An Act to amend 93.23 (1) (e) of the statutes; Relating to: a requirement for fair organizations that seek state aid.
Summary
AB318 would amend Wisconsin law governing state aid for local fairs. Under current law, counties, agricultural societies, associations, and boards that seek reimbursement for fair premiums must file an itemized statement with the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection (DATCP) within 30 days after the fair closes, and that statement must include a certification that gambling devices, intoxicating liquors, and exhibitions of immoral character were prohibited and excluded from the fairgrounds and adjacent grounds under the entity’s control.
The bill removes that certification requirement from the filing needed to claim state aid. The remaining reporting requirements would stay in place, including the premium statement and the later finance report covering receipts, disbursements, attendance, and other information required by DATCP. The bill does not change the amount of aid available, which remains tied to the cost of premiums paid to exhibitors and capped under existing law.
Impact
AB318 would narrow the documentation required under s. 93.23 (1) (e) for fair organizations to receive state aid, eliminating a statutory moral-conduct certification while leaving the aid program itself intact. The practical effect would be to reduce one compliance condition for counties, agricultural societies, associations, and boards that operate fairs and apply for reimbursement from DATCP. No change is made to the underlying premium-aid formula, payment timing, or the department’s authority to require financial reporting.
Sentiment
The available record shows no committee transcript or recorded vote on the substance of the bill, so there is no direct evidence of debate in the materials provided. The bill’s introduction by a group of Republican legislators and a small number of cosponsors suggests it had some sponsor support, but the measure ultimately did not become law and failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. Based on the text alone, the proposal appears to be a targeted administrative rollback rather than a major policy change.
Contention
The main point of contention is likely the removal of the requirement that fair organizations certify the exclusion of gambling devices, intoxicating liquors, and exhibitions of immoral character from fairgrounds. Supporters would likely view that language as outdated or unnecessary paperwork, while opponents could see it as an important public-morals safeguard tied to the receipt of state funds. Because no committee discussion is included, the specific arguments and which legislators or stakeholders raised them are not documented in the provided materials.
Concerning the repeal of obsolete statutory requirements related to fulfilled reporting requirements, and, in connection therewith, repealing entities that have fulfilled their statutory requirements.
Fire: other; requirements for certain child care organizations and procedures for certain investigations; modify and make other revisions to 1973 PA 116. Amends secs. 2, 3, 5n, 10 & 11c of 1973 PA 116 (MCL 722.112 et seq.).
Directs the office of law revision to identify, on a yearly basis, any decisions or holdings of the United States Supreme Court that would require amendments to any state statutes.
Directs the office of law revision to identify, on a yearly basis, any decisions or holding of the United States Supreme Court that would require amendments to any state statutes.