additions or enlargements or the purchase of fixed equipment relating to
19any such activity, it shall adopt a resolution stating its intention to do so and
20identifying the anticipated source of revenue for each project and shall submit the
21resolution to the electors of the district for approval. The referendum may be held
22at any election authorized under s. 8.065 and
shall be noticed, called and conducted
23as provided in s. 67.05 (3) insofar as applicable. For the purposes of this section, all
24projects located on a single campus site within one district which are bid

1concurrently or which are approved by the board under s. 38.04 (10) within a 2-year
2period shall be considered as one capital expenditure project.
AB2, s. 11 3Section 11. 59.08 (7) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,7,144 59.08 (7) (b) The question of the consolidation of the counties shall be submitted
5to the voters at the next election authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or an election
6authorized under s. 8.065 (3)
to be held on the first Tuesday in April, or the next
7regular election, or at a special election to be held on the day fixed in
a date specified
8in the order which shall be no sooner than 45 days after the date of
the order issued
9under par. (a), which day date shall be the same in each of the counties proposing to
10consolidate. A copy of the order shall be filed with the county clerk of each of the
11counties as provided in s. 8.37. If the question of consolidation is submitted at a
12special election, it shall be held not less than 42 days nor more than 60 days from the
13completion of the consolidation agreement, but not within 60 days of any spring or
14general election.
AB2, s. 12 15Section 12. 59.605 (3) (a) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,8,316 59.605 (3) (a) 1. If the governing body of a county wishes to exceed the operating
17levy rate limit otherwise applicable to the county under this section, it shall adopt
18a resolution to that effect. The resolution shall specify either the operating levy rate
19or the operating levy that the governing body wishes to impose for either a specified
20number of years or an indefinite period. The governing body shall call a special
21referendum for the purpose of submitting the resolution to the electors of the county
22for approval or rejection. In lieu of a special referendum, the governing body may
23specify that
provide for the referendum to be held at the next succeeding spring
24primary or election or September primary or general
election to be held authorized
25under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) that occurs
not earlier

1than 42 days after the adoption of the resolution of the governing body. The
2governing body shall file the resolution to be submitted to the electors as provided
3in s. 8.37.
AB2, s. 13 4Section 13. 60.62 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,8,95 60.62 (2) If the county in which the town is located has enacted a zoning
6ordinance under s. 59.69, the exercise of the authority under sub. (1) is subject to
7approval by the town meeting or by a referendum vote of the electors of the town to
8be
held at the time of any regular or special election in accordance with s. 8.065. The
9question for the referendum vote shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37.
AB2, s. 14 10Section 14. 60.74 (5) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,8,2211 60.74 (5) (b) A petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 signed by
12qualified electors of the district equal to at least 20% of the vote cast for governor in
13the district at the last gubernatorial election, requesting a change to appointment
14of commissioners, may be submitted to the town board, subject to sub. (5m) (a). The
15petition shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37. Upon receipt of the petition, the town
16board shall submit the question to a referendum at the next regular spring election
17or general election, or shall call a special election for that purpose authorized under
18s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) to be held not sooner than 45
19days after receipt of the petition by the town board
. The inspectors shall count the
20votes and submit a statement of the results to the commission. The commission shall
21canvass the results of the election and certify the results to the town board which has
22authority to appoint commissioners.
AB2, s. 15 23Section 15. 61.187 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,9,824 61.187 (1) Procedure. Whenever a petition conforming to the requirements
25of s. 8.40, signed by at least one-third as many electors of any village as voted for

1village officers at the next preceding election therefor, shall be presented to the
2village board, and filed as provided in s. 8.37, praying for dissolution of the village
3corporation, such board shall submit to the electors of such village, for determination
4by ballot in substantially the manner provided by ss. 5.64 (2) and 10.02, at a general
5election or at a special election called by them for that purpose
the next election
6authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) to be held
7not sooner than 45 days after presentation of the petition
, the question whether or
8not such village corporation shall be dissolved.
AB2, s. 16 9Section 16. 61.46 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,9,2210 61.46 (1) General; limitation. The village board shall, on or before December
1115 in each year, by resolution to be entered of record, determine the amount of
12corporation taxes to be levied and assessed on the taxable property in such village
13for the current year. Before levying any tax for any specified purpose, exceeding one
14percent of the assessed valuation aforesaid, the village board shall, and in all other
15cases may in its discretion, submit the question of levying the same to the village
16electors at any general or special the next election authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or
17an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) to be held no sooner than 45 days after
18adoption of the resolution
by giving 10 days' notice thereof prior to such election by
19publication in a newspaper published in the village, if any, and if there is none, then
20by posting notices in 3 public places in said village, setting forth in such notices the
21object and purposes for which such taxes are to be raised and the amount of the
22proposed tax. The village board shall file the question as provided in s. 8.37.
AB2, s. 17 23Section 17. 62.09 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,9,2524 62.09 (1) (a) The officers shall be a mayor, treasurer, clerk, comptroller,
25attorney, engineer, one or more assessors unless the city is assessed by a county

1assessor under s. 70.99, one or more constables as determined by the common
2council, a local health officer, as defined in s. 250.01 (5), or local board of health, as
3defined in s. 250.01 (3), street commissioner, board of police and fire commissioners
4except in cities where not applicable, chief of police, chief of the fire department,
5board of public works, 2 alderpersons from each aldermanic district, and such other
6officers or boards as are created by law or by the council. If one alderperson from each
7aldermanic district is provided under s. 66.0211 (1), the council may, by ordinance
8adopted by a two-thirds vote of all its members and approved by the electors at a
9general or special
any election authorized under s. 8.065, provide that there shall be
102 alderpersons from each aldermanic district.
AB2, s. 18 11Section 18. 64.03 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,10,1712 64.03 (1) Every ordinance or resolution for the adoption of ss. 64.01 to 64.15,
13and every petition for a special election referendum on the same, shall state the
14number of members of which the council herein provided for shall be composed, the
15term of office of its members, which term shall not exceed 2 years, whether they shall
16be nominated and elected from aldermanic districts or from the city at large, and the
17compensation, if any, which they shall receive.
AB2, s. 19 18Section 19. 64.39 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,10,2419 64.39 (3) Upon filing such petition, the mayor shall, by proclamation, submit
20the questions prescribed in sub. (1) at a special the next election authorized under
21s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3)
to be held at a time specified
22therein and within 2 months
not sooner than 45 days after such petition is filed. The
23election upon such question shall be conducted, the vote canvassed, and the result
24declared in the same manner as provided by law for other city elections.
AB2, s. 20 25Section 20. 66.0101 (8) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,11,9
166.0101 (8) A charter ordinance enacted or approved by a vote of the electors
2controls over any prior or subsequent act of the legislative body of the city or village.
3If the electors of any city or village by a majority vote have adopted or determined
4to continue to operate under either ch. 62 or 64, or have determined the method of
5selection of members of the governing board, the question shall not again be
6submitted to the electors, nor action taken on the question, within a period of 2 years.
7Any election to change or amend the charter of any city or village, other than a
8special
an election as provided in called under s. 9.20 (4), shall be held at the time
9provided by statute for holding the spring election.
AB2, s. 21 10Section 21. 66.0217 (7) (a) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,12,511 66.0217 (7) (a) 3. If the notice indicates that the petition is for a referendum
12on the question of annexation, the clerk of the city or village shall file the notice as
13provided in s. 8.37. If the notice indicates that the petition is for a referendum on the
14question of annexation, the town clerk shall give notice as provided in par. (c) of a
15referendum of the electors residing in the area proposed for annexation to be held at
16the next election permitted under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065
17(3), but
not less than 42 days nor more than 72 days after the date of personal service
18or mailing of the notice required under this paragraph. If the notice indicates that
19the petition is for direct annexation, no referendum shall be held unless within 30
20days after the date of personal service or mailing of the notice required under this
21paragraph, a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 requesting a
22referendum is filed with the town clerk as provided in s. 8.37, signed by at least 20%
23of the electors residing in the area proposed to be annexed. If a petition requesting
24a referendum is filed, the clerk shall give notice as provided in par. (c) of a referendum
25of the electors residing in the area proposed for annexation to be held at the next

1election permitted under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3), but

2not less than 42 days nor more than 72 days after the receipt of the petition and shall
3mail a copy of the notice to the clerk of the city or village to which the annexation is
4proposed. The referendum shall be held at a convenient place within the town to be
5specified in the notice.
AB2, s. 22 6Section 22. 66.0219 (4) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,12,147 66.0219 (4) (b) The referendum election shall be held at the next election
8permitted under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3), but
not less
9than 42 days nor more than 72 days after the filing of the order as provided in s. 8.37,
10in the territory proposed for annexation, by the electors of that territory as provided
11in s. 66.0217 (7), so far as applicable. The ballots shall contain the words "For
12Annexation" and "Against Annexation". The certification of the election inspectors
13shall be filed with the clerk of the court, and the clerk of any municipality involved,
14but need not be filed or recorded with the register of deeds.
AB2, s. 23 15Section 23. 66.0227 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,13,916 66.0227 (3) The governing body of a city, village or town involved may, or if a
17petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 signed by a number of qualified
18electors equal to at least 5% of the votes cast for governor in the city, village or town
19at the last gubernatorial election, demanding a referendum, is presented to it within
2030 days after the passage of either of the ordinances under sub. (2) shall, submit the
21question to the electors of the city, village or town whose electors petitioned for
22detachment, at a referendum election called for that purpose held at the next election
23permitted under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) but
not less
24than 42 days nor more than 72 days after the filing of the petition, or after the
25enactment of either ordinance. The petition shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37. If

1a number of electors cannot be determined on the basis of reported election statistics,
2the number shall be determined in accordance with s. 60.74 (6). The governing body
3of the municipality shall appoint 3 election inspectors who are resident electors to
4supervise the referendum. The ballots shall contain the words "For Detachment"
5and "Against Detachment". The inspectors shall certify the results of the election by
6their attached affidavits and file a copy with the clerk of each town, village or city
7involved, and none of the ordinances may take effect nor be in force unless a majority
8of the electors approve the question. The referendum election shall be conducted in
9accordance with chs. 6 and 7 to the extent applicable.
AB2, s. 24 10Section 24. 66.0619 (2m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,13,1711 66.0619 (2m) (b) If a referendum is to be held on a resolution, the municipal
12governing body shall file the resolution as provided in s. 8.37 and shall direct the
13municipal clerk to call a special election for the purpose of submitting submit the
14resolution to the electors for approval of the electors at a referendum on approval or
15rejection. In lieu of a special election, the municipal governing body may specify that
16the election be held at the next succeeding spring primary or election or September
17primary or general election
called in accordance with s. 8.065.
AB2, s. 25 18Section 25. 66.0815 (1) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,14,619 66.0815 (1) (c) An ordinance under sub. (1) may not take effect until 60 days
20after passage and publication unless sooner approved by a referendum. Within the
2160-day period electors equal in number to 20% of those voting at the last regular
22municipal election may file a petition requesting for a referendum. The petition shall
23be in writing and filed with the clerk and as provided in s. 8.37. The petition shall
24conform to the requirements of s. 8.40, except that each signer shall also state his or
25her
. Each signer shall state his or her residence and signatures shall be verified by

1the affidavit of an elector. The referendum shall be held at the next regular
2municipal
election, or at a special election within 90 days of the authorized under s.
38.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) to be held not sooner than 45
4days after
filing of the petition. The ordinance may not take effect unless approved
5by a majority of the votes cast. This paragraph does not apply to extensions by a
6utility previously franchised by the village, city or town.
AB2, s. 26 7Section 26. 66.0921 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,14,148 66.0921 (2) Facilities authorized. A municipality may enter into a joint
9contract with a nonprofit corporation organized for civic purposes and located in the
10municipality to construct or otherwise acquire, equip, furnish, operate and maintain
11a facility to be used for municipal and civic activities if a majority of the voters voting
12in a referendum at a special election or at a spring primary or election or September
13primary or general
an election authorized under s. 8.065 approve the question of
14entering into the joint contract.
AB2, s. 27 15Section 27. 66.1103 (10) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,15,316 66.1103 (10) (d) The governing body may issue bonds under this section
17without submitting the proposition to the electors of the municipality for approval
18unless within 30 days from the date of publication of notice of adoption of the initial
19resolution for the bonds, a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40, and
20signed by a number of electors of the municipality equal to not less than 5% of the
21registered electors of the municipality, or, if there is no registration of electors in the
22municipality, by 10% of the number of electors of the municipality voting for the office
23of governor at the last general election as determined under s. 115.01 (13), is filed
24with the clerk of the municipality and as provided in s. 8.37 requesting a referendum
25upon the question of the issuance of the bonds. If such a petition is filed, the bonds

1may not be issued until approved by a majority of the electors of the municipality
2voting on the referendum at a general or special election referendum called in
3accordance with s. 8.065
.
AB2, s. 28 4Section 28. 67.05 (4) and (5) of the statutes are amended to read:
AB2,15,185 67.05 (4) Permissive referendum in counties. If a county board adopts an
6initial resolution for an issue of county bonds to provide for the original construction
7or for the improvement and maintenance of highways, to provide railroad aid, or to
8construct, acquire or maintain, or to aid in constructing, acquiring or maintaining
9a bridge over or across any stream or other body of water bordering upon or
10intersecting any part of the county, the county clerk is not required to submit the
11resolution for approval to the electors of the county at a special election referendum
12unless within 30 days after the adoption thereof there is filed with the clerk a petition
13conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 and requesting such submission, signed by
14electors numbering at least 10% of the votes cast in the county for governor at the
15last general election. If a petition is filed, the question submitted shall be whether
16the resolution shall be or shall not be approved. No such resolution of a county board
17other than those specified in this subsection need be submitted to county electors,
18except as provided otherwise in sub. (7).
AB2,16,6 19(5) Referendum in towns, villages and cities. (a) Whenever an initial
20resolution has been so adopted by the governing body of a town, the clerk of the
21municipality shall immediately record the resolution and call a special election
22referendum in accordance with s. 8.065 for the purpose of submitting the resolution
23to the electors of the municipality for approval. This paragraph does not apply to
24bonds issued to finance low-interest mortgage loans under s. 62.237, unless a
25number of electors equal to at least 15% of the votes cast for governor at the last

1general election in their town sign and file a petition conforming to the requirements
2of s. 8.40 with the town clerk requesting submission of the resolution. Whenever a
3number of electors cannot be determined on the basis of reported statistics, the
4number shall be determined in accordance with s. 60.74 (6). If a petition is filed, the
5question submitted shall be whether the resolution shall or shall not be approved.
6This paragraph is limited in its scope by sub. (7).
AB2,17,157 (b) No city or village may issue bonds for any purposes other than for water
8systems, lighting works, gas works, bridges, street lighting, street improvements,
9street improvement funding, hospitals, airports, harbor improvements, river
10improvements, breakwaters and protection piers, sewerage, garbage disposal,
11rubbish or refuse disposal, any combination of sewage, garbage or refuse or rubbish
12disposal, parks and public grounds, swimming pools and band shells, veterans
13housing projects, paying the municipality's portion of the cost of abolishing grade
14crossings, for the construction of police facilities and combined fire and police safety
15buildings, for the purchase of sites for engine houses, for fire engines and other
16equipment of the fire department, for construction of engine houses, and for pumps,
17water mains, reservoirs and all other reasonable facilities for fire protection
18apparatus or equipment for fire protection, for parking lots or other parking
19facilities, for school purposes, for libraries, for buildings for the housing of machinery
20and equipment, for acquiring and developing sites for industry and commerce as will
21expand the municipal tax base, for financing the cost of low-interest mortgage loans
22under s. 62.237, for providing financial assistance to blight elimination, slum
23clearance, community development, redevelopment and urban renewal programs
24and projects under ss. 66.1105, 66.1301 to 66.1329 and 66.1331 to 66.1337 or for
25University of Wisconsin System college campuses, as defined in s. 36.05 (6m), until

1the proposition for their issue for the special purpose has been submitted to the
2electors of the city or village and adopted by a majority vote. Except as provided
3under sub. (15), if the common council of any city or the village board of a village
4declares its purpose to raise money by issuing bonds for any purpose other than those
5specified in this subsection, it shall direct by resolution, which shall be recorded at
6length in the record of its proceedings, the clerk to call a special election referendum
7in accordance with s. 8.065
for the purpose of submitting the question of bonding to
8the city or village electors. If a number of electors of a city or village equal to at least
915% of the votes cast for governor at the last general election in their city or village
10sign and file a petition conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 with the city or
11village clerk requesting submission of the resolution, the city or village may not issue
12bonds for financing the cost of low-interest mortgage loans under s. 62.237 without
13calling a special election to submit the question of bonding to
unless the issuance is
14approved by
the city or village electors for their approval at a referendum called in
15accordance with s. 8.065
.
AB2, s. 29 16Section 29. 67.05 (6a) (a) 2. a. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,17,2417 67.05 (6a) (a) 2. a. Direct the school district clerk to call a special election
18referendum in accordance with s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065
19(3)
for the purpose of submitting the resolution to the electors for approval or
20rejection, or direct that the resolution be submitted at the next regularly scheduled
21primary or election permitted under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s.
228.065 (3)
to be held not earlier than 45 days after the adoption of the resolution. The
23resolution shall not be effective unless adopted by a majority of the school district
24electors voting at the referendum.
AB2, s. 30 25Section 30. 67.05 (6m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,18,6
167.05 (6m) (b) If a referendum is to be held on an initial resolution, the district
2board shall direct the technical college district secretary to call a special election
3referendum in accordance with s. 8.065 for the purpose of submitting the initial
4resolution to the electors for a referendum on approval or rejection. In lieu of a
5special election, the district board may specify that the election be held at the next
6succeeding spring primary or election or September primary or general election
.
AB2, s. 31 7Section 31. 67.10 (5) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,18,118 67.10 (5) (b) Any city having voted approved the issuance of bonds at a special
9referendum election held in accordance with s. 8.065 and having sold a portion
10thereof may negotiate, sell or otherwise dispose of the same in the manner provided
11by statute within 9 years of the date of the election voting the same.
AB2, s. 32 12Section 32. 67.12 (12) (e) 5. of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,19,2213 67.12 (12) (e) 5. Within 10 days of the adoption by a technical college district
14board of a resolution under subd. 1. to issue a promissory note for a purpose under
15s. 38.16 (2), the secretary of the district board shall publish a notice of such adoption
16as a class 1 notice, under ch. 985. The notice need not set forth the full contents of
17the resolution, but shall state the amount proposed to be borrowed, the method of
18borrowing, the purpose thereof, that the resolution was adopted under this
19subsection and the place where and the hours during which the resolution is
20available for public inspection. If the amount proposed to be borrowed is for building
21remodeling or improvement and does not exceed $500,000 or is for movable
22equipment, the district board need not submit the resolution to the electors for
23approval unless, within 30 days after the publication or posting, a petition
24conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 is filed with the secretary of the district
25board requesting a referendum at a special election to be called for that purpose.

1Such petition shall be signed by electors from each county lying wholly or partially
2within the district. The number of electors from each county shall equal at least 1.5%
3of the population of the county as determined under s. 16.96 (2) (c). If a county lies
4in more than one district, the technical college system board shall apportion the
5county's population as determined under s. 16.96 (2) (c) to the districts involved and
6the petition shall be signed by electors equal to the appropriate percentage of the
7apportioned population. In lieu of a special election, the district board may specify
8that the referendum shall be held at the next succeeding spring primary or election
9or September primary or general election.
Any resolution to borrow amounts of
10money in excess of $500,000 for building remodeling or improvement shall be
11submitted to the electors of the district for approval. Any referendum under this
12subdivision shall be called at the next election authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or an
13election authorized under s. 8.065 (3) occurring not sooner than 45 days after filing
14of a petition or adoption of a resolution requiring the referendum.
If a referendum
15is held or required under this subdivision, no promissory note may be issued until
16the issuance is approved by a majority of the district electors voting at such
17referendum. The referendum shall be noticed, called and conducted under s. 67.05
18(6a) insofar as applicable, except that the notice of special election referendum and
19ballot need not embody a copy of the resolution and the question which shall appear
20on the ballot shall be "Shall .... (name of district) be authorized to borrow the sum of
21$.... for (state purpose) by issuing its general obligation promissory note (or notes)
22under section 67.12 (12) of the Wisconsin Statutes?".
AB2, s. 33 23Section 33. 81.01 (3) (b) (intro.) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,20,424 81.01 (3) (b) (intro.) The town board by resolution submits to the electors of the
25town as a referendum at a general or special town an election authorized under s.

18.065
the question of exceeding the $10,000 limit set under this subsection. A copy
2of the resolution shall be filed as provided in s. 8.37. The board shall abide by the
3majority vote of the electors of the town on the question. The question shall read as
4follows:
AB2, s. 34 5Section 34. 86.21 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:
AB2,21,66 86.21 (2) (a) Before any such toll bridge is constructed or acquired under this
7section, a resolution authorizing the construction or acquisition thereof, and
8specifying the method of payment therefor, shall be adopted by a majority of the
9members of the governing body of such county, town, village or city at a regular
10meeting, after publication of said resolution, as a class 2 notice, under ch. 985. The
11resolution shall include a general description of the property it is proposed to acquire
12or construct. Any county, town, village or city constructing or acquiring a toll bridge
13under this section may provide for the payment of the same or any part thereof from
14the general fund, from taxation, or from the proceeds of either municipal bonds,
15revenue bonds or as otherwise provided by law. Such resolution shall not be effective
16until 15 days after its passage and publication. If within said 15 days a petition
17conforming to the requirements of s. 8.40 is filed with the clerk of such municipality,
18and filed as provided in s. 8.37, signed by at least 20% of the electors thereof
19requesting that the question of acquiring such toll bridge be submitted to the said
20electors, such question shall be submitted at any general or regular municipal the
21next
election authorized under s. 8.065 (2) or an election authorized under s. 8.065
22(3)
that is held not sooner than 42 days from the date of filing such petition. In case
23no such general or regular municipal election is to be held within such stated period,
24then the governing body of such municipality shall order a special election to be held
25within 30 days from the filing of such petition upon the question of whether such toll

1bridge shall be acquired by said municipality.
The question submitted to the electors
2shall specify the method of payment for such toll bridge as provided in the resolution
3for the acquisition thereof. If no such petition is filed, or if the majority of votes cast
4at such referendum election are in favor of the acquisition of such toll bridge, then
5the resolution of the governing body for the acquisition of such toll bridge shall be in
6effect.
AB2, s. 35 7Section 35. 117.20 of the statutes is amended to read:
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