CR_10-098 Hearing to consider rules to create Ch. DFI-Bkg 75, relating to payday lending.  

  • Section 218.04 (1) (a) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Sections 218.04 (7) (d) and 227.11 (2) , Stats.
    Related statute or rule
    Section 256.01 (3) , Stats., provides the definition of "ambulance service provider" as used in this rule.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Pursuant to s. 218.04 , Stats., the department regulates collections agencies.
    Summary of proposed rule
    The objective of the rule is to renumber ss. DFI—Bkg 74.01(3) and DFI—Bkg 74.01(4); and create ss. DFI—Bkg 74.01(3), DFI—Bkg 74.01(5), DFI—Bkg 74.01(6) and DFI—Bkg 74.18, relating to the exemption of health care billing companies from the definition of a collection agency. The purpose of the rule is to provide definitions and requirements regarding this exemption. Pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 404 , the legislature has determined that the definition of a collection agency as set forth in s. 218.04(1)(a) does not include health care billing companies. The rule provides definitions related to this exemption. The rule also sets forth the criteria to qualify for an exemption as a health care billing company and certain requirements for the health care billing company to meet regarding the exemption.
    Summary of and preliminary comparison with existing or proposed federal regulation
    29 CFR s. 825.125 provides the definition of "health care provider" as used in this rule.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa do have comparable rules.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    Because the department regulates collection agencies for the state, the division could also rely on extensive staff expertise and experience in drafting regulations for these entities. The department is also experienced with health care billing companies as collection agencies because, until the enactment of 2009 Wisconsin Act 404 , the department licensed these companies as collection agencies.
    Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small business
    The rule removes health care billing companies from state regulation. The rule also provides clarity in setting forth the criteria to qualify for an exemption as a health care billing company and the requirements for the health care billing company to meet regarding the exemption.
    Small Business Impact
    The rule does not have a significant economic impact on small business.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The rule places no additional duties or burdens on state government, and hence has no affect on costs to it.
    Contact Person
    For substantive questions on the rule, contact:
    Michael J. Mach, Administrator
    Dept. of Financial Institutions, Division of Banking
    P.O. Box 7876
    Madison, WI 53707-7876
    Notice of Hearing
    Financial Institutions — Banking
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 138.10 (2m) , 138.14 (8) (b) , 138.14 (14) (g) , and 227.11 (2) , Stats., the Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banking will hold a public hearing to consider a rule to create Chapter DFI-Bkg 75 , relating to payday lending.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   Thursday, August 26, 2010
    Time:   9:00 a.m.
    Location:   Department of Financial Institutions
      345 W. Washington Avenue, 5 th Floor
      Madison, Wisconsin
    Copies of Proposed Rule and Submittal of Written Comments
    To obtain a copy of the proposed rule or fiscal estimate at no charge, to submit written comments regarding the proposed rule, or for questions regarding the agency's internal processing of the proposed rule, contact Mark Schlei, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Financial Institutions, Office of the Secretary, P.O. Box 8861, Madison, WI 53708-8861, telephone (608) 267-1705, e-mail mark.schlei@wisconsin.gov .
    A copy of the proposed rule may also be obtained and reviewed at the Department of Financial Institution's website, www.wdfi.org .
    Written comments must be received by the conclusion of the department's hearing regarding the proposed rule.
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Banking
    Statute(s) interpreted
    Sections 138.10 (2m) , 138.14 (8) (b) and (14) (g) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Related statute or rule
    None.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Pursuant to 2009 Wisconsin Act 405 , the department is to enact rules regarding payday lending reforms.
    Summary of proposed rule
    The objective of the rule is to create ch. DFI—Bkg 75. The purpose of the rule is to establish clear standards and requirements for payday lenders; notice and other protections to payday lending customers; and database requirements for the secure entry, retention and transmission of customer information. The rule provides definitions; identifies transactions not deemed payday loans; lists prohibited practices; sets forth loan disclosure requirements; sets forth fees and interest, and addresses defaults; sets forth the calculations to be used to determine income; provides details on repayments and repayments loans; and provides for a database and the secure transmission of information regarding payday loans.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    None.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota and Iowa all now regulate payday lending.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    In developing these rules, the department extensively reviewed payday lending laws in states across the country. The department also received input from payday lenders and consumer organizations. Because the department regulates licensed financial services for the state, the division could also rely on extensive staff expertise and experience in drafting regulations for these entities. The department is also experienced with payday loans and payday lending practices because the department licenses these lenders.
    Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small business
    The mandates addressed by the rule are the result of and set forth in 2009 Wisconsin Act 405 , and not by the rule. The rule does provide substantial clarity to the payday lending industry on the types of loans covered, and notice as to what practices are prohibited. The rule provides the industry with clear and itemized requirements for disclosures and repayment plans, and standard calculations for income determination. The rule provides for the safe and secure transmission of data, and the required information to be entered into the database. Permissible fees and interest are addressed, as well as default matters. Overall the information required by the rule should be readily available to payday lenders in the normal course of business. Standardizing requirements for disclosures, repayments and calculations provides both ease of transaction for the lenders and certainty for their practices. The fees, interest and default provisions likewise provide the same, and are de minimis in comparison with the overall operational costs and income of these entities. Overall the requirements of the rule are straight-forward for ease in compliance.
    Small Business Impact
    The rule itself does not have a significant economic impact on small business and should have a beneficial affect for both the business and consumer.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The fiscal effect may increase costs which may be possible to absorb within the agency's budget, and may increase existing revenues.
    Contact Person
    For substantive questions on the rule, contact:
    Michael J. Mach, Administrator
    Dept. of Financial Institutions, Division of Banking
    P.O. Box 7876
    Madison, WI 53707-7876
    Notice of Hearing
    Government Accountability Board
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 5.05 (1) (f) , 227.11 (2) (a) , 227.16 , and 227.24 (4) , Stats., the Government Accountability Board will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of an emergency and permanent rule to create section GAB 1.91 , Wis. Adm. Code, relating to organizations making independent disbursements.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   August 30, 2010
    Time:   9:45 a.m.
    Location:   Government Accountability Board Office
      212 E. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor
      Madison, Wisconsin
    This public hearing site is accessible to people with disabilities. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please contact the person listed below.
    Submittal of Written Comments
    Comments are to be submitted to Government Accountability Board, Attn: Shane W. Falk, 212 E. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 7984, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7984, no later than August 30, 2010.
    Analysis Prepared by the Government Accountability Board
    Statutes interpreted
    Statutory authority
    Sections 5.05 (1) (f) and 227.11 (2) (a) , Stats.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Express rule-making authority to interpret the provisions of statutes the Board enforces or administers is conferred on it pursuant to s. 227.11(2)(a) , Stats. In addition, s. 5.05(1)(f) , Stats., provides that the Board may promulgate rules under ch. 227 , Stats., for the purpose of interpreting or implementing the laws regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns or ensuring their proper administration.
    In Citizens United v. FEC , 558 U.S. ___, (No. 08-205)(January 21, 2010), the United States Supreme Court greatly expanded the rights of organizations to engage in independent expenditures and strengthened the ability of the government to require disclosure and disclaimer of the independent expenditures. Pursuant to s. 5.05(1) , the Board has the responsibility for the administration of campaign finance statutes in ch. 11 , Stats. Rules promulgated by the Board will ensure the proper administration of the campaign finance statutes and properly address the application of Citizens United v. FEC .
    Related statute(s) or rule(s)
    Chapter 11 , Stats., and Chapter GAB 1 , Wis. Adm. Code.
    Plain language analysis
    Within the context of ch. 11 , Stats, the proposed order will provide direction to organizations receiving contributions for independent disbursements or making independent disbursements following the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC , 558 U.S. ___, (No. 08-205)(January 21, 2010). The proposed rule enumerates registration, reporting, and disclaimer requirements of provisions of ch. 11 , Stats., which apply to organizations receiving contributions or making independent disbursements. Comporting with Citizens United, the proposed rule does not treat persons making independent disbursements as full political action committees or individuals under s. 11.05 , Stats., for the purposes of registration and reporting. With respect to contributions or in-kind contributions received, this proposed rule requires organizations to disclose only donations "made for" political purposes, but not donations received for other purposes.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    At the federal level, the FEC provides rules at 11 CFR 109.10 , which regulate persons who are not a committee and make independent expenditures. An independent expenditure statement and reports quarterly are required for any person making independent expenditures in excess of an aggregate $250.00 in a calendar year. If a person makes an independent expenditure of $10,000.00 or more, an independent expenditure statement and report must be filed within 48 hours of the expenditure. Any person making an independent expenditure of $1,000.00 or more within 20 days of an election must file an independent statement and report within 24 hours of the expenditure. The independent expenditure statement must include the identity of the person making the expenditure, any contributions received in excess of $200.00, and the candidate benefitted by the expenditure. In addition, a disclaimer is required for any communication resulting from an independent expenditure.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois:
    Section 5/9-1.5, Ill. Adm. Code, defines "expenditure" generally and to include an electioneering communication regardless of whether the communication is made in concert or cooperation with, or at the request, suggestion or knowledge of a candidate, a candidate's authorized local political committee, a State political committee, or any of their agents. Sections 5/9-1.7 and 1.8, Ill. Adm. Code, define local and State political committees to include a candidate, individual, trust, partnership, committee, association, corporation, or any other organization or group of persons which accept contributions or make expenditures on behalf of or in opposition to a candidate and exceeding an aggregate of $3,000.00 in any 12 month period. Persons making independent expenditures in Illinois are by definition committees and subject to substantially similar registration, reporting, and disclaimer requirements as committees in Wisconsin.
    Iowa:
    Chapter 351 —4.27 of the Iowa Administrative Code sets forth requirements for registration and reporting of independent expenditures and it applies to any person, other than a candidate or registered committee, that makes one or more independent expenditures in excess of $100.00 in the aggregate. 351—4.27, Iowa Adm. Code. A person subject to filing an independent expenditure statement must identify the person making the expense and for whom it benefits. 351—4.27(2), Iowa Adm. Code. There is no requirement to file a statement of organization registering a committee or public disclosure reports. 351—4.27(7), Iowa Adm. Code. A disclaimer on communications is required. 351—4.27(6), Iowa Adm. Code.
    Michigan:
    Michigan statutes regulate independent expenditures, but the administrative rules do not specifically address them. Michigan Statutes s. 169.208 provides a definition for an "independent committee," which upon exceeding $500.00 in contributions or expenditures is subject to substantially similar registration, reporting, and disclaimer requirements as committees in Wisconsin.
    Minnesota:
    Minnesota statutes regulate independent expenditures, but the administrative rules do not specifically address them.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    Adoption of the rule was predicated on state statutes and federal case law.
    Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small businesses
    The rule may have a minimal effect on small businesses that will participate in receiving contributions or making independent disbursements. The economic impact of this effect is minor. Businesses may have a filing fee of $100.00, if the amount of aggregate independent disbursements made in any year exceeds $2,500.00.
    Small Business Impact
    The creation of this rule may have a minimal effect on small businesses as explained above.
    Initial regulatory flexibility analysis
    The creation of this rule does not affect the normal operations of business.
    Fiscal Estimate
    The creation of this rule has minimal fiscal effect. There may be additional registrants filing reports with the Board and potentially additional enforcement actions that may require staff action. The extent of this potential fiscal impact is undetermined.
    Text of Proposed Rule
    SECTION 1. GAB 1.91 is created to read:
    1.91 Organizations Making Independent Disbursements. (1) In this section:
    (a) "Contribution" has the meaning given in s. 11.0 1(6), Stats.
    (b) "Disbursement" has the meaning given in s. 11.01 (7) , Stats.
    (c) "Filing officer" has the meaning given in s. 11.01 (8) , Stats.
    (d) "Incurred obligation" has the meaning given in s. 11.01 (11) , Stats.
    (e) "Person" includes the meaning given in s. 990.01 (26) , Stats.
    (f) "Organization" means any person other than an individual, committee, or political group subject to registration under s. 11.23 , Stats.
    (g) "Independent" means the absence of acting in cooperation or consultation with any candidate or authorized committee of a candidate who is supported or opposed, and is not made in concert with, or at the request or suggestion of, any candidate or any agent or authorized committee of a candidate who is supported or opposed.
    (h) "Designated depository account" means a depository account specifically established by an organization to receive contributions and from which to make independent disbursements.
    (2) A corporation, or association organized under ch. 185 or 193 , Stats., is a person and qualifies as an organization that is not prohibited by s. 11.38 (1) (a) 1. , Stats., from making independent disbursements until such time as a court having jurisdiction in the State of Wisconsin rules that a corporation, or association organized under ch. 185 or 193 , Stats., may constitutionally be restricted from making an independent disbursement.
    (3) Upon accepting contributions made for, incurring obligations for, or making an independent disbursement exceeding $25 in aggregate during a calendar year, an organization shall establish a designated depository account in the name of the organization. Any contributions to and all disbursements of the organization shall be deposited in and disbursed from this designated depository account. The organization shall select a treasurer for the designated depository account and no disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of an organization without the authorization of the treasurer or designated agents. The organization shall register with the board and comply with s. 11.09 , Stats., when applicable.
    (4) The organization shall file a registration statement with the appropriate filing officer and it shall include, where applicable:
    (a) The name, street address, and mailing address of the organization.
    (b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer for the designated depository account of the organization and any other custodian of books and accounts for the designated depository account.
    (c) The name, mailing address, and position of other principal officers of the organization, including officers and members of the finance committee, if any.
    (d) The name, street address, mailing address, and account number of the designated depository account.
    (e) The registration statement shall be signed by the treasurer for the designated depository account of the organization and shall contain a certification that all information contained in the registration statement is true, correct and complete.
    (5) The designated depository account for an organization required to register with the Board shall annually pay a filing fee of $100.00 to the Board as provided in s. 11.055 , Stats.
    (6) The organization shall comply with s. 11.05 (5) , Stats., and notify the appropriate filing officer within 10 days of any change in information previously submitted in a statement of registration.
    (7) An organization making independent disbursements shall file the oath for independent disbursements required by s. 11.06(7) , Stats.
    (8) An organization receiving contributions for independent disbursements or making independent disbursements shall file periodic reports as provided ss. 11.06 , 11.12 , 11.19 , 11.20 and 11.21 (16) , Stats., and include all contributions received for independent disbursements, incurred obligations for independent disbursements, and independent disbursements made. When applicable, an organization shall also file periodic reports as provided in s. 11.513 , Stats.
    (9) An organization making independent disbursements shall comply with the requirements of s. 11.30 (1) , (2) (a) and (d) , Wis. Stats., and include an attribution identifying the organization paying for any communication, arising out of independent disbursements on behalf of or in opposition to candidates, with the following words: "Paid for by" followed by the name of the organization and the name of the treasurer or other authorized agent of the organization followed by "Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee."
    Agency Contact Person
    Shane W. Falk, Staff Counsel
    Government Accountability Board
    212 E. Washington Avenue, 3 rd Floor
    P.O. Box 7984
    Madison, WI 53707-7984
    Phone: (608) 266-2094
    Notice of Hearing
    Natural Resources
    Fish, Game, etc., Chs. NR 1—
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 29.014 , 227.11 , and 227.24 , Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on an emergency rule to revise Chapter NR 10 , Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the use of archery deer hunting licenses. The State Natural Resources Board adopted this rule after public hearings on June 23, 2010. This hearing is being held on the emergency rule version, which the Board also adopted on June 23, 2010, in order to be able to implement the rule for the 2010 seasons.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   Monday, August 30, 2010
    Time:   3:00 p.m.
    Location:   Room G09, Natural Resources State Office
      Building (GEF-2)
      101 South Webster Street
      Madison, Wisconsin
    Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided for qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call Scott Loomans at (608) 267-2452 with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.
    Copies of Proposed Rule and Submittal of Written Comments
    The proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be reviewed at the following Internet site: http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov . A personal copy of the proposed rule and fiscal estimate may be obtained from Scott Loomans by email or U.S. mail. Written comments on the proposed rule may be submitted by email to scott.loomans@wisconsin.gov or via U.S. mail to Mr. Scott Loomans, Bureau of Wildlife Management, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707. Comments may be submitted until August 30, 2010 . Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings.
    Finding of Emergency
    The emergency rule procedure, pursuant to s. 227.24 , Stats., is necessary and justified in establishing rules to protect the public welfare. Deer populations are well below goal in much of northeast Wisconsin, causing great concern from hunters and others who value deer. This rule is one of the ways the department is trying to rebuild the populations there. The federal government and state legislature have delegated to the appropriate agencies rule-making authority to control and regulate hunting wild animals. The State of Wisconsin must provide publications describing the regulations for deer hunting to approximately 250,000 archery deer hunters prior to the start of the season. These regulations must be legally in effect prior to printing nearly 1 million copies of the regulations publication. The timeline for the permanent version of this rule will not have it in effect in time for these deadlines.
    Analysis Prepared by Department of Natural Resources
    Statutes interpreted
    Sections 29.014 , 29.171 , and 227.11 , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Sections 29.014 , 227.11 , and 227.24 , Stats.
    Plain language rule analysis
    The Bureau of Wildlife Management recommends promulgating administrative rules that modify a section of ch. NR 10 related to game and hunting and the use of archery deer hunting licenses.
    Currently, each license which authorizes archery deer hunting includes one carcass tag that is valid for taking an antlered buck in any management unit and one tag which is valid for one antlerless deer in any management unit. This proposal would limit the areas where the antlerless carcass tag is valid to only management units for which an antlerless deer harvest quota has been established and CWD units.
    Firearm deer hunters who hold Class A or C permits for hunters with disabilities can currently harvest deer of either sex. So that archery hunting regulations are consistent with firearm deer hunting regulations, Class A and C archery hunters would also continue to be able to harvest an antlerless deer with their (non-herd control) archery antlerless deer carcass tag in any unit statewide, including units with no antlerless deer quota.
    Related statute or rule
    There are no state statutes currently under promulgation that directly relate to the provisions that are proposed in this administrative order. An identical, permanent version of this rule order is being promulgated at the same time that this emergency order is in effect.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    These state rules and statutes do not relieve individuals from the restrictions, requirements and conditions of federal statutes and regulations. Regulating the hunting and trapping of native species has been delegated to state fish and wildlife agencies.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    These rule change proposals do not represent significant policy changes and do not differ significantly from surrounding states. All surrounding states have regulations and rules in place for the management and recreational use of wild game that are established based on needs that are unique to that state's resources and public desires.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    The harvest of antlerless deer is managed by the department in order to achieve overwinter goals established in NR 10.104, Wis. Adm. Code.
    In management units where the deer population is below goal, the department may restrict antlerless deer harvest or establish an antlerless quota of zero. When the quota is zero in a unit, most firearm deer hunters may not harvest antlerless deer. Only archers, first year hunter safety graduates, and disabled permit holders are allowed to harvest antlerless deer when no quota has been established.
    Eliminating archery hunter's ability to harvest antlerless deer in zero quota units would make regulations more consistent between the firearm and archery seasons.
    Environmental Impact
    The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150 , Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.
    Small Business Impact
    These rules are applicable to individual sportspersons and impose no compliance or reporting requirements for small businesses, and no design or operational standards are contained in the rule. Pursuant to s. 227.114 , Stats., it is not anticipated that the proposed rules will have a significant economic impact on small businesses.
    The Department's Small Business Regulatory Coordinator may be contacted at SmallBusiness@dnr.state.wi.us or by calling (608) 266-1959.
    Fiscal Estimate
    Assumptions used in arriving at fiscal estimate
    This proposed rule does not create license types or new license issuance procedures. It will require updating printed instructions on carcass tags which can be done when annual updates are made and will result in no fiscal impact. It is not anticipated that this change will have an impact on license sales because the harvest of antlered bucks is still allowed in all units statewide. The ability to harvest an antlered deer is, for most hunters, the primary feature of the archery deer hunting license. Additionally, the harvest of antlerless deer will still be allowed in most units.
    State fiscal effect
    None.
    Anticipated private sector costs
    These rules, and the legislation which grants the department rule making authority, do not have a significant fiscal effect on the private sector. Additionally, no significant costs are associated with compliance to these rules.
    Agency Contact Person
    Scott Loomans
    101 South Webster Street
    PO Box 7921
    Madison, WI 53707-7921
    Phone: (608) 267-2452
    Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
    Transportation
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to the authority of s. 194.407 (1) and (3) , Stats., as created by 2007 Wis. Act 20 , and according to the procedure set forth in s. 227.16 (2) (e) , Stats., the Wisconsin Department of Transportation will adopt the following rule amending Chapter Trans 178 without public hearing unless, within 30 days after publication of this notice on August 14, 2010, the Department of Transportation is petitioned for a public hearing by 25 natural persons who will be affected by the rule; a municipality which will be affected by the rule; or an association which is representative of a farm, labor, business or professional group which will be affected by the rule.
    Copies of Proposed Rule
    A copy of the rule may be obtained upon request from Carson Frazier, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Vehicle Services, Room 253, P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911. You may also contact Ms. Frazier by phone at (608) 266-7857 or via e-mail: carson.frazier@wisconsin. gov . Copies of the proposed rule may also be obtained on the Department's administrative rules internet website at: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/research/law/rulenotices.htm .
    Submittal of Petition for Hearing
    Questions or petitions for hearing should be submitted to Carson Frazier, Department of Transportation, Bureau of Vehicle Services, Room 253, P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911. You may also contact Ms. Frazier by phone at (608) 266-7857 or via e-mail: carson.frazier@wisconsin. gov .
    To view the proposed amendment to the rule, view the current rule, or submit a petition for hearing via e-mail/internet, you may visit the following website: http://www.dot.wisconsin.gov/library/research/law/rulenotices.htm .
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Transportation
    Statutes interpreted
    Section 194.407 , Stats., as created by 2007 Wis. Act 20 .
    Statutory authority
    Section 194.407 (1) and (3) , Stats., as created by 2007 Wis. Act 20 .
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 194.407 , Stats., authorizes the Department to implement and administer a unified registration system for motor carriers consistent with 49 USC 13908 and 14504a , and to prescribe annual fees for that registration.
    Related statute or rule
    Section 194.407 , Stats., 49 USC 13908 and 14504a , 49 CFR 367 .
    Plain language analysis
    Chapter Trans 178 establishes the fees to be charged under the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) system, and establishes a method for counting the number of vehicles so that an entity knows whether it is required to register under UCR and, if so, which fee bracket applies to the entity.
    The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration published in the Federal Register on April 27, 2010 a changed schedule of fees. As provided in s. Trans 178.03(2) , on May 6, 2010, the Department sent notice of the changed fees to the chairpersons of the standing committees of the legislature having jurisdiction over transportation. Neither committee chairperson notified the secretary of transportation within 14 working days after that notice that the committee had scheduled a meeting for the purpose of reviewing the fees. The Department implemented the new fees on May 27, 2010. The proposed rule replaces the prior fee schedule with the new fee schedule.
    In addition, the proposed rule removes the reference to towed vehicles in the definition of commercial motor vehicle for the purposes of the UCR to conform to federal law. Originally, UCR included towed vehicles (trailers) in the definition of commercial motor vehicles for the purposes of UCR; subsequently, federal law eliminated towed vehicles from the definition.
    Comparison with federal regulations
    This proposed rule complies and is consistent with federal law and regulations pertaining to the Unified Carrier Registration system.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Michigan:
    Michigan participates in UCR. Michigan charges the 2010 fees as required by federal law and regulation and the UCR Agreement.
    Minnesota:
    Minnesota participates in UCR. Minnesota charges the 2010 fees as required by federal law and regulation and the UCR Agreement.
    Illinois:
    Illinois participates in UCR. Illinois charges the 2010 fees as required by federal law and regulation and the UCR Agreement.
    Iowa:
    Iowa participates in UCR. Iowa charges the 2010 fees as required by federal law and regulation and the UCR Agreement.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    This proposed rule is derived solely from federal law, federal regulation and Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, both of which are authorized by 49 USC 13908 and 14504a and implement those sections. If Wisconsin does not follow federal law, federal regulation, and the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement, Wisconsin may not participate in the UCR program. If Wisconsin does not participate in the UCR program, Wisconsin will forfeit revenues from carrier registration pursuant to federal law.
    Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small businesses
    This proposed rule is derived solely from federal law, federal regulation, and Unified Carrier Registration Agreement. Any effect on small businesses is a result of federal law, federal regulation and the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement.
    Small Business Impact
    The fees charged under federal law, federal regulation, and Unified Carrier Registration Agreement will affect some small businesses by increasing the amount of annual registration fee. The new fee schedule increases all fees by just less than 96%. These fees are established under federal law at 49 CFR 367.20 but may be revised annually by publication in the federal register. If Wisconsin does not charge these fees, small businesses that operate affected trucks and trailers outside this state will nevertheless be required to pay these same fees to other states. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by e-mail at ralph.sanders@dot.state.wi.us , or by calling (414) 438-4585.
    Fiscal Estimate
    This proposed rule is derived solely from federal law, federal regulation, and Unified Carrier Registration Agreement. Any fiscal impact on the liabilities or revenues of any county, city, village, town, school district, vocational, technical and adult education district, sewerage district, or federally-recognized tribes or bands is a result of federal law, federal regulation and the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement. The Unified Carrier Registration Agreement authorizes states to exempt solely intra-state carriers and qualified school buses from the registration fee, and the Department has made registration and payment of the fees optional for those entities.
    Anticipated Costs Incurred By Private Sector
    This proposed rule is derived solely from federal law, federal regulation, and Unified Carrier Registration Agreement. Any cost incurred by the private sector is a result of federal law, federal regulation and the Unified Carrier Registration Agreement. The fee schedule increases all fees by just less than 96%.
    Text of Proposed Rule
    SECTION 1. Trans 178.02 (2) is amended to read:
    Trans 178.02 (2) "Commercial motor vehicle," as defined in 49 USC 31101 , means a self-propelled or towed vehicle used on the highways in commerce principally to transport passengers or cargo, if the vehicle meets any of the following criteria:
    SECTION 2. Trans 178.03 (1) is amended to read:
    Trans 178.03 (1) Except as provided in sub. (2), as provided in 49 CFR 367.20 , fees for registration year 2007 2010 and thereafter are as follows:
    Bracket
    Number of commercial motor vehicles owned or operated by exempt or non-exempt motor carrier, motor private carrier, or freight forwarder
    Fee per company for exempt or non-exempt motor carrier, motor private carrier, or freight forwarder
    Fee per company for broker or leasing company
    B1
    0-2
    $ 39 76
    $ 39 76
    B2
    3-5
    $ 116 227
    $ 39 76
    B3
    6-20
    $ 231 452
    $ 39 76
    B4
    21-100
    $ 806 1,576
    $ 39 76
    B5
    101-1,000
    $ 3,840 7,511
    $ 39 76
    B6
    1,001 and above
    $ 37,500 73,346
    $ 39 76
    SECTION 3. Trans 178.04 (1) (a) 1. (note) is created to read:
    Note: As stated in s. Trans 178.02 (2) , a commercial motor vehicle for purposes of UCR does not include a towed vehicle. Therefore, a carrier should exclude any towed vehicles reported on the MCS-150.
    Agency Contact Person
    Carson Frazier, Dept. of Transportation
    P.O. Box 7911, Madison, WI 53707-7911
    Phone: 608) 266-7857
    e-mail: carson.frazier@wisconsin. gov