Tuition promise grant program
The bill creates a new grant program administered by the Board of Regents.
This program provides grants in the form of “last-dollar awards” to supplement the
gap between any scholarships or grants that an eligible student receives outside of
this program and the full cost of tuition and segregated fees during either eight
consecutive semesters for incoming freshmen or four consecutive semesters for
incoming transfer students. Summer terms are not counted in the consecutive
semester count, and students may not receive the grants for summer terms.
Students eligible for the grants must be new incoming students enrolled in their first
bachelor's degree whose household federal adjusted gross income is equal to or less
than $60,000 a year, and must be enrolled in an on-campus program at a UW System
institution other than UW-Madison. The bill requires the Board of Regents to
promulgate rules to implement and administer the grant program.
Student loan servicers; Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman
The bill creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman (office) in DFI and
requires student loan servicers to be licensed by this office. The bill contains a
variety of provisions governing student education loans, student loan borrowers, and
student loan servicers. Under the bill, a “student education loan" means a loan that
is extended to a student loan borrower expressly for postsecondary education
expenses or related expenses. A “student loan borrower" means a resident of this
state who has received or agreed to pay a student education loan or a person who
shares legal responsibility for repaying the loan. A “student loan servicer" means a
person responsible for the servicing of a student education loan, but excludes certain
state-regulated financial service providers. “Servicing” means receiving scheduled
periodic payments from a student loan borrower; applying payments received from
a student loan borrower; and performing other administrative services with respect
to a student education loan.
The bill requires a student loan servicer, wherever located, to be licensed by the
office before directly or indirectly engaging in servicing student education loans in
this state. A student loan servicer must hold a separate license for each of its places
of business and the student loan servicer may not act under any name or at any place
of business that is not identified in the license.
The bill imposes numerous requirements on student loan servicers, including
requirements relating to all of the following:
1. Responding to written inquiries from student loan borrowers.
2. Handling and applying “nonconforming payments," defined as payments on
student education loans that are different from the required payments.
3. Responsibilities if there is a sale, assignment, or other transfer of the
servicing of a student education loan.
4. Maintaining and making available to the office records related to student
education loan transactions.
The bill also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in certain conduct
or activity, including the following:
1. Defrauding or misleading a student loan borrower.
2. Engaging in an unfair or deceptive practice or misrepresenting or omitting
material information in connection with the servicing of a student education loan.
3. Misapplying student education loan payments.
4. Providing inaccurate information to a credit bureau related to a student loan
borrower's creditworthiness.
5. Refusing to communicate with an authorized representative of a student
loan borrower.
6. Failing to evaluate a student loan borrower for an income-based repayment
program prior to placing the student loan borrower in default.
The bill also specifies the authority of the office to conduct investigations and
examinations and take administrative action and also provides a private right of
action for violations of the requirements or prohibitions under the bill.
The bill requires the office to perform certain functions, including 1) assisting
student loan borrowers; 2) receiving and attempting to resolve complaints from
student loan borrowers and others; 3) compiling and analyzing data about these
complaints; 4) assisting student loan borrowers in various ways; 5) providing
information to the public and others regarding the problems and concerns of student
loan borrowers; and 6) analyzing and monitoring the development and
implementation of laws and policies relating to student loan borrowers.
Although the bill exempts certain state-regulated financial service providers,
primarily state-chartered financial institutions, from licensing and most other
requirements applicable to student loan servicers, the bill requires these exempt
organizations to cooperate with the office and provide information requested by the
office necessary to investigate and resolve student loan borrower complaints.
Technical college district revenue limits
The bill increases the limit on certain revenue, primarily derived from the
property tax levy, that technical college districts may generate.
Under current law, with certain exceptions, a technical college district board
may not increase its revenue each school year by more than the greater of 1) 0
percent, or 2) the percentage change in the district's equalized value due to new
construction, less improvements removed, between the previous year and the
current year. The amount of this limit is called the “valuation factor.” A district
board's revenue is the sum of its tax levy for operations and the amount of aid it
receives for property tax relief and tax-exempt personal property.
The bill increases part 1) of the valuation factor from 0 percent to 2 percent,
allowing an increase of a district board's revenue by 2 percent over the previous year
regardless of any change in the district's equalized value due to net new construction.
Changes to Minnesota-Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement
Under current law, the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) administers
and has authority to renegotiate the Minnesota-Wisconsin tuition reciprocity
agreement. The agreement provides for the waiver of nonresident tuition for
residents of either state who are enrolled in public vocational schools and for a
reciprocal fee structure for residents of either state who are enrolled in public
institutions of higher education located in the other state.
The bill requires the UW System to enter into, administer, and renegotiate with
Minnesota a tuition reciprocity agreement that provides for the waiver of
nonresident tuition and for a reciprocal fee structure for residents of either state who
are enrolled in public institutions of higher education located in the other state. The
bill requires that all the tuition paid by Minnesota students attending UW
institutions under the agreement, including tuition commonly referred to as
differential reciprocity tuition, be credited to a UW System appropriation account
from which UW System expenditures are authorized.
The bill also requires HEAB to enter into, administer, and renegotiate with
Minnesota a fee reciprocity agreement that provides for the waiver of nonresident
fees for residents of either state who are enrolled in public vocational schools in the
other state.
Extensions of credit to the UW System
The bill allows the Board of Regents to obtain extensions of credit to provide
short-term funding for expenses associated with athletics or educational programs
and related programs. The board may pledge as collateral for an extension of credit
revenues generated as a result of the operation of UW athletic programs, as well as
collateral furnished by a third party. Proceeds from an extension of credit may not
be used to pay for certain expenses, including those associated with the construction,
improvement, or maintenance of buildings, structures, or facilities.
UniverCity Alliance program
The bill creates an appropriation funding the “UniverCity Alliance” program
within the UW-Madison. The UniverCity Alliance program connects in partnership
communities, towns, cities, and counties with UW-Madison education, service, and
research activities in order to address the communities' biggest local challenges.
Baccalaureate degree program for prisoners
The bill requires the UW System and DOC to provide a baccalaureate degree
program for prisoners. Prior to expending any funds appropriated, the UW System
and DOC shall jointly submit a plan for implementing the program to DOA for
approval.
Nurse educators loan forgiveness and fellowship program
The bill requires the Board of Regents to establish a program that provides 1)
fellowships to students who enroll in certain doctoral nursing degree programs; 2)
postdoctoral fellowships to recruit faculty for UW System nursing programs; and 3)
educational loan repayment assistance to recruit and retain faculty for UW System
nursing programs. In addition, the program must require individuals who receive
a fellowship or educational loan repayment assistance under the program to make
a three-year commitment to teaching in a UW System nursing program.
Dentist loan assistance program
The bill permits dentists who agree to practice in rural areas under an
educational loan repayment assistance program to receive the same amount of
assistance as physicians. The Board of Regents administers the program. Under
current law, a dentist or physician who agrees to practice at least 32 clinic hours per
week for three years in either a free or charitable clinic, or in an area with a shortage
of dental or primary care professionals may receive up to $50,000 in assistance under
the program. A physician who agrees to practice for the same duration in a rural area
may receive up to $100,000 in assistance under the program. A dentist who agrees
to practice for the same duration in a rural area may receive up to $50,000 in
assistance under the program. The bill permits dentists who agree to practice for the
same duration in rural areas to receive up to $100,000 in assistance under the
program.
Nonresident tuition exemption for undocumented individuals
The bill creates a nonresident tuition exemption for certain technical college
and UW System students. Current law allows the Board of Regents to charge
different tuition rates to resident and nonresident students. Current law also
includes nonresident tuition exemptions, under which certain nonresident students
pay resident tuition rates. The bill creates an additional exemption for an individual
who is not a citizen of the United States and who 1) graduated from a Wisconsin high
school or received a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation from
Wisconsin; 2) was continuously present in Wisconsin for at least three years
following the first day of attending a Wisconsin high school or immediately preceding
receipt of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation; and 3) enrolls in a
UW System institution and provides the institution with proof stating that he or she
has filed or will file an application for lawful permanent resident status with U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services as soon as the individual is eligible to do so.
The bill also provides that an individual described above is considered a
resident of this state for purposes of admission to and payment of fees at a technical
college.
State residency of relocated active duty service members and their families
The bill establishes guidance for determining state residency of relocated active
duty service members and their spouses and dependents for purposes of resident
tuition eligibility at UW System institutions and technical colleges.
Under current law, UW System institutions must charge a student nonresident
tuition unless the student has been a bona fide resident of this state for at least 12
months prior to registering at the UW institution or the student otherwise qualifies
under another exemption to nonresident tuition. In determining bona fide residence,
the intent of a person to establish and maintain a permanent home in Wisconsin is
determinative, and this intent may be represented by such factors as tax return
filings, voter or vehicle registration, employment, and physical presence. However,
a student who enters and remains in Wisconsin principally to obtain an education
is presumed to continue to reside outside Wisconsin. Under one nonresident tuition
exemption, a student is eligible for resident tuition if the student is a member of the
armed forces who resides in this state and is stationed at a federal military
installation located within 90 miles of the borders of this state or the student is the
child or spouse of such a service member.
Also under current law, the TCS Board must establish procedures to determine
the residence of students attending technical colleges for purposes of fees and
admission, although certain persons are by statute considered Wisconsin residents
for these purposes.
Under the bill, for purposes of determining Wisconsin residency at UW System
institutions and technical colleges, an active duty member of the armed forces who
has been relocated from Wisconsin and stationed on active duty in another state
(relocated service member), and the service member's spouse and dependents, are
considered residents of this state during this period of relocation if they demonstrate,
under the factors described above, that they are bona fide residents during this
relocation period. In addition, if such a demonstration is made, the relocated service
member's dependents continue to be considered residents of this state after the
relocation period has ended.
Nonresident tuition exemption for certain tribal members
The bill allows certain students who are members of, or whose parents or
grandparents are members of, a federally recognized American Indian tribe and who
are otherwise ineligible for resident tuition at UW System institutions and technical
colleges to qualify for resident tuition.
Under current law, a person generally must be a resident of this state for at
least 12 months prior to registering at a UW System institution in order to be exempt
from paying nonresident tuition. Current law also includes nonresident tuition
exemptions, under which certain nonresident students pay resident tuition rates.
Also under current law, the TCS Board establishes program fees that the
technical college districts must charge students. With exceptions, the fees for
nonresidents are 150 percent of the fees for residents. The TCS Board must establish
procedures to determine the residence of students attending technical colleges, but
statutes specify that certain students must be considered residents of this state.
The bill creates a nonresident tuition exemption for certain tribal members or
children or grandchildren of tribal members. Under the bill, a student enrolled in
a UW System institution or technical college qualifies for resident tuition or fee rates
if all of the following apply:
1. The student, or the student's parent or grandparent, is a member of a
federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in Wisconsin or is a member of
a federally recognized tribe in a state contiguous with Wisconsin.
2. The student has resided in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, or
Michigan, or in any combination of these states, for at least 12 months prior to
enrolling in a UW System institution or technical college.
Office of Educational Opportunity
The bill eliminates the OEO in the UW System. Under current law, the OEO
authorizes and monitors charter schools, and the OEO is managed by a director
appointed by the president of the UW System. After the effective date of the bill, the
former OEO's monitoring duties related to existing charter schools are transferred
to the chancellor of UW-Madison, but the chancellor may not authorize new charter
schools.
Investment of certain UW System moneys by the Investment Board
The bill allows the Board of Regents to designate UW System revenues and to
manage those designated revenues by directing the State of Wisconsin Investment
Board (SWIB) to invest these moneys according to investment policies established
by the Board of Regents.
Current law specifies that SWIB has control of the investment of certain state
moneys, including those in the general fund. SWIB manages the State Investment
Fund (SIF), which operates as an investment trust for managing certain state
moneys. Current law prescribes the types of permissible investments that SWIB can
make with SIF assets. The SIF functions as a cash management fund under which
idle cash balances are pooled and invested in liquid, low-risk investments until these
moneys are needed.
Also under current law, the Board of Regents may invest revenues from gifts,
grants, and donations by doing any of the following: 1) directly employing a financial
manager; 2) selecting a private investment firm using a competitive proposal
process; or 3) contracting with SWIB to manage the investment of these moneys. If
the Board of Regents invests these moneys in this manner, the moneys are not
required to be deposited in the SIF. If the Board of Regents contracts with SWIB to
invest these moneys under item 3 above instead of managing these moneys in the
SIF, SWIB must invest the moneys in accordance with the terms of its contract with
the Board of Regents and SWIB's general standard of investment prudence.
Under the bill, if the Board of Regents has designated moneys to be managed
by SWIB under investment policies established by the Board of Regents, SWIB must
invest and manage these moneys in accordance with the investment directives and
policies of the Board of Regents. However, SWIB remains subject to its general
standard of investment prudence and SWIB may decline to follow any investment
directive or policy that SWIB considers to involve unreasonable risk or to be in
violation of this standard of investment prudence. SWIB invests these moneys
outside the SIF.
UW foster youth support programs
The bill provides funding to establish or maintain support programs at UW
institutions for students who formerly resided in a foster home or group home.
Support programs may offer these students scholarships, jobs, emergency funds,
basic supplies, mentorships, career planning, and other forms of support.
UW System student health services
The bill provides funding to the UW System for additional or improved student
health services related to mental and behavioral health.
UW freshwater collaborative
The bill provides funding for a UW freshwater collaborative involving each UW
institution. Freshwater collaborative funding shall be used to devise new
watercentric training programs focused on undergraduates; provide scholarships
and student support to retain and attract new talent; amplify marketing and
recruiting relating to Wisconsin's role in freshwater science; enhance workforce
development programming; and recruit new faculty and staff to advance training
programs, research, and innovation.
Partnership program for the Lake Superior Research Institute
The bill requires the Board of Regents to establish a partnership program
between UW-Superior's Lake Superior Research Institute and northern Wisconsin
communities. The program must be designed to accomplish specified objectives. The
bill creates an appropriation to provide funding for the program.
Extension services provided by UW state specialists
The bill requires the Board of Regents to recognize as teaching hours time spent
by state specialists providing certain extension services.
Under current law, the Board of Regents must develop and implement a plan
that includes 1) policies for monitoring teaching workloads of faculty and
instructional academic staff, including requirements for reporting the number of
hours each spends teaching; and 2) policies for rewarding faculty and instructional
academic staff who teach more than a standard academic load. These teaching hours
reported are included, as aggregate data, in an accountability report submitted to the
governor and legislature and are included, as aggregate data or individually
reported data, directly or by link on the accountability dashboard portion of the UW
System's website.
The bill requires the Board of Regents' plan to recognize as teaching hours, for
state specialists who provide extension services in the field of applied agricultural
research at UW institutions, the time spent by these state specialists teaching
graduate students and teaching Wisconsin farmers.
Agriculture-focused positions at UW-Madison
The bill specifies that the Board of Regents must provide funding for 20
agriculture-focused positions at UW-Madison, comprised of 15 county-based
agriculture agent positions, three applied agriculture research positions, and two
agriculture and climate change research positions. The positions must be filled
using existing, currently vacant positions but must also reflect an increase in the
total number of agricultural agent positions and agriculture-related research
positions at UW-Madison. The bill also requires UW-Madison to submit a report
to the governor and to JCF containing specified information related to these
positions.
UW Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project
Under the bill, the Board of Regents must provide funding to the UW
Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project (MIA Recovery Project) for
missions to recover and identify Wisconsin veterans who are missing in action. At
the conclusion of the mission for which funding is provided, the MIA Recovery Project
must submit to the Board of Regents, JCF, each legislative standing committee
dealing with veterans matters, the governor, DVA, and DMA a report on the mission's
findings and an accounting of expenditures for the mission. The Board of Regents
must provide the funding through a new UW System appropriation.
HEAB service funds appropriation
The bill creates a program revenue-service appropriation for HEAB. The
appropriation authorizes HEAB to expend money that HEAB receives from other
state agencies to carry out the purpose for which the money is received.
elections
Automatic voter registration
The bill requires the Elections Commission to use all feasible means to facilitate
the registration of all individuals eligible to vote in this state and to maintain the
registration of all eligible electors for so long as they remain eligible. Under the bill,
the commission must attempt to facilitate the initial registration of all eligible
electors as soon as practicable. To facilitate that initial registration, the bill directs
the commission and DOT to enter into an agreement so that DOT may transfer
specified personally identifying information in DOT's records to the commission.
The bill requires the commission to maintain the confidentiality of any information
it obtains under the agreement and allows a driver's license or identification card
applicant to opt out of DOT's transfer of this information to the commission.
Once the commission obtains the information required under current law to
complete an eligible elector's registration, the commission adds the elector's name
to the statewide registration list. The bill also permits an individual whose name is
added to the registration list or who wishes to permanently exclude his or her name
from the list to file a request to have his or her name deleted or excluded from the
list or to revoke a deletion or exclusion request previously made. In addition, the bill
directs the commission to notify an individual by first class postcard whenever the
commission removes his or her name from the registration list or changes his or her
status on the list from eligible to ineligible.
The bill also directs the commission to report to the legislature and the
governor, no later than July 1, 2023, its progress in initially registering eligible
electors under the bill. The report must contain an assessment of the feasibility and
desirability of integration of registration information with information maintained
by DHS, DCF, DWD, DOR, DSPS, and DNR; the UW System; and the Technical
College System Board, as well as with the technical colleges in each technical college
district.
Under current law, a qualified elector with a current and valid driver's license
or identification card issued by DOT may register to vote electronically on a secure
website maintained by the commission. To register electronically under current law,
a qualified elector must also authorize DOT to forward a copy of his or her electronic
signature to the commission. The authorization affirms that all information
provided by the elector is correct and has the same effect as a written signature on
a paper copy of the registration form. Finally, current law requires the commission
and DOT to enter into an agreement that permits the commission to verify the
necessary registration information instantly by accessing DOT's electronic files.
Residency requirement for voting
Under current law, with limited exceptions, an otherwise eligible voter must be
a resident of Wisconsin and of the municipality and ward, if any, where the voter is
voting for 28 days before an election in order to vote in the election in that
municipality and ward. The bill shortens that residency requirement from 28 days
to 10 days.
Proof of identification for voting
Current law allows an individual to use as voter identification an unexpired
identification card issued by a technical college, college, or university in this state if
the card meets certain criteria. The card must have an expiration date that is no later
than two years after the date it was issued, and the individual must establish proof
of enrollment. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit held that the
requirement to present both an unexpired identification card and proof of enrollment
had no rational basis and was therefore unconstitutional. See, Luft v. Evers, 963 F.3d
665 (2020). The bill allows a student to use an expired student identification card
under certain circumstances. Under the bill, a student does not need to present proof
of enrollment if using an unexpired identification card but must provide proof of
enrollment if using an expired identification card. In addition, the bill requires each
technical college in this state and each UW System institution to issue student
identification cards that meet the criteria to be used as voter identification no later
than August 1, 2021.
Current law also allows an individual to use as voter identification an
identification card issued by DOT. DOT may issue a receipt as a temporary
identification card to use for voting and other purposes to an individual who is
waiting for the permanent card. The receipt expires in 60 days. The bill extends the
expiration date to 180 days.
