Chapter 238

238.23 238.23 Technology zones.

238.23(1) (1) In this section, “tax credit” means a credit under s. 71.07 (2dm), (2dx), or (3g), 71.28 (1dm), (1dx), or (3g), or 71.47 (1dm), (1dx), or (3g).

238.23(2) (2) 

238.23(2)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (c), the corporation may designate up to 8 areas in the state as technology zones. A business that is located in a technology zone and that is certified by the corporation under sub. (3) is eligible for a tax credit as provided in sub. (3).

238.23(2)(b) (b) The designation of an area as a technology zone shall be in effect for 10 years from the time that the corporation first designates the area. Not more than $5,000,000 in tax credits may be claimed in a technology zone. The corporation may change the boundaries of a technology zone during the time that its designation is in effect. A change in the boundaries of a technology zone does not affect the duration of the designation of the area or the maximum tax credit amount that may be claimed in the technology zone.

238.23(2)(c) (c) No area may be designated as a technology zone under this subsection on or after March 6, 2009.

238.23(3) (3) 

238.23(3)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (e), the corporation may certify for tax credits in a technology zone a business that satisfies all of the following requirements:

238.23(3)(a)1. 1. The business is located in the technology zone.

238.23(3)(a)2. 2. The business is a new or expanding business.

238.23(3)(a)3. 3. The business is a high-technology business.

238.23(3)(b) (b) In determining whether to certify a business under this subsection, the corporation shall consider all of the following:

238.23(3)(b)1. 1. How many new jobs the business is likely to create.

238.23(3)(b)2. 2. The extent and nature of the high technology used by the business.

238.23(3)(b)3. 3. The likelihood that the business will attract related enterprises.

238.23(3)(b)4. 4. The amount of capital investment that the business is likely to make in the state.

238.23(3)(b)5. 5. The economic viability of the business.

238.23(3)(c) (c) When the corporation certifies a business under this subsection, the corporation shall establish a limit on the amount of tax credits that the business may claim. Unless its certification is revoked, and subject to the limit on the tax credit amount established by the corporation under this paragraph, a business that is certified may claim a tax credit for 3 years, except that a business that experiences growth, as determined for that business by the corporation under par. (d) and sub. (5) (e), may claim a tax credit for up to 5 years.

238.23(3)(d) (d) The corporation shall enter into an agreement with a business that is certified under this subsection. The agreement shall specify the limit on the amount of tax credits that the business may claim, the extent and type of growth, which shall be specific to the business, that the business must experience to extend its eligibility for a tax credit, the business’ baseline against which that growth will be measured, any other conditions that the business must satisfy to extend its eligibility for a tax credit, and reporting requirements with which the business must comply.

238.23(3)(e) (e) No business may be certified under this subsection on or after March 6, 2009.

238.23(4) (4) 

238.23(4)(a) (a) The corporation shall notify the department of revenue of all the following:

238.23(4)(a)1. 1. A technology zone’s designation.

238.23(4)(a)2. 2. A business’s certification and the limit on the amount of tax credits that the business may claim.

238.23(4)(a)3. 3. The extension or revocation of a business’s certification.

238.23(4)(b) (b) The corporation shall annually verify information submitted to the corporation under ss. 71.07 (2dm), (2dx), and (3g), 71.28 (1dm), (1dx), and (3g), and 71.47 (1dm), (1dx), and (3g).

238.23(5) (5) The corporation shall adopt rules for the operation of this section, including rules related to all the following:

238.23(5)(a) (a) Criteria for designating an area as a technology zone.

238.23(5)(b) (b) A business’s eligibility for certification, including definitions for all of the following:

238.23(5)(b)1. 1. New or expanding business.

238.23(5)(b)2. 2. High-technology business.

238.23(5)(c) (c) Certifying a business, including use of the factors under sub. (3) (b).

238.23(5)(d) (d) Standards for establishing the limit on the amount of tax credits that a business may claim.

238.23(5)(e) (e) Standards for extending a business’s certification, including what measures, in addition to job creation, the corporation will use to determine the growth of a specific business and how the corporation will establish baselines against which to measure growth.

238.23(5)(f) (f) Reporting requirements for certified businesses.

238.23(5)(g) (g) The exchange of information between the corporation and the department of revenue.

238.23(5)(h) (h) Reasons for revoking a business’s certification.

238.23(5)(i) (i) Standards for changing the boundaries of a technology zone.

238.23 History History: 2001 a. 16, 104; 2007 a. 183; 2009 a. 2; 2011 a. 32 s. 3448; Stats. 2011 s. 238.23; 2015 a. 55; 2021 a. 127.

238.25 238.25 Assistance to loan recipients. The corporation shall assist new businesses and small businesses receiving the assistance of the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority in locating sources of venture capital and in obtaining the state and federal licenses and permits necessary for business operations.

238.25 History History: 2011 a. 32 s. 3305; Stats. 2011 s. 238.25; 2011 a. 214.

238.26 238.26 Report to investment board. No later than September 30 of each even-numbered year, the corporation shall submit to the investment board a report describing the types of investments in businesses in this state that will have the greatest likelihood of enhancing economic development in this state.

238.26 History History: 2011 a. 32 s. 3329.

238.28 238.28 Refundable tax credits. It is the intent of the legislature that all credits awarded under ss. 238.16, 238.308, 238.396, and 238.399 become a permanent part of the working capital structure of businesses claiming the credits.

238.28 History History: 2017 a. 59.

238.29 238.29 Wisconsin-Ireland trade commission.

238.29(1) (1) Definition. In this section, “commission” means the advisory body established by the corporation under sub. (2).

238.29(2) (2) Creation. The corporation shall establish an advisory body, to be known as the Wisconsin-Ireland trade commission. The corporation shall provide administrative support for the commission.

238.29(3) (3) Composition; appointments; vacancies.

238.29(3)(a) (a) The commission shall consist of 7 members, appointed as follows:

238.29(3)(a)1. 1. Two senators, who shall be appointed by the president of the senate. The members shall have knowledge of or current or past involvement in organizations that promote Irish affairs or shall have interest in the well-being of trade relations between this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(3)(a)2. 2. Two representatives to the assembly, who shall be appointed by the speaker of the assembly. The members shall have knowledge of or current or past involvement in organizations that promote Irish affairs or shall have interest in the well-being of trade relations between this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(3)(a)3. 3. Three members nominated by the governor, and with the advice and consent of the senate appointed, to serve for 2-year terms. The members shall include at least one representative from an institution, as defined in s. 36.05 (9), or a technical college under ch. 38; at least one representative from an organization that represents business interests in this state; and at least one member who represents Irish-American communities or interests.

238.29(3)(b) (b) A vacancy in the membership of the commission shall be filled in the same manner in which the original appointment was made.

238.29(4) (4) Administration.

238.29(4)(a) (a) Compensation; reimbursement. A member of the commission shall receive no compensation for services but shall be reimbursed by the corporation for necessary expenses, including travel expenses, incurred in the discharge of duties.

238.29(4)(b) (b) Meetings; chairperson.

238.29(4)(b)1. 1. The commission shall meet on the call of the chairperson or a majority of its members. The commission may meet or hold hearings at any location as will best serve the citizens of this state.

238.29(4)(b)2. 2. The commission shall elect a chairperson from amongst its members every 2 years.

238.29(4)(c) (c) Records; meetings. The commission’s records are subject to the right of examination and copying under s. 19.35 (1), and the commission’s meetings are subject to subch. V. of ch. 19.

238.29(4)(d) (d) Quorum. A majority of the membership of the commission constitutes a quorum to do business, and a majority of a quorum may act in any matter within the jurisdiction of the commission.

238.29(5) (5) Purpose of the commission. The commission shall do all of the following:

238.29(5)(a) (a) Promote the advancement of bilateral trade and investment between this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(5)(b) (b) Recommend joint action on policy issues of mutual interest to this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(5)(c) (c) Promote business and academic exchanges between this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(5)(d) (d) Encourage mutual economic support between this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(5)(e) (e) Encourage mutual investment in the infrastructure of this state and the Republic of Ireland.

238.29(5)(f) (f) Address such other issues as are determined by the commission.

238.29(6) (6) Reports. The commission shall submit a written report of its findings, results, and recommendations to the governor and the legislature within one year after its initial organizational meeting and by February 1 of each succeeding year for the activities of the preceding calendar year.

238.29(7) (7) Funding. The commission may raise funds, through direct solicitation or other fundraising events, alone or with other groups, and accept gifts, grants, and bequests from individuals, corporations, foundations, governmental agencies, and public and private organizations and institutions, to defray the commission’s administrative expenses and to carry out its purposes.

238.29 History History: 2023 a. 170.

subch. II of ch. 238 SUBCHAPTER II

TAX INCENTIVES FOR BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

238.30 238.30 Definitions. In this section and ss. 238.301 to 238.395 and 238.398:

238.30(2) (2) “Development zone program” means the program administered under this subchapter.

238.30(2g) (2g) “Eligible activity” means an activity described under s. 238.302.

238.30(2m) (2m) 

238.30(2m)(a) (a) Except as provided in par. (b) and ss. 238.308 (1) (b) and 238.399 (1) (as), “full-time job” means a regular, nonseasonal full-time position in which an individual, as a condition of employment, is required to work at least 2,080 hours per year, including paid leave and holidays, and for which the individual receives pay that is equal to at least 150 percent of the federal minimum wage and benefits that are not required by federal or state law. “Full-time job” does not include initial training before an employment position begins.

238.30(2m)(b) (b) The corporation may grant exceptions to the requirement under par. (a) that a full-time job means a position in which an individual, as a condition of employment, is required to work at least 2,080 hours per year if all of the following apply:

238.30(2m)(b)1. 1. The annual pay for the position is more than the amount determined by multiplying 2,080 by 150 percent of the federal minimum wage.

238.30(2m)(b)2. 2. An individual in the position is offered retirement, health, and other benefits that are equivalent to the retirement, health, and other benefits offered to an individual who is required to work at least 2,080 hours per year.

238.30(3) (3) “Indian reservation” has the meaning given in s. 139.30 (9).

238.30(4) (4) “Local governing body” means the governing body of one or more cities, villages, towns, or counties or the elected governing body of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in this state.

238.30(4m) (4m) “Member of a targeted group” means a person who resides in an area designated by the federal government as an economic revitalization area, a person who is employed in an unsubsidized job but meets the eligibility requirements under s. 49.145 (2) and (3) for a Wisconsin Works employment position, a person who is employed in a trial job, as defined in s. 49.141 (1) (n), 2011 stats., or in a trial employment match program job, as defined in s. 49.141 (1) (n), a person who is eligible for child care assistance under s. 49.155, a person who is a vocational rehabilitation referral, an economically disadvantaged youth, an economically disadvantaged veteran, a supplemental security income recipient, a general assistance recipient, an economically disadvantaged ex-convict, a dislocated worker, as defined in 29 USC 2801 (9), or a food stamp recipient, if the person has been certified in the manner under 26 USC 51 (d) (13) (A) by a designated local agency, as defined in 26 USC 51 (d) (12).

238.30(5) (5) “Metropolitan statistical area” means a federal standard metropolitan statistical area but does not include areas located within Indian reservations.

238.30(6) (6) “Target population” means persons who are members of targeted groups for the purposes of the credit under ss. 71.07 (2dx), 71.28 (1dx), 71.47 (1dx), and 76.636.

238.30(7) (7) 

238.30(7)(a) (a) Except as provided in pars. (b) to (e), “tax benefits” means the development zones credit under ss. 71.07 (2dx), 71.28 (1dx), 71.47 (1dx), and 76.636.

238.30(7)(b) (b)