CR_13-062 Revises Chapters SPS 381 and 384, relating to U.S. EPA lead-reduction rule, Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 2011.  

  • The deadline for submitting comments is 4:00 p.m. on the 14 th day after the date for the hearing stated in the Notice of Hearing.
    Mailing address:
    Sarah E. Norberg
    Legal Unit — OCI Rule Comment for Rule Ins 51.01
    Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
    PO Box 7873
    Madison WI 53707-7873
    Street address:
    Sarah E. Norberg
    Legal Unit — OCI Rule Comment for Rule Ins 51.01
    Office of the Commissioner of Insurance
    125 South Webster St — 2 nd Floor
    Madison WI 53703-3474
    Email address:
    Sarah E. Norberg
    The proposed rule changes are:
    SECTION 1. Ins 51.01 (4) (a) 2., is amended to read:
    Ins 51.01 (4) (a) 2. If a life or health insurer that completes the life annual statement for the reporting year, the insurer has total adjusted capital which is greater than or equal to its company action level risk based capital but less than the product of its authorized control level risk based capital and 2.5 3.0 and has a negative trend.
    SECTION 2. These changes first apply January 1, 2014.
    SECTION 3. These changes will take effect on the first day of the month after publication, as provided in s. 227.22 (2) (intro.) , Wis. Stats.
    SECTION 4. This section may be enforced under ss. 601.41 , 601.64 , 623.11 , Wis. Stats., or any other enforcement provision of chs. 600 to 646 , Wis. Stats.
    Private Sector Fiscal Analysis for section Ins 51.01 relating to risk based capital requirements and affecting small business
    This rule change will have no significant effect on the private sector regulated by OCI.
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (C04/2011)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES — FISCAL ESTIMATE
    1.   Fiscal Estimate Version
      X Original Updated Corrected
    2.   Administrative Rule Chapter Title and Number
      Ins 51.01 (4) (a) 2.
    3.   Subject
      Risk based capital requirements and affecting small business.
    4.   State Fiscal Effect:
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Yes X No   May be possible to absorb
          within agency's budget.
    Decrease Costs
    5.   Fund Sources Affected:
    GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    6.   Affected Ch. 20, Stats. Appropriations:
    None
    7.   Local Government Fiscal Effect:
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Revenues
    Decrease Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Decrease Costs
    8.   Local Government Units Affected:
    Towns Villages Cities Counties School Districts WTCS Districts Others: None
    9.   Private Sector Fiscal Effect (small businesses only):
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Revenues
    Decrease Revenues
    Yes No May have significant
        economic impact on a
        substantial number of
        small businesses
    Increase Costs
    Yes X No     May have significant
          economic impact on a
          substantial number of
          small businesses
    Decrease Costs
    10.   Types of Small Businesses Affected:
    Domestic health or life insurers or domestic fraternal insurers that meet the definition of a small business.
    11.   Fiscal Analysis Summary
    12.   Long-Range Fiscal Implications
    None
    13.   Name - Prepared by
    Sarah E. Norberg
    Telephone Number
    (608) 266-0082
    Date
    07/02/2013
    14.   Name – Analyst Reviewer
    Telephone Number
    Date
    Signature—Secretary or Designee
    Telephone Number
    Date
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original   Updated   Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    Agency 145 Ch. Ins 51.01 (4) (a) 2.
    3. Subject
    Risk Based Capital Requirements and affecting small business amendment beginning January 1, 2014.
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   X PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    None
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    X Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    X Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes   X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    The proposed rule potentially results in an earlier warning that a company is approaching a financially hazardous condition. The proposed rule updates an existing regulation to be consistent with the NAIC model regulation and will also bring Wisconsin's requirements for life insurers into alignment with the requirements for health insurers and property and casualty insurers.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    OCI solicited comments generally through publication requesting comments from the public utilizing the OCI website. Additionally OCI solicited comments from the following businesses, associations representing businesses, local governmental units and individuals:
    Northwestern Mutual
    Trilogy
    Johnson Insurance
    Thrivent
    Network Health
    United HealthCare
    Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
    Group Health Cooperative of South Central Wisconsin
    HIRSP
    Arrowhead Strategies
    Capital Group of Wisconsin
    Wisconsin Health Plans
    Wisconsin Medical Society
    WPS Insurance
    Dean Health Plan
    Unity Health Plan
    TASC
    Physicians Plus Insurance Corporation
    Wisconsin Hospital Association
    Gundersen Lutheran
    Wisconsin Dental Association
    Security Health Plan
    NAIFA Wisconsin
    Assurant Health
    Wisconsin Counties Group Health Trust
    Blue Cross Blue Shield of Wisconsin
    Ministry Health Care
    Humana
    Aurora Health Care
    Mayo Health Care
    WEA Trust
    Health Partners
    Mercy Health System
    WellPoint
    Arise Health Plan
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    None beyond solicitation for comments.
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    The proposed rule will affect domestic life and health insurers who complete a life annual statement, and domestic fraternal insurers. The impact is expected to be minimal. Non-insurance small businesses are protected by this proposed rule change as the amendment provides an earlier warning that a life insurer might be approaching a financially hazardous condition. There may be an effect on small businesses but any effect would be minimal as very few, if any, insurers meet the definition of a small business.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    The proposed rule potentially results in an earlier warning that a company is approaching a financially hazardous condition. The proposed rule updates an existing regulation to be consistent with the NAIC model regulation and will also bring Wisconsin's requirements for life insurers into alignment with the requirements for health insurers and property and casualty insurers. This change makes the application of standards uniform across lines of insurance minimizing disparate treatment of insurers.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    The long-range implications of the rule as proposed are: 1) earlier warning that a company is approaching a financially hazardous condition, 2) consistency in risk based capital requirements for life, health and property and casualty insurers, and 3) consistency with the NAIC model regulation for the purposes of maintaining accreditation for domestic insurers conducting business in other states.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    OCI is unaware of any existing or proposed federal regulations that are intended to address the activities to be regulated by the proposed rule change.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota )
    Illinois and Iowa have laws comparable to Wisconsin's existing rule (215 ILCS 5/35A-15 (a) (1) (B) (2013) and IAC s. 521E.3 1. a. (2) (2013)). Michigan adopts the NAIC Model Law by reference (MCLS s. 50.1204a (2013)). Effective December 31, 2013, Minnesota will have a requirement comparable to Wisconsin's proposed rule (Minn. Stat. s. 60A.62 Subd. 1 (1) (ii) (2013)).
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    Louie Cornelius
    608-264-8113
    This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.
    ATTACHMENT A
    1. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Small Businesses (Separately for each Small Business Sector, Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    Non-insurance small businesses are protected by this proposed rule change as the amendment provides an earlier warning that a life insurer might be approaching a financially hazardous condition. There may be an effect on small businesses but any effect would be minimal as very few, if any, insurers meet the definition of a small business.
    2. Summary of the data sources used to measure the Rule's impact on Small Businesses
    Section 227.114, Wis. Stats., defines a "small business" as "a business entity, including its affiliates, which is independently owned and operated and not dominant in its field, and which employs 25 or fewer full-time employees or which has gross annual sales of less than $5,000,000." OCI reviewed premium revenue for domestic life insurers and fraternals. Based on either too much revenue or the ownership structure, it appears that none of Wisconsin's insurers qualify as small businesses.
    3. Did the agency consider the following methods to reduce the impact of the Rule on Small Businesses?
    Less Stringent Compliance or Reporting Requirements
    Less Stringent Schedules or Deadlines for Compliance or Reporting
    Consolidation or Simplification of Reporting Requirements
    Establishment of performance standards in lieu of Design or Operational Standards
    Exemption of Small Businesses from some or all requirements
    Other, describe:
    N/A. Any effect of the proposed rule on small businesses will be minimal. The proposed rule nominally increases the risk based capital requirement and should not change any charging structures.
    4. Describe the methods incorporated into the Rule that will reduce its impact on Small Businesses
    N/A. Any effect of the proposed rule on small businesses will be minimal.
    5. Describe the Rule's Enforcement Provisions
    The proposed rule nominally increases the risk based capital requirement for domestic life and health insurers who complete a life statement and domestic fraternal insurers. Failure to comply with the risk based capital requirement may be enforced by the Commissioner pursuant to ss. 601.41(4) and 601.64, Wis. Stats.
    6. Did the Agency prepare a Cost Benefit Analysis (if Yes, attach to form)
    Yes X No
    Notice of Hearing
    Safety and Professional Services
    Safety, Buildings, and Environment — Plumbing,
    Chs. SPS 381-387
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to authority vested in the Department of Safety and Professional Services in ss. 145.13 and 227.11 (2) , Stats., and interpreting s. 145.02 (2) , Stats., the Department of Safety and Professional Services will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider an order to renumber and amend s. SPS 381.01 (141) as s. SPS 381.01 (141) (a) to (c) ; amend ss. SPS 381.20 Table 381.20-11 (partial) line 6., 384.20 (2) (b) (Note), 384.40 (4) (intro.), and 384.40 (8) (a) and (d); and create ss. SPS 381.01 (141) (c) (Note), 381.20 Table 381.20-11 (partial) line 7., relating to U.S. EPA lead reduction rule, Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 2011.
    Date:   August 28, 2013
    Time:  
    1:00 p.m.
    Location:
      1400 East Washington Avenue*
      Room 121C
      Madison, Wisconsin
      *Enter at North Dickinson Street
    Interested persons are invited to present information at the hearing. Persons appearing may make an oral presentation but are urged to submit facts, opinions, and argument in writing as well. Facts, opinions, and argument may also be submitted in writing without a personal appearance by mail addressed to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8935. Written comments must be received at or before the public hearing to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.
    Place Where Comments are to be Submitted and Deadline for Submission
    Comments may be submitted to Jean MacCubbin, Program Manager, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935, or by email to jean.maccubbin@wisconsin.gov . Comments must be received on or before Wednesday, August 28, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.
    Copies of Rule
    Copies of this proposed rule are available upon request to Jean MacCubbin, Program Manager, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8935, by email at jean.maccubbin@wisconsin.gov or on our website at http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=44e541e8-abdd-49da-8fde-046713617e9e .
    Analysis Prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services
    Statutes interpreted
    Section 145.02 (2) , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Sections 145.13 and 227.11 (2) , Stats.
    Explanation of agency authority
    Section 227.11 (2) , Stats.: "Rule-making authority is expressly conferred as follows: (a) Each agency may promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any statute enforced or administered by the agency, if the agency considers it necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute, but a rule is not valid if the rule exceeds the bounds of correct interpretation."
    Section 145.02 (2) , Stats.: "The department shall have general supervision of all such plumbing and shall after public hearing prescribe and publish and enforce reasonable standards therefore which shall be uniform and of statewide concern so far as practicable. "
    Section 145.13 , Stats.: "Adoption of plumbing code. The state plumbing code and amendments to that code as adopted by the department have the effect of law in the form of standards statewide in application and shall apply to all types of buildings, private or public, rural or urban, including buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision thereof. The state plumbing code shall comply with ch. 160 (Wisc. Stats.). All plumbing installations shall so far as practicable be made to conform to such code."
    Related statute or rule
    Chs. SPS 381 to 387 and SPS 391 .
    Plain language analysis
    SECTION 1. This section mirrors the three specific definitions of lead-free in the SWDA, specifically relating to solders and flux, fixtures and components, and calculation of weighted average.
    SECTION 2. This section creates a Note, which provides additional resources for calculating weighted average.
    SECTIONS 3., 4. and 5. These two sections are revisions to tables listing the adoption of NSF standards reflecting the SWDA provisions. The Note reflects the more recent NSF standard adopted.
    SECTIONS 6. and 7. The text of these sections is amended to reflect the use of the updated standards.
    Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation
    The U.S. Safe Drinking Water Act amendments of 2011 [SDWA, 42 USC 300g-6 ] becomes effective January 4, 2014, in which water service piping, piping materials and fixtures must be "lead-free". This Act updates the definition for "lead-free" and adopts by reference two national standards, ANSI/NSF-61 and ANSI/NSF 372 reflecting the revisions to the SDWA. Most importantly, this Act provided a 3-year enactment period for manufacturers, suppliers and users to become educated and comply with the rule revisions and allow for the use of new materials meeting the standard to be ready for sale by the effective date.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    An Internet-based search of the four adjoining states revealed the following:
    Illinois: The Illinois public health code was searched for conformity to the SDWA revisions regarding EPA lead reduction rule; the definition of lead-free has not changed nor has the state adopted the most recent edition of the NSF 61 standard, drinking water system components. No pending legislation was found. [Title 77: public health code, chapter I, subchapter r, part 890 Illinois Plumbing Code]
    Iowa: The Iowa state plumbing code has adopted the UPC — Uniform Plumbing Code, 2009 edition [Ch. 25 , State Plumbing Code]. The Internet-based search did not find any changes or proposed changes, to date, reflecting the definition of lead-free, and the calculation of lead-free in materials and fixtures, or the adoption of the most recent edition of the NSF 61 standard, drinking water system components.
    Michigan: In the Michigan state plumbing code, 605.3 water service pipe, water service pipe must conform to NSF 61 standard, although such an edition does not, to date, reflect the EPA lead-free definition or the calculation of lead-free in piping materials and fixtures based in sec. 1417 of the SDWA. No pending legislation or proposed rule revisions were found on this issue. [Part 7. Plumbing code, r 408.30701 applicable code. Rule 701].
    Minnesota: The Minnesota plumbing code, updated Oct. 31, 2012, adopts NSF 61 standard, but an edition prior to the lead-free definition and calculation of lead reduction in the recent revisions to sec. 1417 of the SDWA. No pending legislation or proposed rule revisions were found on this issue. [Chapters 4715 and 4716].
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    No factual data or analytical methods were used. The proposed revisions reflect only U.S. EPA 2011 amendments to the SDWA, which is expected to be enforced at the federal level.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis
    This rule-making project will not impose any additional impact on small business above or beyond what is required by the federal government.
    Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis
    The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis is attached.
    Effect on Small Business
    These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses, as defined in s. 227.114 (1) , Stats. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by email at greg.gasper@wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 266-8608.
    Agency Contact Person
    Jean MacCubbin, Program Manager, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708-8935; telephone 608-266-0955; email at jean.maccubbin@wisconsin.gov .
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original   Updated   Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    Chs. SPS 381 to 384, State Plumbing Code
    3. Subject
    EPA Lead Reduction Rule, US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) of 2011
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   X PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    s. 20.165 (2) (j)
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes   X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    No policy is being addressed through this rule revision. The purpose of the rule is to update definition of "lead-free" and incorporate by reference national standards consistent with US EPA Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) revisions of January 2011, which restricts permissible levels of lead in drinking water components and provides manufacturers and distributors a protocol to assure compliance.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    Local water purveyors, product manufacturers and distributors, plumbing designers and inspectors.
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    None known.
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    This federal rule was enacted in January 2011 with a three-year enactment date; manufacturers of pipes and pipe fittings and fixtures sold nation-wide have been noticed that covered products will be required to meet this rule.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    Pipes and pipe fittings and fixtures sold in Wisconsin will meet the requirements of s. 1417 (d) (2) of the SDWA of 2011, thereby reducing the leaching of lead from various materials used in water service into the drinking water.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    These products are intended to restrict permissible levels of lead in drinking water.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    This rule revision is in response to a federal rule, revisions to the SDWA of 2011.
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota )
    An Internet-based search found no pending legislation for the four adjacent states: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
    Jean MacCubbin
    (608) 266-0955
    This document can be made available in alternate formats to individuals with disabilities upon request.
    Notice of Hearing
    Safety and Professional Services —
    Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors
    NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to authority vested in the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors in ss.15.08 (5) (b), 227.11 (2) (a), and 443.015, Wis. Stats., and interpreting s. 443.015 , Wis. Stats., the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors will hold a public hearing at the time and place indicated below to consider an order to amend ss. A-E 13.08 (4) and 13.09 , relating to comity renewal applicants.
    Hearing Information
    Date:   August 29, 2013
    Time:  
    10:00 a.m.
    Location:
      1400 East Washington Avenue
      Room 121A
      Madison, Wisconsin
    Interested persons are invited to present information at the hearing. Persons appearing may make an oral presentation but are urged to submit facts, opinions, and argument in writing as well. Facts, opinions and argument may also be submitted in writing without a personal appearance by mail addressed to the Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708. Written comments must be received at or before the public hearing date to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.
    Place Where Comments are to be Submitted and Deadline for Submission
    Comments may be submitted to Shawn Leatherwood, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI 53708-8935, or by email to shancethea.leatherwood@wisconsin.gov . Comments must be received on or before August 29, 2013 to be included in the record of rule-making proceedings.
    Copies of Rule
    Copies of this proposed rule are available upon request to Shawn Leatherwood, Rules Coordinator, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708, by email at shancethea.leatherwood@wisconsin.gov or on our website at http://dsps.wi.gov/Default.aspx?Page=44e541e8-abdd-49da-8fde-046713617e9e .
    Analysis prepared by the Department of Safety and Professional Services
    Statutes interpreted
    Section 443.015 , Stats.
    Statutory authority
    Explanation of agency authority
    Examining boards are generally empowered by the legislature pursuant to ss. 15.08 (5) (b) , and 227.11 (2) (a) , to promulgate rules that govern their profession. The Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors have been specifically empowered by s. 443.015 , Stats., to promulgate rules regarding continuing education requirements for renewal of a credential. Therefore, the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors is authorized both generally and specifically to promulgate these proposed rules.
    Related statute or rule
    Wis. Admin. Code ss. A-E 13.03 (1) and A-E 13.09 .
    Plain language analysis
    The proposed rule seeks to revise ch. A-E 13 to insure comity applicants are treated the same as newly registered engineers. Comity applicants are applicants from another state who apply for registration to practice professional engineering in Wisconsin. As of now, the rule requires comity applicants to compete 30 professional development hours of qualifying continuing education during the first two years prior to licensure while regularly in-state applicants are not required to do so. The proposed rule will also address retired engineers. Retired engineers seeking a waiver from the continuing education requirement are eligible for the waiver if they have not performed any engineering services nor received remuneration for services rendered.
    Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulation
    None.
    Comparison with rules in adjacent states
    Illinois: Illinois grants licensure by endorsement for applicants who are licensed in other states. 225 ILCS 325/19. There are no specific professional development hours required for endorsement applicants. Illinois does not grant a waiver for retired professional engineers.
    Iowa: Iowa grants licensure by comity. 193C IAC 4.2 (542B). Comity applicants are judged on the applicants' record of education, references, experiences and completion of exams. 193C IAC 4.2 (2). The administrative rules are silent on whether comity applicants are required to fulfill their renewal by way of continuing education requirements or professional development hour requirements.
    Waivers may be granted by written request. Hardship or extenuating circumstances are considered before granting a waiver. There are no specific waiver requirements for retired engineers.193C IAC 7.7 (542B, 272C).
    Michigan: Michigan grants licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state applicants. Mich. Admin. Code R339.16025. The statutes and administrative rules are silent on whether reciprocity applicants are required to fulfill their renewal by way of continuing education requirements or professional development hour requirements.
    Minnesota: Minnesota grants licensure by comity. Minn. R. 1800.0800. Comity applicants that are licensed or certified in another state, may meet continuing education requirements, without completing the entire renewal form, if the other state of which the comity applicant is coming from is listed by the Minnesota board as having continuing education requirements acceptable to the Minnesota board and the license or certificate holder, "certifies in the appropriate section [on the form] that all continuing education and licensing or certification requirements for that state, province, or district have been met." Minn. Stat. § 326.107 Subd. 5.
    Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies
    Drafting of these proposed rules was initiated by the Engineering Section of the Examining Board of Architects, Landscape Architects, Professional Engineers, Designers and Land Surveyors as a result of a review of the current rules. No other factual data or analytical methodologies were used in drafting these proposed rules.
    Analysis and supporting documents used to determine effect on small business or in preparation of economic impact analysis
    These proposed rules do not have an economic impact on small businesses as defined in s. 227.114 (1) , Stats. The Department's Regulatory Review Coordinator may be contacted by email at greg.gasper@wisconsin.gov , or by calling (608) 266-8608.
    Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis
    The Fiscal Estimate and Economic Impact Analysis are attached.
    Agency Contact Person
    Shawn Leatherwood, Department of Safety and Professional Services, Division of Policy Development, 1400 East Washington Avenue, Room 151, P.O. Box 8935, Madison, Wisconsin 53708; telephone 608-261-4438; email at shancethea.leatherwood@wisconsin.gov .
    STATE OF WISCONSIN
    DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION
    DOA-2049 (R03/2012)
    Division of Executive Budget and Finance
    101 East Wilson Street, 10th Floor
    P.O. Box 7864
    Madison, WI 53707-7864
    FAX: (608) 267-0372
    ADMINISTRATIVE RULES
    Fiscal Estimate & Economic Impact Analysis
    1. Type of Estimate and Analysis
    X Original   Updated   Corrected
    2. Administrative Rule Chapter, Title and Number
    ss. A-E 13.08 (4) and 13.09
    3. Subject
    Comity
    4. Fund Sources Affected
    5. Chapter 20, Stats. Appropriations Affected
    GPR   FED   PRO   PRS   SEG   SEG-S
    6. Fiscal Effect of Implementing the Rule
    X No Fiscal Effect
    Indeterminate
    Increase Existing Revenues
    Decrease Existing Revenues
    Increase Costs
    Could Absorb Within Agency's Budget
    Decrease Cost
    7. The Rule Will Impact the Following (Check All That Apply)
    State's Economy
    Local Government Units
    Specific Businesses/Sectors
    Public Utility Rate Payers
    Small Businesses (if checked, complete Attachment A)
    8. Would Implementation and Compliance Costs Be Greater Than $20 million?
    Yes   X No
    9. Policy Problem Addressed by the Rule
    The proposed rule seeks to amend s. A-E 13.09 to insure out-of-state comity applicants are treated the same as in-state renewal applicants when applying for renewal of credentials. Currently, in-state first time renewal applicants are not required to complete the 30 PDH hours for continuing education during their first renewal. The proposed rule will alleviate comity applicants from fulfilling the 30 PDH continuing education hours during their first renewal period as well. The proposed rule will also address retired engineers. Retired engineers seeking a waiver from the continuing education requirements are eligible for the waiver if they are retired from the active practice of engineering and have not received any remuneration for services rendered.
    10. Summary of the businesses, business sectors, associations representing business, local governmental units, and individuals that may be affected by the proposed rule that were contacted for comments.
    The rule was posted on the Department of Safety and Professional Service's website for 14 days in order to solicit comments from the public regarding the rule. No comments were received from the public regarding the rule.
    11. Identify the local governmental units that participated in the development of this EIA.
    No local governmental units participated in the development of this EIA.
    12. Summary of Rule's Economic and Fiscal Impact on Specific Businesses, Business Sectors, Public Utility Rate Payers, Local Governmental Units and the State's Economy as a Whole (Include Implementation and Compliance Costs Expected to be Incurred)
    The Department anticipates that his proposed will not have an economic or fiscal impact on specific businesses, business sectors, public utility rate payers, local governmental units or the state's economy as a whole.
    13. Benefits of Implementing the Rule and Alternative(s) to Implementing the Rule
    Applicants applying by comity will be relieved from the time and expense of obtaining the 30 PDHs within their first biennium.
    14. Long Range Implications of Implementing the Rule
    This proposed rule will result in consistency in the treatment of comity applicants and in-state renewal applicants.
    15. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Federal Government
    N/A
    16. Compare With Approaches Being Used by Neighboring States (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota )
    Illinois: Illinois grants licensure by endorsement for applicants who are licensed in other states. 225 ILCS 325/19. There are no specific professional development hours required for endorsement applicants. Illinois does not grant a waiver for retired professional engineers.
    Iowa: Iowa grants licensure by comity. 193C IAC 4.2 (542B). Comity applicants are judged on the applicants' record of education, references, experiences and completion of exams. 193C IAC 4.2 (2). The administrative rules are silent on whether comity applicants are required to fulfill their renewal by way of continuing education requirements or professional development hour requirements.
    Waivers may be granted by written request. Hardship or extenuating circumstances are considered before granting a waiver. There are no specific waiver requirements for retired engineers.193C IAC 7.7 (542B, 272C).
    Michigan: Michigan grants licensure by reciprocity for out-of-state applicants. Mich. Admin. Code R339.16025. The statutes and administrative rules are silent on whether reciprocity applicants are required to fulfill their renewal by way of continuing education requirements or professional development hour requirements.
    There are no specific provisions regarding granting waivers for retired engineers.
    Minnesota: Minnesota grants licensure by comity. Minn. R. 1800.0800. Comity applicants that are licensed or certified in another state, may meet continuing education requirements, without completing the entire renewal form, if the other state of which the comity applicant is coming from is listed by the Minnesota board as having continuing education requirements acceptable to the Minnesota board and the license or certificate holder, "certifies in the appropriate section [on the form] that all continuing education and licensing or certification requirements for that state, province, or district have been met." Minn. Stat. § 326.107 Subd. 5.
    There are no specific provisions regarding granting waivers for retired engineers.
    17. Contact Name
    18. Contact Phone Number
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