AB518: Bill Text

LRB-3014/1

JTK:wlj:jf

2003 - 2004 LEGISLATURE

2003 Assembly BILL 518

September 11, 2003 - Introduced by Representatives Freese, Albers, Bies, Hahn, Hines, Krawczyk, Kreibich, Ladwig, M. Lehman, Owens and Seratti, cosponsored by Senators Kedzie, Breske and Stepp. Referred to Committee on Campaigns and Elections.

AB518,1,2 An Act to amend 7.03 (1) (a) and 7.31 (1) and (5) of the statutes; relating to: requirements for certification for a chief inspector position.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Currently, no person may serve as a chief inspector (chief poll worker) at any polling place in this state unless that person is certified by the state Elections Board as qualified to hold that position. To ensure that candidates for chief inspector positions are qualified, the board must prescribe requirements for certification, which must include training programs and administration of examinations to applicants for these positions. Previously certified inspectors must also participate in these programs to maintain their certifications.

This bill provides that the requirements prescribed by the board for certification as a chief inspector shall not include taking an examination. Under the bill, municipal governing bodies retain the authority to administer examinations to all applicants for election official positions.

For further information see the state 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:

AB518, s. 1 Section 1. 7.03 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB518,2,13 7.03 (1) (a) Except as authorized under this paragraph, a reasonable daily compensation shall be paid to each inspector, voting machine custodian, automatic tabulating equipment technician, member of a board of canvassers, messenger, and tabulator who is employed and performing duties under chs. 5 to 12. Daily compensation shall also be provided to officials and trainees for attendance at training sessions and examinations required programs conducted by the board under s. 7.31. Alternatively, such election officials and trainees may be paid by the hour at a proportionate rate for each hour actually worked. Any election official or trainee may choose to volunteer his or her services by filing with the municipal clerk of the municipality in which he or she serves a written declination to accept compensation. The volunteer status of the election official or trainee remains effective until the official or trainee files a written revocation with the municipal clerk.

AB518, s. 2 Section 2. 7.31 (1) and (5) of the statutes are amended to read:

AB518,2,17 7.31 (1) The board shall, by rule, prescribe requirements for certification of individuals to serve as chief inspectors. The requirements shall not include taking an examination.

AB518,2,22 (5) The board shall conduct regular training and administer examinations programs to ensure that individuals who are certified by the board under this section are knowledgeable concerning their authority and responsibilities. The board shall pay all costs required to conduct the training and to administer the examinations programs from the appropriation under s. 20.510 (1) (bm).

AB518,2,23 (End)