The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held a public hearing and executive session on July 27, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss and hear testimony on the following agenda items: DOC 60-day Emergency Rule Extension, relating to Sentence calculations and prison release under DOC 302 and 2009 Wisconsin Act 28 EmR0939; Earned Release Review Commission 60- day Emergency Rule Extension, Relating to Procedures for Considering Inmate Petitions for Release under PAC 1, EmR0940; Office of The Commissioner of Insurance Rule Section Ins. 3.36 Wis. Adm. Code, a 60 - day extension relating to autism spectrum disorders treatment and and affecting small business; and DCF- 56 AND 58 Foster Care and Kinship Care, 60 day rule extension request relating to foster care and kinship care. The emergency rule creates the first two levels of the new levels of care system for foster care that incorporates newly-licensed court ordered kinship care relatives into the foster care program.

The Joint Committee on Audit met on July 14, 2010 at the State Capitol for a public hearing and executive session on the proposed audits of the Family Care Program, Wisconsin's "Contract Sunshine Act," and Educational Programs for Working Adults.

The Joint Committee on Finance met on June 23, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss and vote on various agenda items. Items included: Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for FoodShare funding pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for electronic laboratory data pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for Communities Putting Prevention to Work grants pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the wandering patient monitoring system and a laundry facility remodeling project pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for road and bridge projects pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(c); The Department of Children and Families' request for the transfer of $1,416,800 FED in fiscal year 2010-11 from its federal block grant aids appropriation under s. 20.437(2)(md) to the Department of Health Services' federal aid; community aids appropriation under s. 20.435(7)(o) to fund court-ordered kinship care cases that convert to foster care cases as part of the graduated foster care licensing system approved in 2009 Wisconsin Act 28 and their request for the transfer of $3,200,000 FED in fiscal year 2010‑11 from its federal block grant aids appropriation under s. 20.437(2)(md) to its federal block grant operations appropriation under s. 20.437(2)(mc) to fund the department's costs related to improving state management of child care operations and the detection and prevention of fraud in the Wisconsin child care subsidy program; Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); The Department of Administration's request for increased expenditure authority of $29,000,000 PR-S in fiscal year 2009-10 and $29,000,000 PR-S in fiscal year 2010‑11 in the Shared Revenue and Tax Relief's earned income tax credit; temporary assistance for needy families appropriation under s. 20.835(2)(kf) under the 14-day passive review of s. 16.515.  The increased expenditure authority will supplement the amount of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families funding for the earned income tax credit authorized under 2009 Wisconsin Act 28; Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for expanding broadband telecommunication services pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b); The Department of Corrections' request for the transfer of $2,592,500 GPR in fiscal year 2009-10 from its energy costs; energy-related assessments appropriation under s. 20.410(1)(f) to its services for community corrections appropriation under s. 20.410(1)(b); The Department of Employee Trust Funds' request for the transfer of $1,132,400 SEG in fiscal year 2010-11 from the Committee's appropriation under s. 20.865(4)(u) to the department's administration appropriation under s. 20.515(1)(w); and The Department of Administration's request for the Committee's approval pursuant to s. 20.004(2) of updated summaries and schedules under ss. 20.005(1), (2)(a) and (b), and (3) prepared by the Department of Administration and Legislative Fiscal Bureau, which include the fiscal effect of all legislation enacted by the 2009 Legislature.

Continued Coverage.

The Assembly Committee on Aging and Long-Term Care and the Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue held an informational hearing on May 26, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Prescription Drug Reform: Suggestions for Improving Health Outcomes and Containing Costs.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held an executive session and a public hearing on April 27, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items:
DOR Emergency Rule Extension Chapter Tax 11 (Second Request)
60- day extension rule request relating to sales and use tax and the streamlined sales tax laws passed in 2009 Act 2.
Wisconsin State Public Defender Rule EmR 0926 ( Second Request)
60- day rule extension request relating to the maximum fees that the state public defender may pay for copies of discovery materials in criminal proceedings, under Wis. Stat. Ch. 980, and other proceedings in which the state public defender provides legal representation.
Office of the Commissioner of Insurance Rule Section Ins Ch. 57 Wis. Adm. Code (Second Request)
22-day extension request relating to care management organizations and affecting small business
DOR Tax 2.85 and 11.90 (Second Request)
60 Day Emergency Rule Extension relating to penalties for failure to produce records.
DOR Emergency Rule Extension Request - Tax 1.16
60-Day Emergency Rule Extension request relating to the financial records matching program.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on April 19, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 630 relating to reimbursement of counties and Indian tribes for unexpected or unusually high-cost placement of Indians in mental health treatment facilities and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 647 relating to payments to hospitals for HIV-related services provided to Medical Assistance recipients; Assembly Bill 899 relating to payments to hospitals for HIV-related services provided to Medical Assistance recipients; Assembly Bill 843 relating to energy conservation standards for the construction of certain buildings, energy and environmental design standards for state buildings, structures, and facilities, energy and environmental design standards for school district facilities and other local government buildings, leasing of state buildings, structures, and facilities, standards for the construction and use of graywater systems, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 447 relating to state contractual services and false claims submitted to state and local governments, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Assembly Bill 792 relating to state contractual services and false claims submitted to state and local governments, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Assembly Bill 532 relating to directing the Department of Commerce to award grants to community development corporations to establish capital access programs, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 401 relating to requiring the Department of Natural Resources to issue one-day fishing licenses; Assembly Bill 910 relating to establishment of a Wisconsin conservation corps program, extending the time limit for emergency rule procedures, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making appropriations; Senate Bill 623 relating to processing certain applications for farmland preservation agreements; Assembly Bill 949 relating to financial assistance under the Clean Water Fund Program and the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program; Senate Bill 672 relating to compliance by employers with certain laws whose enforcement depends on the proper classification of persons as employees or nonemployees and providing penalties; Senate Bill 461 relating to an income and franchise tax credit for a qualified equity investment in a qualified community development entity, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 210 relating to children and their families who are involved in two or more systems of care and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 567 relating to elimination of surplus retention limitations for residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and child welfare agencies that provide rate-based services for the Department of Children and Families or a county department of human services or social services; determination of the rates charged by those providers; establishment of a performance-based contracting system for those providers; and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 579 relating to designation of a corporation to receive funding for electronic health information exchange, creation of a corporation, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 653 relating to trial job program and transitional jobs demonstration project and making an appropriation.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session and a statutes meeting on April 7, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 904 relating to loans to manufacturing businesses for energy improvements, job creation, retooling, or clean energy production; the administration of energy utility programs; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; requiring the exercise of emergency rule-making procedures; and making appropriations; Assembly Bill 771 relating to a grant to Wisconsin Workforce Development Association from the Department of Commerce and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 768 relating to authorizing the Department of Commerce to designate two additional enterprise zones; Assembly Bill 864 relating to authorizing the Department of Commerce to certify for tax benefits a business located in an enterprise zone and having a Wisconsin supply chain; Assembly Bill 756 elating to the dairy and livestock investment tax credits; Assembly Bill 757 relating to a food processing plant and food warehouse investment tax credit, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 749 relating to an income and franchise tax credit for equipment used to harvest or process woody biomass; Assembly Bill 853 relating to tax benefits for hiring new employees and granting rule-making authority; Senate Bill 304 relating to the veterans tuition reimbursement program; Assembly Bill 905 relating to streamlined sales and use tax agreement changes; Senate Bill 625 relating to streamlined sales and use tax agreement changes; Assembly Bill 746 relating to promoting the use of locally grown food in school meals and snacks and granting rule-making authority; Senate Bill 557 relating to notices concerning construction near or on lakes, streams, or wetlands that are given to applicants for building permits and other construction approvals, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to furnish informational brochures about wetlands laws, requiring the Department of Natural Resources to provide evaluations and statements about whether certain land contains wetlands, and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 779 relating to designation of a corporation to receive funding for electronic health information exchange, creation of a corporation, and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 878 relating to a grant for providing assistance to individuals to obtain and maintain health care benefits and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 912 relating to construction of a rural dental education outreach facility in Marshfield, granting bonding authority, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 656 relating to construction of a rural dental education outreach facility in Marshfield, granting bonding authority, and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 898 relating to trial job program and transitional jobs demonstration project and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 861 relating to Celebrate Children special distinguishing registration plates; Assembly Bill 465 relating to special distinguishing registration plates associated with the Lions Clubs of Wisconsin and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 307 relating to special distinguishing registration plates associated with the Lions Clubs of Wisconsin and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 666 relating to special distinguishing registration plates supporting motorcycle safety and making appropriations; Senate Bill 456 relating to special distinguishing registration plates supporting motorcycle safety and making appropriations; Assembly Bill 895 relating to various changes in election laws, granting rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 640 relating to various changes in election laws, granting rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Department of Regulation and Licensing; Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for an interstate licensure portability program pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b).

The Joint Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform held a public hearing on March 31, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 895 relating to various changes in election laws, granting rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Senate Bill 640 relating to various changes in election laws, granting rule-making authority, and providing penalties; Assembly Bill 892 relating to electronic voter registration and proof of residence for voting in an election and granting rule-making authority; Senate Bill 645 relating to electronic voter registration and proof of residence for voting in an election and granting rule-making authority.

The Joint Committee on Information Policy and Technology held an informational hearing on March 17, 2010 at the State Capitol to hear testimony from invited speakers about the following items: Update on State of Wisconsin IT Projects, Oskar Anderson, State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Chief Information Officer will provide update on state IT projects; Update from Government Accountability Board, Members of the Government Accountability Board will provide an update on their efforts to improve Wisconsin’s Campaign Finance Information System; Update from UW-System IT Projects, Members of the UW-System staff will provide an update on UW-System IT projects, including the UW-System HRS project.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on March 16, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 338 relating to maximum amount of funeral and burial expenses under the funeral, burial, and cemetery expenses program; Senate Bill 553 relating to assessment on critical access hospitals; payments to critical access hospitals under the Medical Assistance Program; creating a rural physician residency assistance program; the physician, dentist, and health care provider loan assistance programs; and making appropriations; Assembly Bill 770 relating to assessment on critical access hospitals; payments to critical access hospitals under the Medical Assistance Program; creating a rural physician residency assistance program; the physician, dentist, and health care provider loan assistance programs; and making appropriations; Assembly Bill 227 relating to directing the Pharmacy Examining Board to create a program to monitor the dispensing of prescription drugs and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Assembly Bill 524 relating to the jurisdictional amount and court fees in certain small claims actions; Assembly Bill 468 relating to municipal court fees; Senate Bill 412 relating to changing certain administrative procedures under the tax incremental financing program; Senate Bill 514 relating to additions to the 2009-11 Authorized State Building Program; Senate Bill 497 relating to creating a food animal veterinarian loan assistance program, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 407 relating to eligibility for academic excellence higher education scholarships; Assembly Bill 604 relating to eligibility for academic excellence higher education scholarships; Assembly Bill 580 relating to petitions and management plans for the designation of managed forest land; transferrals of ownership of managed forest land; establishing stumpage values, filing cutting reports, and estimating withdrawal taxes under the managed forest land program; signatures and authentication requirements for orders under the forest croplands program; granting rule-making authority; making an appropriation; and providing a penalty; Senate Bill 391 relating to expenditure of $30,000 from moneys appropriated to the Department of Natural Resources in payment of a claim against the state made by Stillmunkes, Inc.; Assembly Bill 655 relating to duplicate hunting licenses issued to persons who are 10 or 11 years old; Assembly Bill 748 relating to suspension of the requirement that certain milk contractors pay an assessment into the agricultural producer security fund; Assembly Bill 780 relating to elimination of surplus retention limitations for residential care centers for children and youth, group homes, and child welfare agencies that provide rate-based services for the Department of Children and Families or a county department of human services or social services; determination of the rates charged by those providers; establishment of a performance-based contracting system for those providers; and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority.

The Joint Committee on Agriculture and Rural Economic Development held a public hearing at the Chippewa Valley Technical College in Eau Claire on March 10, 2010 to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 434 relating to the sale of unpasteurized milk, buttermilk, butter, and cream.
Please note: The hearing was held as a joint public hearing of the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Higher Education and the Assembly Committee on Rural Economic Development.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

Continued coverage.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development and the Assembly Committee on Children and Families held an executive session on March 3, 2010 in the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 690 relating to a sales and use tax exemption for food sold by child welfare facilities; Assembly Bill 705 relating to the Interstate Compact for the Placement of Children.

Continued coverage.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on February 16, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Assembly Bill 296 relating to children and their families who are involved in two or more systems of care and making an appropriation; Assembly Bill 343 relating to expanding the secretary of revenue's authority to waive or reduce interest or penalties; Assembly Bill 531 relating to the exception to the assessment of withdrawal taxes and fees against a landowner who transfers ownership of managed forest land for siting a public safety communications tower; Senate Bill 408 relating to the exception to the assessment of withdrawal taxes and fees against a landowner who transfers ownership of managed forest land for siting a public safety communications tower; Assembly Bill 648 relating to adopting Internal Revenue Code provisions related to individual retirement accounts and adopting provisions of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 for state income and franchise tax purposes; Senate Bill 439 relating to adopting Internal Revenue Code provisions related to individual retirement accounts and adopting provisions of the Heroes Earnings Assistance and Relief Tax Act of 2008 for state income and franchise tax purposes; Assembly Bill 689 relating to Public Service Commission intervenor grants and making an appropriation; Senate Bill 484 relating to the BadgerCare Plus Basic Plan, Benchmark Plan benefits, and making an appropriation.

The Joint Committee on Energy and Utilities held a public hearing on February 9, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Clearinghouse Rule 06-067 relating to the provision of universal telecommunications service, administration of the universal service fund, and related changes; Assembly Bill 696 relating to authority of the Public Service Commission over certain telecommunications utilities, telecommunications access charges, universal service fund contributions based on interconnected voice over Internet protocol service, tandem switching provider electronic call records, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation.

The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties held an executive session on February 1, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 380/Assembly Bill 558 Report relating to Firearm possession prohibited re person convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, penalty provision (Report of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties); Senate Bill 381/ Assembly Bill 559 Report relating to Firearm prohibition notice when served with a petition for certain injunction hearings and process for surrendering firearms if court grants an injunction created, arrest warrant provision (Report of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties); Senate Bill 344 Report relating to making crimes based on gender of victim subject to a penalty enhancer and providing a penalty.

The Joint Committee on Audit met on January 28, 2010 at the State Capitol to hear testimony regarding the proposed audit of the Medical Assistance Program, Department of Health Services, and the proposed audit of the Educational Programs for Working Adults, Wisconsin Technical College System.

The Joint Committee on Audit met on January 27, 2010 at the State Capitol to hear testimony regarding the Audit Report 09-15: Child Care Regulation by the Department of Children and Families.  The Committee also discussed the reports on the Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program (June 2009) and Matching Addresses of Registered Sex Offenders and Child Care Providers (September 2009).

The committee held a meeting under s. 13.10 on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 263 relating to criteria for determining indigency for purposes of representation by the State Public Defender and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Assembly Bill 395 relating to criteria for determining indigency for purposes of representation by the State Public Defender and requiring the exercise of rule-making authority; Senate Bill 409 relating to a postsecondary education tax credit for businesses; increasing annual limits on angel investment tax credits; awarding grants to the WiSys Technology Foundation, Inc.; business plan competitions and an emerging technology center in the University of Wisconsin System; rural outsourcing grants; requiring the Department of Commerce to award grants to a high-technology business development corporation and grants for converting manufacturing facilities; increasing funding for certain economic development programs; a pilot program providing microloans for the creation of new businesses; increasing funding for certain technical college training program grants; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making appropriations.

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee held a public hearing on January 13, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Proposed Audit: Medical Assistance Program, Department of Health Services; Proposed Audit: Educational Programs for Working Adults, Wisconsin Technical College System; Audit Letter Report - Construction Engineering in State Highway Projects (May 2009); Audit Follow-up Report from the Department of Transportation (August 2009). Testimony was received from invited speakers only.

The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties held an informational hearing on January 6, 2010 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Senate Bill 380/Assembly Bill 558 relating to firearm possession prohibited re person convicted of misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, penalty provision (Report of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties); Senate Bill 381/Assembly Bill 559 relating to firearm prohibition notice when served with a petition for certain injunction hearings and process for surrendering firearms if court grants an injunction created, arrest warrant provision (Report of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties) and Senate Bill 344 relating to making crimes based on gender of victim subject to a penalty enhancer and providing a penalty.

The Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife held a public hearing at the State Capitol on Tuesday, January 5, 2010 on Clearinghouse Rule 09-053; relating to deer management unit population goals.
This was a joint executive session with the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources.

The Joint Committee on Finance held their s. 13.10 meeting on December 17, 2009 at the State Capitol to discuss the following items: Department of Employee Trust Funds, which is requesting a supplement of $488,500 SEG in fiscal year 2009 10 and $671,500 SEG in fiscal year 2010-11 from the Committee's appropriation under s. 20.865(4)(u) to the department's administration appropriation under s. 20.515(1)(w). The department also requests the creation of 4.0 FTE SEG positions in fiscal year 2009 10 in the department's administration appropriation under s. 20.515(1)(w). The supplement and positions are needed to address critical operational needs in administrating benefit programs for state and local government employees. The Department of Public Instruction, which is requesting the transfer of $2,313,400 GPR in fiscal year 2009-10 from the Committee's appropriation under s. 20.865(4)(a) to the department's pupil assessment appropriation under s. 20.255(1)(dw) to contract for and administer the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination required under s. 118.30, Wisconsin Statutes, and the state portion of the Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities; The Department of Administration, In accordance with s. 14.065, Wisconsin Statutes, the Governor requests approval of the 2009 Oil Overcharge Plan allocating $52,899 of Stripper XXI unapproved funds, $300,000 of Stripper XXI inactive funds, $15,386 of prior year monies, and $234,622 of Exxon monies to several programs.; and Department of Transportation regarding the expenditure of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the nonurban transit program pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(c). The Committee was also briefed on the current state of Medicaid.

The Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing to discuss the 2009 Deer Season Review on December 17, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Assembly Committee on Fish and Wildlife and the Senate Committee on Transportation, Tourism, Forestry, and Natural Resources held a public hearing to discuss Clearinghouse Rule 09-053 relating to deer management unit population goals.

On December 15, 2009, a joint public hearing with the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection and the Senate Committee Ethics Reform and Government Operations was held at the State Capitol regarding Senate Bill 298/Assembly Bill 427, relating to state building contracting and construction procedures and granting rule-making authority.

Continued coverage of the December 15, 2009 joint public hearing with the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection and the Senate Committee Ethics Reform and Government Operations was held at the State Capitol regarding Senate Bill 298/Assembly Bill 427, relating to state building contracting and construction procedures and granting rule-making authority.

Senate Committee on Health, Health Insurance, Privacy, Property Tax Relief, and Revenue and the Assembly Committee on Public Health met for a joint hearing on December 15, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the public hearing, the committees heard testimony on Assembly Bill 554/Senate Bill 368 relating to medical use of marijuana, the regulation of marijuana distribution organizations, requiring the exercise of rule-making authority, making appropriations, and providing a penalty.

The Senate Committee on Economic Development and the Assembly Committee on Jobs, the Economy, and Small Business met during a joint public hearing on December 10, 2009 at the State Capitol to hear testimony on Senate Bill 409/LRB 3888/1, the C.O.R.E. Jobs Act: "Wisconsin Connecting Opportunity, Research, and Entrepreneurship."

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held an executive session and public hearing on November 17, 2009 at the State Capitol do discuss and hear testimony on the following agenda items: DOT Trans 315 EMR: 40 Day Emergency Rule Extension relating to safety belt medical use exemption; DCF 120 EMR: 60 Day Emergency Rule Extension relating to emergency assistance for needy families; and DVA EMR: 60 Day Emergency Rule Extension relating to the Assistance for Needy Veterans-Health Care Aid grant program.

The Joint Committee on Health held an informational session on November 17, 2009 at the State Capitol regarding the BadgerCare Plus Core Plan. Testimony was provided from selected speakers, including Jason Halgerson, Medicare Director of Wisconsin, and Jim Johnson from the Wisconsin Medicare Department.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on November 3, 2009 at the State Capitol on the following agenda items: Senate Bill 331/Assembly Bill 462 relating to prohibiting a person who has been convicted or adjudicated delinquent for committing certain serious crimes or who his the subject of appending criminal charge or delinquency petition for committing a serious crime from begin licensed, certified, or contracted with a provide child care, from being employed or contracted as a caregiver of a child care provider, or from being permitted to reside at a premises where child care is provided and making an appropriation; and Assembly Bill 65 relating to public financing of campaigns for the office of justice to the Supreme Court.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for an Executive Session on October 28, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee discussed the following items: Senate Bill 208 relating to regulation of persons who sell dogs or operate animal shelters or animal control facilities; Assembly Bill 159 relating to the charge-back of refunded or rescinded taxes and of personal property taxes and sharing certain collected taxes; Assembly Bill 167 and Senate Bill 184 relating to licenses and limited X-ray machine operator permits to engage in the practice of radiography, creating a radiography examining board; and Senate Bill 134 and Assembly Bill 178 relating to motor vehicle operating privileges, seizures by courts or law enforcement officers of operator's licenses, and reinstatement of canceled identification cards.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 meeting on October 13, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee heard requests from Department of Corrections Secretary Rick Raemisch, Wisconsin Arts Board Executive Director George Tzougros, Government Accountability Board Director Kevin Kennedy, Department of Administration Secretary Michael L. Morgan, Department of Administration Office of Energy Independence Executive Director Judy Ziewacz, Public Service Commission Chairperson Eric Callisto, Department of Workforce Development Secretary Roberta Gassman, and Department of Transportation Secretary Frank Busalacchi.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing, and the Assembly Committee on Housing held a joint public hearing on October 7, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees heard testimony on: Senate Bill 255 relating to notification of default and mediation regarding residential real property subject to foreclosure; Senate Bill 204 and Assembly Bill 277 relating to prohibiting discrimination in housing because of domestic abuse victim status; and Senate Bill 274 and Assembly Bill 400 relating to requiring landlords to change locks.

The Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Ethics, and the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a joint public hearing on October 6, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees heard testimony on Assembly Bill 395 and Senate Bill 263, both bills relating to criteria for determining indigency for purposes of representation by the State Public Defender.

Please note: Due to audio difficulties, the first 10 minutes of this program are not available.

The Joint Committee on Information Policy and Technology held an informational hearing on October 6, 2009 at the State Capitol. Members of the UW-System staff provided an update on their efforts to increase oversight and improve efficiency in the development and implementation of UW-System IT projects. This included an update on all active IT projects with a cost of over $1 million. In addition, staff provided a thorough overview of the UW-System HRS project. Oskar Anderson, State of Wisconsin Department of Administration Chief Information Officer and members of his staff provided testimony on how his department has increased oversight and enhanced management policies for state IT projects. This included an overview of changes the department has made in the development, oversight and implementation of all IT projects, especially those that cost more than $1 million. In addition, they also provided an update on all active major IT projects currently underway.

The Joint Committee on Audit met on September 30, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee held a public hearing on Audit Letter Report: Construction Engineering in State Highway Projects (May 2009), and discussed a written follow-up report anticipated from the Department of Transportation. The committee also held an informational hearing on Single Audit and Federal Stimulus Funds.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 meeting and informational hearing on September 29, 2009 at the State Capitol. During the 13.10 meeting the committee considered expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for: the Energy Star program, the clean cities fleet vehicles grant program, and the Energy Assurance and Smart Grid Resiliency program. During the informational hearing, Department of Children and Families Secretary Bicha appeared before the Committee to discuss the Wisconsin Shares Program.

The Senate Committee on Small Business, Emergency Preparedness, Technical Colleges and Consumer Protection and the Assembly Committee on Consumer Protection held a joint public hearing on September 23, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 208 and Assembly Bill 250, both bills relating to regulation of persons who sell dogs or operate animal shelters or animal control facilities.

The Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing and the Assembly Committee on Corrections and the Courts held a joint informational hearing on September 23, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees received testimony from the Audit Bureau on the Mental Health Audit and the Department of Corrections on the implementation of the Audit recommendations. Upon adjournment of the joint informational hearing, the Assembly Committee on Corrections and the Courts held a public hearing on: Assembly Bill 323 relating to information provided by a person required to register as a sex offender; Assembly Bill 376 relating to restitution for misappropriation from a cemetery of certain objects that relate to a veteran; Assembly Bill 410 relating to violation of the 72-hour no contact provision in domestic violence cases; Assembly Bill 411 relating to the prohibition against making, reproducing, or possessing a nude depiction of a person without the person's consent; Assembly Bill 419 relating to rape shield provisions in civil proceedings, discovery and inspection of victims and witnesses, and victims rights; and Assembly Bill 420 relating to sentencing credit for time served on parole or under extended supervision.

The Joint Committee on Employment Relations held a public hearing on September 23, 2009 at the State Capitol.

The Senate Committee on Children and Families and Workforce Development and the Assembly Committee on Children and Families held a joint public hearing on September 16, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees heard testimony on Senate Bill 288 and Assembly Bill 421, both bills relating to Indian Child Welfare. Prior to the start of the joint hearing, the Assembly Committee on Children and Families held an executive session on LRB 3429/1, the Child Welfare Disclosure Act.

The Senate and Assembly Committees on Education held a joint informational hearing on September 10, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees were briefed on the preliminary rules promulgated by the federal Department of Education for the Race to the Top Fund. The committees heard testimony from State Superintendent Tony Evers and Deputy State Superintendent Mike Thompson of the Department of Public Instruction and DOA Secretary Michael Morgan on behalf of the administration.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 meeting on August 27, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee considered expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, and requests from the Department of Transportation for the transfer of funds from state highway rehabilitation to interstate bridge construction and to eliminate a fiscal year 2008-09 budgetary deficit in the transportation fund.

The Joint Committee on Audit held a public hearing on August 4, 2009 at the State Capitol. The hearing focused on Audit Letter Report: Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy Program (June 2009).

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 meeting on August 4, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee considered expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(b), and a request for approval of the purchase of two train sets for the Chicago-Milwaukee-Madison rail line.

The Assembly Committee on Natural Resources and the Senate Committee on Environment held a joint informational hearing on July 29, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committees received testimony from invited speakers regarding groundwater protection in Wisconsin.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held a public hearing and executive session on Wednesday, July 22, 2009 at the State Capitol. The committee discussed: Comm – Registration of Building Contractors and DRL – Relating to Practical Examination.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 Meeting on Tuesday, June 30, 2009. The committee discussed: expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for maintenance and repair projects; expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for victim compensation and victim assistance programs, and Internet crimes against children task force program; expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for the AmeriCorps Competitive Grant; expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for transportation enhancement projects; expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for local road and bridge projects; expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for airport improvement; a supplement of $35,000 SEG in fiscal year 2008-09 from the Committee's appropriation under s. 20.865(4)(u) to the department's passenger railroad station improvement and commuter rail transit system grants, state funds appropriation under s. 20.395(2)(ct) for a commuter rail transit system development grant to continue the planning efforts for the proposed commuter rail corridor between Kenosha and Milwaukee; the transfer of $4,214,200 GPR in fiscal year 2008-09 from its state foster care and adoption services appropriation under s. 20.437(1)(dd) to its Milwaukee child welfare services; aids appropriation under s. 20.437(1)(cx) to fund costs for child protective services in Milwaukee County; an initial and renewal fee package for the 2009-11 biennium for all professions currently licensed by the department under the 14-day passive review of s. 444.03(9)(d); Department of Administration Position Reports.

The Joint Committee on Finance held a short executive session to vote on Senate Bill 232, relating to the payment of state school aid in June 2009. The meeting was held at the State Capitol on June 9, 2009.

The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties held an informational hearing to discuss the fiscal effects of drunk driving policy items in general on June 4, 2009.

The Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions held an executive session on Assembly Bill 75, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature. The meeting took place on June 3, 2009.

The Joint Survey Committee on Retirement held an executive session on Assembly Bill 75, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature. The meeting took place on June 3, 2009.

The Joint Committee on Finance continued work on Assembly Bill 75, the state budget, on May 28, 2009.

Continued.

Continued.

Continued.

The joint committee held a public hearing on recommendations of the Director of the Office of State Employment Relations for: (a) modifications to the 2007-2009 Compensation Plan for nonrepresented classified and certain unclassified employees; and (b) the 2009-2011 Compensation Plan for nonrepresented classified and certain unclassified employees. The meeting took place at the State Capitol on May 27, 2009.

The Assembly Committee on Elections and Campaign Reform and the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Corrections, Insurance, Campaign Finance Reform, and Housing held a joint public hearing on a number of bills on May 27, 2009. The meeting was held at UW-Eau Claire but was also video teleconferenced at the State Capitol in Madison, where it was recorded by WisconsinEye. The committee considered the following bills: Assembly Bill 63, relating to the scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law; Senate Bill 43, relating to the scope of regulated activity under the campaign finance law; Assembly Bill 65, relating to public financing of campaigns for the office of justice of the supreme court, making appropriations, and providing penalties; and Senate Bill 40, relating to public financing of campaigns for the office of justice of the supreme court, making appropriations, and providing penalties.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance continued work on Assembly Bill 75, the state budget, on May 26, 2009. The committee took up the following budget items: the Department of Children and Families, Department of Justice, the Department of Administration, the smoking ban, the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection and the Department of Natural Resources.

The Joint Committee on Finance continued work on Assembly Bill 75, the state budget, on May 23, 2009. During this part of the executive session the committee considered Department of Justice budget items.

The Joint Committee on Finance continued work on Assembly Bill 75, the state budget, on May 23, 2009. During this part of the executive session the committee considered the following items: Workforce Development -- Prevailing Wage Justice; Natural Resources -- Air, Waste, and Contaminated Land; Health Services -- Departmentwide; Health Services -- Medical Assistance -- General; Health Services -- Medical Assistance and FoodShare -- Administration; Health Services -- Quality Assurance, Disabilities, and Substance Abuse; and Insurance (excluding motor vehicle liability insurance).

The Joint Committee on Finance continued work on Assembly Bill 75, the state budget, on May 22, 2009. The considered the following items: Veterans Affairs -- Health Facilities; District Attorneys; Public Defender; Employee Trust Funds -- Domestic Partners; General Provisions -- Domestic Partners; and University of Wisconsin System.

The Joint Legislative Council received reports from the Special Committee on Domestic Biofuels; Special Committee on Building Wisconsin’s Workforce; Special Committee on Emergency Management and Continuity of Government; Special Committee on Justice Reinvestment Initiative Oversight in a meeting at the State Capitol on May 20, 2009.

The Joint Committee on Audit held a public hearing on the following items: Audit Letter Report: Follow-up on Overtime in State Agencies (April 2009); Audit Letter Report: Overtime in State Agencies (June 2008); and Proposed Audit: Emergency Management Issues.

The Assembly Committee on Energy and Utilities and the Senate Committee on Commerce, Utilities, Energy and Rail held a joint public hearing on May 12, 2009. The committees heard public testimony on Assembly Bill 256 and Senate Bill 185, relating to regulation of wind energy systems and granting rule-making authority.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for executive session and a 13.10 meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. In part one, the committee held an executive session on the following: Assembly Bill 255 and Senate Bill 189, relating to eligibility for unemployment insurance benefits and payment of extended benefits; excluding recovery and reinvestment act moneys from the calculation of expenditure restraint payments; eligibility for participation in the programs of a community action agency; financial assistance under the Clean Water Fund Program and the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program; the confidentiality of pupil records provided to the Department of Public Instruction; financial assistance for criminal justice programs; authorizing political subdivisions to make residential energy efficiency improvement loans and impose special charges for the loans; definition of low-income household under energy and weatherization assistance programs; eligibility and notice changes for state continuation of coverage for health insurance; changes to enterprise zone jobs credits; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. The committee also held a 13.10 meeting on expenditure of Federal Economic Recovery Funds for Transportation Projects Pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(c). The committee also held an executive session on the budgets of the following agencies: Department of Revenue; University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Board, Department of Workforce Development; Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Working Lands Initiative.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for executive session and a 13.10 meeting on Tuesday, May 12, 2009. In part two, the committee met in executive session on the 2009-11 biennial budget. The session continued and was held on the budgets of the following agencies: Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection Working Lands Initiative, Shared Revenue and Tax Relief -- Per Acre Farmland Preservation Credit; and Office of State Employment Relations.

The Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties held a public hearing and executive session on Monday, May 11, 2009, on Senate Bill 14. This was the first meeting of the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties.

The Joint Committee on Finance met in Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. The Executive Session was held on the budgets of the following agencies: Department of Public Instruction (Categorical Aids); Department of Administration (General Agency Provisions); Department of Administration (Transfers From the Department); State Treasurer; Department of Military Affairs; Department of Health Services; Department of Natural Resources.

The Joint Committee on Finance met in Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Thursday, April 30, 2009. The Executive Session was held on the budgets of the following agencies: Department of Transportation (Local Transportation Assistance); Department of Children and Families (Child Support); Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Board; Department of Commerce (Economic Development); Department of Health Services (Care Facilities); and the Department of Regulation and Licensing.

The Joint Committee on Finance met in Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. The Executive Session will be held on the budgets of the following agencies: Medical College of Wisconsin, Department of Public Instruction: Administrative and Other Funding; State Fair Park Board; Department of Commerce: Housing, Buildings, and Environmental Regulation; Legislature; and the Department of Veterans Affairs: General Agency Provisions.

The Joint Committee on Finance met in Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. In part two, the committee met on the following agencies: Department of Veterans Affairs: General Agency Provisions (continued); Higher Educational Aids Board; and the Wisconsin Technical College System.

The Joint Committee on Audit held a public hearing on Wednesday, April 29, 2009, on the following: Audit Report 09-4: Inmate Mental Health Care
Department of Corrections and Department of Health Services.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Thursday, April 23, 2009. In part one, the committee will meet on the budgets of the following agencies: Department of Revenue, Secretary of State, and Department of Tourism.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an Executive Session on the 2009-11 biennial budget on Thursday, April 23, 2009. In part two, the committee will meet on the budgets of the following agencies: Department Health Services (Public Health).

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 Meeting and for an executive session on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, on the 2009-11 biennial budget. In part one, the committee met for a 13.10 meeting, at which the committee met with Frank Busalacchi, Secretary Expenditure of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds for airport improvement funds pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, Section 9131(1)(c). The executive session was held on the budgets of the following agencies: Public Service Commission.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 Meeting and for an executive session on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, on the 2009-11 biennial budget. In part two, the executive session continued with the Public Service Commission, Department of Natural Resources, Board of Commissioners of Public Lands, Lower Wisconsin State Riverway Board, Department of Employee Trust Funds.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 Meeting and for an executive session on Tuesday, April 21, 2009, on the 2009-11 biennial budget. In part 3, the, the executive session continued with Department of Employee Trust Funds, Investment Board, Judicial Council, Judicial Commission, Supreme Court, Court of Appeals, Circuit Courts, Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Arts Board, Historical Society, and Educational Communications Board.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a 13.10 Meeting and and executive session on April 16, 2009. The executive session was held on the budgets of the following agencies: Budget Management and Compensation Reserves, Financial Institutions, Government Accountability Board, Department of Revenue Lottery Administration, Department of Transportation State Patrol, Department of Transportation, Board for People with Developmental Disabilities, Board on Aging and Long-Term Care, and the Environmental Improvement Fund.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Friday, April 3, 2009, from Cambridge, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Wednesday, April 1, 2009, from Appleton, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Monday, March 30, 2009, from Racine, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a listening session on Saturday, March 28, 2009, from Ashland, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings and listening sessions, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Friday, March 27, 2009, from Eau Claire, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

Continued.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Wednesday, March 25, 2009, from West Allis, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30. Running time: 3hr 8min.

Continued. Running time: 3hr 3min.

Continued. Running time: 3hr 5min.

The Joint Committee on Finance met for a public hearing on Monday, March 23, 2009, from Sparta, WI. The committee heard public testimony on the state budget as part of a statewide series of public hearings, which will continue around the state during the weeks of March 23 and March 30.

Continued.

Continued.

The Joint Committee on Finance held a briefing on Thursday, March 19, 2009, on Assembly Bill 75, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature. Testimony was given by the following departments: Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection; Department of Corrections; Department of Transportation; Department of Public Instruction; Wisconsin Technical College System; and Higher Educational Aids Board.

The Joint Committee on Finance held a briefing on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, on the following: Assembly Bill 75, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature. In part one, the committee heard from the following: Department of Health Services; Department of Children and Families; and the Department of Workforce Development.

The Joint Committee on Finance held a briefing on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, on the following: Assembly Bill 75, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature. In part two, the committee heard from the following: Department of Revenue (including Tax Administration, Lottery, General Fund Taxes, and Shared Revenue and Tax Relief); and Department of Commerce.

The Joint Committee on Finance held a briefing on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, to hear from representatives of state agencies on the Governor's 2009-11 Biennial Budget Bill, Assembly Bill 75, according to the list shown below: Department of Natural Resources; Department of Administration (including Budget Management, Compensation Reserves, and Program Supplements); Supreme Court; University of Wisconsin System; Department of Justice; and the Government Accountability Board. The committee also an executive session on Tuesday, March 17, 2009, on the following: expenditure of federal economic stimulus funds for transportation projects.

Continued.

The Joint Survey Committee on Retirement Systems held an informational hearing on Wednesday, March 11, 2009, for discussion on Corporate Governance and Clawback provisions within the State of Wisconsin Investment Board.

The Joint Committee on Audit held a public hearing and executive session on Thursday, February 19, 2009, for a proposed audit: Wisconsin Shares Program, Department of Children and Families.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, at 8:10PM for the following: LRB-1881, relating to state finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2009 legislature.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session at 10:00AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, on the following: LRB-1999, relating to state finances and appropriations and making diverse other changes in the statutes.

The Joint Survey Committee on Tax Exemptions met for an executive session on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, on the following: Senate Bill 62, relating to state finances and appropriations and making diverse other changes in the statutes.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held an executive session on Tuesday, February 3, 2009, on the following: DFI 4.06 - Emergency Rule Extension, making it a dishonest or unethical practice for securities licensees to make use of misleading designations or certifications purporting to demonstrate special expertise in the financial or retirement needs of seniors; DOC 560.02 - Emergency Rule Extension, Community Development Block Grants, funds for emergency assistance with repairing or replacing public infrastructure and facilities, and with repairing or replacing homes damaged by the severe storms and flooding. The committee also held an informational hearing on the history of the Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules.

The Joint Committee on Finance held an executive session on Tuesday, January 27, 2009, on the following: Assembly Bill 5, relating to payment of Wisconsin supplemental and extended unemployment insurance benefits in this state; Senate Bill 15, relating to payment of Wisconsin supplemental and extended unemployment insurance benefits in this state.

The Joint Committee for Review of Administrative Rules held a public hearing on Tuesday, January 6, 2009, on the following: DHS 119 AED Training; NR 198 Invasive Species Grants - WT-10-08 (EmR0809); and RL 161.04 Substance Abuse Professionals.