Chapter 234

234.15(4) (4) To assure the continued operation and solvency of the authority for the carrying out of the public purposes of this chapter, the authority shall accumulate in each capital reserve fund an amount equal to the capital reserve fund requirement for such fund. If at any time the capital reserve fund requirement for any capital reserve fund exceeds the amount of such capital reserve fund, the chairperson of the authority shall certify to the secretary of administration, the governor and the joint committee on finance the amount necessary to restore such capital reserve fund to an amount equal to the capital reserve fund requirement in respect thereto. If such certification is received by the secretary of administration in an even-numbered year prior to the completion of the budget compilation under s. 16.43, the secretary shall include the certified amount in the budget compilation. In any case, the joint committee on finance shall introduce in either house, in bill form, an appropriation of the amount so certified to the appropriate capital reserve fund of the authority. Recognizing its moral obligation to do so, the legislature hereby expresses its expectation and aspiration that, if ever called upon to do so, it shall make such appropriation.

234.15(5) (5) In computing the amount of any capital reserve fund for the purposes of this section, securities in which all or a portion of such capital reserve fund is invested shall be valued at par, or if purchased at less than par, at their cost to the authority.

234.15(6) (6) Notwithstanding subs. (1r) to (5), the authority, subject to such agreements with noteholders or bondholders as may then exist, may elect not to secure any particular issue of its bonds with a capital reserve fund. Such election shall be made in the resolution authorizing such issue. In this event, subs. (2) and (3) shall not apply to the bonds of such issue in that they shall not be entitled to payment out of or be eligible for purchase by any such fund nor shall they be taken into account in computing or applying any capital reserve fund requirement.

234.15 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1973 c. 208; 1975 c. 221; 1995 a. 225; 1997 a. 35.

234.16 234.16 General reserve fund. The authority shall establish a special fund, referred to in this chapter as general reserve fund, and shall pay into such fund all fees and charges collected by the authority and any moneys which the authority transfers from the capital reserve fund. Such moneys and any other moneys paid into the general reserve fund, in the discretion of the authority but subject to agreements with bondholders and noteholders, may be used by the authority:

234.16(1) (1) For the repayment of advances from the state in accordance with the repayment agreements between the authority and the secretary of administration;

234.16(2) (2) To pay all costs, expenses and charges of financing, including fees and expenses of trustees and paying agents;

234.16(3) (3) For transfers to the capital reserve fund;

234.16(4) (4) For the payment of the principal of and interest on notes or bonds issued by the authority when the same become due whether at maturity or on call for redemption and for the payment of any redemption premium required to be paid where such bonds or notes are redeemed prior to their stated maturities, and to purchase notes or bonds; or

234.16(5) (5) For such other corporate purposes of the authority as the authority in its discretion determines.

234.16 History History: 1971 c. 287.

234.165 234.165 Authority surplus fund.

234.165(1) (1) The authority shall continue the authority surplus fund established under its resolutions authorizing the issuance of its bonds or notes before May 8, 1982.

234.165(2) (2) 

234.165(2)(a) (a) In this subsection, “surplus” means assets of the authority which are not required to pay the cost of issuance of bonds or notes of the authority, to make financially feasible economic development loans and housing projects receiving proceeds from authority bond or note issues or to honor agreements with bondholders and noteholders.

234.165(2)(b) (b)

234.165(2)(b)1. 1. Annually before August 31 the chairperson of the authority shall certify and file with the secretary of administration a report of the actual surplus available on the preceding June 30 and the surplus projected by the authority to be available on the succeeding June 30. Together with this report, the chairperson of the authority shall report, as of the preceding June 30:

234.165(2)(b)1.a. a. The amount or value and an explanation of all short-term deferred receivables and property of the authority and any amounts reserved to cover any deficiency in operating revenue or to fund the replacement or maintenance of assets of the authority.

234.165(2)(b)1.b. b. The amount reserved to be used for loans and other expenditures under each plan approved under this subsection in each prior year.

234.165(2)(b)1.bm. bm. The amount reserved to be used for loans and other expenditures under any plan approved under this subsection that has been loaned or expended or that has been returned to the surplus since the effective date of the plan submitted under this subsection in the previous year.

234.165(2)(b)1.c. c. The amount reserved to be used for loans and other expenditures under any plan approved under this subsection in any prior year that is not legally obligated to be paid to a party other than the authority, the planned use of each such amount, and the projected date by which any such amount that is not used in accordance with the plan approved for its use will become a part of the authority’s surplus.

234.165(2)(b)1.cm. cm. The amount reserved to be used for loans and other expenditures under any plan approved under this subsection in any prior year that have been approved by the authority but for which the authority has not yet signed a contract, the planned use of each such amount, and the projected date by which any such amount that is not used in accordance with the plan approved for its use will become a part of the authority’s surplus.

234.165(2)(b)1.d. d. The actual surplus that became available on the preceding June 30, together with the projected surplus for that date as contained in the authority’s report under this subdivision in the previous year.

234.165(2)(b)2. 2. Annually before August 31 the authority shall submit to the governor a plan for expending or encumbering the actual surplus reported under subd. 1. The part of the plan related to housing shall be consistent with the state housing strategy plan under s. 16.302. The plan submitted under this subdivision may be attached to and submitted as a part of the report filed under subd. 1.

234.165(2)(b)3. 3. Within 30 days after receiving the plan under subd. 2., the governor may modify the plan and shall submit the plan as modified to the presiding officer of each house of the legislature, who shall refer the plan to appropriate standing committees within 7 days, exclusive of Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays.

234.165(2)(b)4. 4. The standing committee review period extends for 30 days after the plan is referred to it. If within the 30-day period a standing committee requests the authority to meet with it to review the plan, the standing committee review period is continued until 30 days after the request. If a standing committee and the governor agree to modifications in the plan, the review period for all standing committees is continued until 10 days after receipt by the committees of the modified plan.

234.165(2)(b)5. 5. The plan or modified plan is approved if no standing committee objects to the plan or modified plan within its review period. If a standing committee objects to the plan or modified plan, it shall refer the parts to which objection was made to the joint committee on finance.

234.165(2)(b)6. 6. The joint committee on finance shall meet in executive session within 30 days after referral by a standing committee, but may take action any time after referral. Joint committee on finance action shall consist of concurrence in standing committee objections, modifications to the parts referred to it which are approved by the governor or approval of the plan or modified plan notwithstanding standing committee objections.

234.165(2)(b)7. 7. The plan is not effective until approved or modified under this paragraph.

234.165(2)(c) (c) Surplus may be expended or encumbered only in accordance with the plan approved under par. (b), except that the authority may transfer from one plan category to another:

234.165(2)(c)1. 1. Not more than 5 percent of the funds allocated to the plan category from which the transfer is made.

234.165(2)(c)2. 2. More than 5 percent of the funds allocated to the plan category from which the transfer is made, if the authority obtains the approval of the secretary of administration and notifies the joint committee on finance of the proposed transfer.

234.165(2)(d) (d) The authority shall allocate a portion of its surplus in a plan prepared under par. (b) to match federal funds available to this state under the Stewart B. McKinney homeless assistance act, 42 USC 11361 to 11402, and to match federal funds available to this state under the home investment partnership program, 42 USC 12741 to 12756.

234.165(2)(dm) (dm) The authority shall allocate a portion of its surplus in a plan prepared under par. (b) to the property tax deferral loan program under ss. 234.621 to 234.626.

234.165 History History: 1981 c. 349; 1983 a. 83; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (14); 1989 a. 346; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 16; 2001 a. 109; 2003 a. 33; 2005 a. 25; 2007 a. 20; 2011 a. 32.

234.165 Note NOTE: Chapter 349, laws of 1981 contains a “legislative declaration” in section 1.

234.17 234.17 Repayment to general fund.

234.17(1) (1) The authority shall repay the amounts appropriated under s. 20.143 (1) (a), 1971 stats., to the general fund from that portion of the authority’s surplus, if any, as is determined by agreement between the authority and the secretary of administration.

234.17(2) (2) By July 31, 2005, July 31, 2006, and July 31, 2007, the authority shall pay into the state treasury an amount equal to the cost to the state of the tax exemption under ss. 71.05 (1) (c) 1m., 71.26 (1m) (em), and 71.45 (1t) (em) in the previous taxable year, as determined jointly by the secretary of administration and the authority.

234.17 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1975 c. 39; 1977 c. 418; 2003 a. 85.

234.18 234.18 Limit on amount of outstanding bonds and notes.

234.18(1) (1) The authority may not issue notes and bonds that are secured by a capital reserve fund to which s. 234.15 (4) applies if, upon issuance, the total aggregate outstanding principal amount of notes and bonds that are secured by a capital reserve fund to which s. 234.15 (4) applies would exceed $600,000,000. This section does not apply to bonds and notes issued to refund outstanding notes and bonds.

234.18(2) (2) On July 5, 2019, the amount specified in sub. (1) is increased by $200,000,000.

234.18(3) (3) On July 7, 2023, the amount specified in sub. (1), including the increase specified in sub. (2), is increased by $200,000,000.

234.18 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1975 c. 200; 1977 c. 108, 317; 1979 c. 18; 1981 c. 349; 1983 a. 36 s. 96 (4); 1985 a. 29; 1987 a. 69; 1991 a. 39; 1995 a. 27 s. 9116 (5); 1997 a. 27; 2005 a. 75; 2019 a. 9; 2023 a. 19.

234.19 234.19 Notes and bonds; pledge and agreement of state. The state pledges and agrees with the holders of any notes or bonds issued under this chapter, that the state will not limit or alter the rights vested in the authority to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the holders thereof, or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the holders until the notes or bonds, together with the interest thereon, with interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of such holders, are fully met and discharged. The authority is authorized to include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the holders of such notes or bonds.

234.19 History History: 1971 c. 287.

234.20 234.20 Default; trustee.

234.20(1) (1) If the authority defaults in the payment of principal of or interest on any issue of notes or bonds after they become due, whether at maturity or upon call for redemption, and the default continues for a period of 30 days or if the authority fails or refuses to comply with this chapter or defaults in any agreement made with the holders of any issue of notes or bonds, the holders of 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the notes or bonds of the issue then outstanding, by instrument recorded in the office of the register of deeds of Dane County and approved or acknowledged in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, may appoint a trustee to represent the holders of the notes or bonds for the purposes otherwise specifically provided.

234.20(2) (2) The trustee may, and upon written request of the holders of 25 percent in principal amount of such notes or bonds then outstanding shall, in the trustee’s name:

234.20(2)(a) (a) By action or proceeding, enforce all rights of the noteholders or bondholders, including the right to require the authority to collect fees and charges and interest and amortization payments on mortgage loans made by it adequate to carry out any agreement as to, or pledge of, such fees and charges and interest and amortization payments on such mortgages, and other properties and to require the authority to carry out any other agreements with the holders of such notes or bonds and to perform its duties under this chapter;

234.20(2)(b) (b) Bring suit upon such notes or bonds;

234.20(2)(c) (c) By action, require the authority to account as if it were the trustee of an express trust for the holders of such notes or bonds;

234.20(2)(d) (d) By action, enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful or in violation of the rights of the holders of such notes or bonds; and

234.20(2)(e) (e) Declare all such notes or bonds due and payable, and if all defaults shall be made good, then, with the consent of the holders of 25 percent of the principal amount of such notes or bonds then outstanding, to annul such declaration and its consequences.

234.20 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 301.

234.21 234.21 Trustee; additional powers. The trustee, in addition to the powers granted in s. 234.20 shall have all of the powers necessary or appropriate for the exercise of any functions specifically set forth in this chapter or incident to the general representation of noteholders or bondholders in the enforcement and protection of their rights.

234.21 History History: 1971 c. 287.

234.22 234.22 Venue. The venue of any action or proceeding by the trustee under ss. 234.19, 234.20 and 234.21 shall be in Dane County.

234.22 History History: 1971 c. 287.

234.23 234.23 Notice before declaration that notes or bonds are due and payable. Before declaring the principal of notes or bonds due and payable, the trustee shall first give 30 days’ notice in writing to the governor, the authority and the attorney general.

234.23 History History: 1971 c. 287.

234.24 234.24 System of funds and accounts. Subject to agreements with noteholders and bondholders, the authority shall prescribe a system of funds and accounts.

234.24 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1975 c. 221; 1983 a. 81.

234.25 234.25 Annual report.

234.25(1) (1) The authority shall submit to the governor, the cochairpersons of the joint committee on finance, the senate committee on housing and urban development, the assembly committee on municipalities, such other committees as the legislature by joint resolution may determine, and the secretary of administration within 6 months after the end of its fiscal year a complete and detailed report setting forth:

234.25(1)(a) (a) Its operations, accomplishments, goals and objectives;

234.25(1)(b) (b) A statement of income and expenses for such fiscal year in accordance with the categories or classifications established by the authority for its operating and capital outlay purposes;

234.25(1)(c) (c) Its assets and liabilities at the end of its fiscal year, including a schedule of its leases and mortgages and the status of reserve, special or other funds;

234.25(1)(d) (d) A schedule of its bonds and notes outstanding at the end of its fiscal year, together with a statement of the amounts redeemed and incurred during such fiscal year; and

234.25(1)(e) (e) An evaluation of its progress in implementing within its own housing programs the goals, policies, and objectives of the state housing strategy plan under s. 16.302, and recommendations for legislation to improve its ability to carry out its programs consistent with the state housing strategy plan.

234.25(2) (2) The authority, annually on January 15, shall file with the department of administration and the joint legislative council a complete and current listing of all forms, reports and papers required by the authority to be completed by any person, other than a governmental body, as a condition of obtaining the approval of the authority or for any other reason. The authority shall attach a blank copy of each such form, report or paper to the listing.

234.25 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1979 c. 221; 1981 c. 349; 1983 a. 36; 1985 a. 29 s. 3202 (14); 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 52, 184; 2003 a. 33; 2011 a. 32.

234.255 234.255 Economic development assistance coordination and reporting.

234.255(1) (1) The authority shall coordinate any economic development assistance with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation.

234.255(2) (2) Annually, no later than October 1, the authority shall submit to the joint legislative audit committee and to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature under s. 13.172 (3) a comprehensive report assessing economic development programs, as defined in s. 234.032 (1), administered by the authority. The report shall include all of the information required under s. 238.07 (2). The authority shall collaborate with the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation to make readily accessible to the public on an Internet-based system the information required under this section.

234.255 History History: 2007 a. 125; 2011 a. 32.

234.26 234.26 Notes and bonds as legal investments.

234.26(1) (1) Any of the following persons or entities may legally invest any sinking funds, moneys, or other funds belonging to them or within their control in any notes or bonds issued by the authority:

234.26(1)(a) (a) The state, the investment board, all public officers, municipal corporations, political subdivisions, and public bodies.

234.26(1)(b) (b) All banks, bankers, savings and loan associations, credit unions, trust companies, savings banks, investment companies, insurance companies, insurance associations, and other persons carrying on a banking or insurance business.

234.26(1)(c) (c) All personal representatives, guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries.

234.26(2) (2) The notes and bonds described in sub. (1) shall be authorized security for all public deposits and shall be fully negotiable in this state.

234.26 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1991 a. 221; 2001 a. 102.

234.265 234.265 Records of the authority. All records of the authority or any corporation established by the authority shall be open to the public, except:

234.265(1) (1) Those records relating to pending grants, economic development loans or housing projects which, in the opinion of the authority, must remain confidential to protect the competitive nature of the grant, loan or project.

234.265(2) (2) Records or portions of records consisting of personal or financial information provided by a person seeking a grant or loan under s. 234.63, 2007 stats., or s. 234.04, 234.08, 234.49, 234.59, 234.592, 234.605, 234.61, 234.65, 234.67, 234.83, 234.84, 234.90, 234.905, 234.907, or 234.91, seeking a loan under ss. 234.621 to 234.626, seeking financial assistance under s. 234.66, 2005 stats., seeking mortgage loan refinancing from a lender under s. 234.605, seeking investment of funds under s. 234.03 (18m), or in which the authority has invested funds under s. 234.03 (18m), unless the person consents to disclosure of the information.

234.265 History History: 1971 c. 287; 1983 a. 81, 83, 192; 1985 a. 29, 334; 1987 a. 421; 1989 a. 31, 335, 336, 359; 1991 a. 39, 309; 1993 a. 16, 437; 1995 a. 116, 150; 1997 a. 27, 35; 1999 a. 9; 2005 a. 75, 487; 2007 a. 125; 2009 a. 2.

234.28 234.28 Notes and bonds; exemption from taxation. The state covenants with the purchasers and all subsequent holders and transferees of notes and bonds issued by the authority, in consideration of the acceptance of any payment for the notes and bonds, that its fees, charges, gifts, grants, revenues, receipts and other moneys received or to be received, pledged to pay or secure the payment of such notes or bonds shall at all times be free and exempt from all state, city, county or other taxation provided by the laws of the state.