Governor Scott Walker signs three bills into law

MADISON (WITI) -- Governor Scott Walker today signed Senate Bill 315 and Assembly Bills 355 and 356 into law at the Wisconsin State Capitol on Wednesday, October 23rd.

Senate Bill 315 – relating to exceptions to the prohibition of release of customer information by a municipal utility. This bill protects customers’ personal identification information but clarifies that municipal utilities are allowed to disclose their largest customers for the purpose of securing bonds. This data has been provided to the finance industry for over 25 years. Without this legislation, communities could incur unnecessary costs due to rising interest rates because of a lender’s lack of confidence in the utility. Senate Bill 315 passed both the Senate and Assembly on voice votes. Senate Bill 315 is Wisconsin Act 47.

Assembly Bill 355 – relating to annual or consecutive month permits for vehicles or combinations of vehicles transporting loads near the Wisconsin–Michigan border. This legislation streamlines the permitting process for the transportation of forest products in northern Wisconsin. Assembly Bill 355 passed both the Assembly and Senate on voice votes. Assembly Bill 355 is Wisconsin Act 48.

Assembly Bill 356 – relating to a grant for the relocation of a county trunk highway in Manitowoc and Sheboygan counties and making an appropriation. County Highway LS is located on the Lake Michigan coastline and approximately 19-miles of the road have been seriously affected by bluff erosion. Estimates from the Sheboygan County Department of Transportation suggest 1,200 vehicles travel on the road each day.

Under the state budget, DOT was directed to award a Local Roads Improvement Program (LRIP) grant of $4.2 million or 50 percent of the project cost, whichever was less. This bill transfers $4 million from LRIP through a new sum certain appropriation and specifies affected local governments must competitively bid the work the state appropriation funds. The fiscal impact to the state is neutral because the appropriation of $4 million is funded by a decrease of the same amount in the LRIP. Assembly Bill 356 passed the Assembly on a 79 – 17 vote and the Senate on a vote of 33 – 0. Assembly Bill 356 is Wisconsin Act 49.