Chapter 39

39.54(2)(b) (b) An institution of higher education may include the information described under par. (a) on student identification cards by printing the information on, or by affixing a sticker that contains the information to, the identification cards.

39.54 History History: 2019 a. 116.

subch. IV of ch. 39 SUBCHAPTER IV

EDUCATION COMPACTS

39.75 39.75 Compact for education. The compact for education is hereby enacted into law and entered into by this state with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein, in the form substantially as follows:

39.75(1) (1) Article I — Purpose and Policy.

39.75(1)(a) (a) It is the purpose of this compact to:

39.75(1)(a)1. 1. Establish and maintain close cooperation and understanding among executive, legislative, professional educational and lay leadership on a nationwide basis at the state and local levels.

39.75(1)(a)2. 2. Provide a forum for the discussion, development, crystallization and recommendation of public policy alternatives in the field of education.

39.75(1)(a)3. 3. Provide a clearinghouse of information on matters relating to educational problems and how they are being met in different places throughout the nation, so that the executive and legislative branches of state government and of local communities may have ready access to the experience and record of the entire country, and so that both lay and professional groups in the field of education may have additional avenues for the sharing of experience and the interchange of ideas in the formation of public policy in education.

39.75(1)(a)4. 4. Facilitate the improvement of state and local educational systems so that all of them will be able to meet adequate and desirable goals in a society which requires continuous qualitative and quantitative advance in educational opportunities, methods and facilities.

39.75(1)(b) (b) It is the policy of this compact to encourage and promote local and state initiative in the development, maintenance, improvement and administration of educational systems and institutions in a manner which will accord with the needs and advantages of diversity among localities and states.

39.75(1)(c) (c) The party states recognize that each of them has an interest in the quality and quantity of education furnished in each of the other states, as well as in the excellence of its own educational systems and institutions, because of the highly mobile character of individuals within the nation, and because the products and services contributing to the health, welfare and economic advancement of each state are supplied in significant part by persons educated in other states.

39.75(2) (2) Article II — State Defined. As used in this compact, “state” means a state, territory, or possession of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico.

39.75(3) (3) Article III — The Commission.

39.75(3)(a) (a) The education commission of the states, hereinafter called “the commission”, is hereby established. The commission shall consist of 7 members representing each party state. One of such members shall be governor; 2 shall be members of the state legislature selected by its respective houses and serving in such manner as the legislature may determine; and 4 shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, unless the laws of the state otherwise provide. If the laws of a state prevent legislators from serving on the commission, 6 members shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the governor, unless the laws of the state otherwise provide. In addition to any other principles or requirements which a state may establish for the appointment and service of its members of the commission, the guiding principle for the composition of the membership on the commission from each party state shall be that the members representing such state shall, by virtue of their training, experience, knowledge or affiliations be in a position collectively to reflect broadly the interests of the state government, higher education, the state education system, local education, lay and professional, public and nonpublic educational leadership. Of those appointees, one shall be the head of a state agency or institution, designated by the governor, having responsibility for one or more programs of public education. In addition to the members of the commission representing the party states, there may be not to exceed 10 nonvoting commissioners selected by the steering committee for terms of one year. Such commissioners shall represent leading national organizations of professional educators or persons concerned with educational administration.

39.75(3)(b) (b) The members of the commission shall be entitled to one vote each on the commission. No action of the commission shall be binding unless taken at a meeting at which a majority of the total number of votes on the commission are cast in favor thereof. Action of the commission shall be only at a meeting at which a majority of the commissioners are present. The commission shall meet at least once a year. In its bylaws, and subject to such directions and limitations as may be contained therein, the commission may delegate the exercise of any of its powers to the steering committee or the executive director, except for the power to approve budgets or requests for appropriations, the power to make policy recommendations pursuant to sub. (4) and adoption of the annual report pursuant to par. (j).

39.75(3)(c) (c) The commission shall have a seal.

39.75(3)(d) (d) The commission shall elect annually, from among its members, a chairperson, who shall be a governor, a vice chairperson and a treasurer. The commission shall provide for the appointment of an executive director. Such executive director shall serve at the pleasure of the commission, and together with the treasurer and such other personnel as the commission may deem appropriate shall be bonded in such amount as the commission shall determine. The executive director shall be secretary.

39.75(3)(e) (e) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the party states, the executive director subject to the approval of the steering committee shall appoint, remove or discharge such personnel as may be necessary for the performance of the functions of the commission, and shall fix the duties and compensation of such personnel. The commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the commission.

39.75(3)(f) (f) The commission may borrow, accept or contract for the services of personnel from any party jurisdiction, the United States, or any subdivision or agency of the aforementioned governments, or from any agency of 2 or more of the party jurisdictions or their subdivisions.

39.75(3)(g) (g) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under this compact any and all donations and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services, conditional or otherwise, from any state, the United States, or any other governmental agency, or from any person, firm, association, foundation or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same. Any donation or grant accepted by the commission pursuant to this paragraph or services borrowed pursuant to par. (f) shall be reported in the annual report of the commission. Such report shall include the nature, amount and conditions, if any, of the donation, grant or services borrowed, and the identity of the donor or lender.

39.75(3)(h) (h) The commission may establish and maintain such facilities as may be necessary for the transacting of its business. The commission may acquire, hold and convey real and personal property and any interest therein.

39.75(3)(i) (i) The commission shall adopt bylaws for the conduct of its business and shall have the power to amend and rescind these bylaws. The commission shall publish its bylaws in convenient form and shall file a copy thereof and a copy of any amendment thereto, with the appropriate agency or officer in each of the party states.

39.75(3)(j) (j) The commission annually shall submit to the governor, to the chief clerk of each house of the legislature for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) and to the legislature of any other party state a report covering the activities of the commission for the preceding year. The commission may submit such additional reports as it deems desirable.

39.75(4) (4) Article IV — Powers. In addition to authority conferred on the commission by other provisions of the compact, the commission shall have authority to:

39.75(4)(a) (a) Collect, correlate, analyze and interpret information and data concerning educational needs and resources.

39.75(4)(b) (b) Encourage and foster research in all aspects of education, but with special reference to the desirable scope of instruction, organization, administration and instructional methods and standards employed or suitable for employment in public educational systems.

39.75(4)(c) (c) Develop proposals for adequate financing of education as a whole and at each of its many levels.

39.75(4)(d) (d) Conduct or participate in research of the types referred to in this subsection in any instance where the commission finds that such research is necessary for the advancement of the purposes and policies of this compact, utilizing fully the resources of national associations, regional compact organizations for higher education and other agencies and institutions, both public and private.

39.75(4)(e) (e) Formulate suggested policies and plans for the improvement of public education as a whole, or for any segment thereof, and make recommendations with respect thereto available to the appropriate governmental units, agencies and public officials.

39.75(4)(f) (f) Do such other things as may be necessary or incidental to the administration of any of its authority or functions pursuant to this compact.

39.75(5) (5) Article V — Cooperation with Federal Government.

39.75(5)(a) (a) If the laws of the United States specifically so provide, or if administrative provision is made therefor within the federal government, the United States may be represented on the commission by not to exceed 10 representatives. Any such representative or representatives of the United States shall be appointed and serve in such manner as may be provided by or pursuant to federal law, and may be drawn from any one or more branches of the federal government, but no such representative shall have a vote on the commission.

39.75(5)(b) (b) The commission may provide information and make recommendations to any executive or legislative agency or officer of the federal government concerning the common educational policies of the states, and may advise with any such agencies or officers concerning any matter of mutual interest.

39.75(6) (6) Article VI — Committees.

39.75(6)(a) (a) To assist in the expeditious conduct of its business when the full commission is not meeting, the commission shall elect a steering committee of 32 members which, subject to the provisions of this compact and consistent with the policies of the commission, shall be constituted and function as provided in the bylaws of the commission. One-fourth of the voting membership of the steering committee shall consist of governors, one-fourth shall consist of legislators, and the remainder shall consist of other members of the commission. A federal representative on the commission may serve with the steering committee, but without vote. The voting members of the steering committee shall serve for terms of 2 years, except that members elected to the first steering committee of the commission shall be elected as follows: 15 for one year and 15 for 2 years. The chairperson, vice chairperson, and treasurer of the commission shall be members of the steering committee and, anything in this paragraph to the contrary notwithstanding, shall serve during their continuance in these offices. Vacancies in the steering committee shall not affect its authority to act, but the commission at its next regularly ensuing meeting following the occurrence of any vacancy shall fill it for the unexpired term. No person shall serve more than 2 terms as a member of the steering committee: provided that service for a partial term of one year or less shall not be counted toward the 2-term limitation.

39.75(6)(b) (b) The commission may establish advisory and technical committees composed of state, local, and federal officials, and private persons to advise it with respect to any one or more of its functions. Any advisory or technical committee may, on request of the states concerned, be established to consider any matter of special concern to 2 or more of the party states.

39.75(6)(c) (c) The commission may establish such additional committees as its bylaws may provide.

39.75(7) (7) Article VII — Finance.

39.75(7)(a) (a) The commission shall advise the governor or designated officer or officers of each party state of its budget and estimated expenditures for such period as may be required by the laws of that party state. Each of the commission’s budgets of estimated expenditures shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the party states.

39.75(7)(b) (b) The total amount of appropriation requests under any budget shall be apportioned among the party states. In making such apportionment, the commission shall devise and employ a formula which takes equitable account of the populations and per capita income levels of the party states.

39.75(7)(c) (c) The commission shall not pledge the credit of any party states. The commission may meet any of its obligations in whole or in part with funds available to it under sub. (3) (g), provided that the commission takes specific action setting aside such funds prior to incurring an obligation to be met in whole or in part in such manner. Except where the commission makes use of funds available to it under sub. (3) (g), the commission shall not incur any obligation prior to the allotment of funds by the party states adequate to meet the same.

39.75(7)(d) (d) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established by its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a qualified certified public accountant licensed or certified under ch. 442, and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual reports of the commission.

39.75(7)(e) (e) The accounts of the commission shall be open at any reasonable time for inspection by duly constituted officers of the party states and by any persons authorized by the commission.

39.75(7)(f) (f) Nothing contained herein shall be construed to prevent commission compliance with laws relating to audit or inspection of accounts by or on behalf of any government contributing to the support of the commission.

39.75(8) (8) Article VIII — Eligible Parties; Entry Into and Withdrawal.

39.75(8)(a) (a) This compact shall have as eligible parties all states, territories, and possessions of the United States, the District of Columbia and the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In respect of any such jurisdiction not having a governor, the term “governor”, as used in this compact, shall mean the closest equivalent official of such jurisdiction.

39.75(8)(b) (b) Any state or other eligible jurisdiction may enter into this compact and it shall become binding thereon when it has adopted the same: provided that in order to enter into initial effect, adoption by at least 10 eligible party jurisdictions shall be required.

39.75(8)(c) (c) Adoption of the compact may be either by enactment thereof or by adherence thereto by the governor; provided that in the absence of enactment, adherence by the governor shall be sufficient to make the governor’s state a party only until December 31, 1967. During any period when a state is participating in this compact through gubernatorial action, the governor shall appoint those persons who, in addition to the governor, shall serve as the members of the commission from the governor’s state, and shall provide to the commission an equitable share of the financial support of the commission from any source available to the governor.

39.75(8)(d) (d) Except for a withdrawal effective on December 31, 1967, in accordance with par. (c), any party state may withdraw from this compact by enacting a statute repealing the same, but no such withdrawal shall take effect until one year after the governor of the withdrawing state has given notice in writing of the withdrawal to the governors of all other party states. No withdrawal shall affect any liability already incurred by or chargeable to a party state prior to the time of such withdrawal.

39.75(9) (9) Article IX — Construction and Severability. This compact shall be liberally construed so as to effectuate the purposes thereof. The provisions of this compact shall be severable and if any phrase, clause, sentence or provision of this compact is declared to be contrary to the constitution of any state or of the United States, or the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance is held invalid, the validity of the remainder of this compact and the applicability thereof to any government, agency, person or circumstance shall not be affected thereby. If this compact shall be held contrary to the constitution of any state participating therein, the compact shall remain in full force and effect as to the state affected as to all severable matters.

39.75 History History: 1981 c. 390; 1987 a. 186; 1991 a. 316; 1993 a. 184; 2001 a. 16.

39.76 39.76 Compact commission delegation.

39.76(1) (1) State representation on the education commission of the states. There is created a 7-member delegation to represent the state of Wisconsin on the education commission of the states. The delegation shall consist of the governor, the state superintendent of public instruction, one senator and one representative to the assembly selected as are the members of standing committees in their respective houses, and 3 members appointed by the governor in compliance with s. 39.75 (3) (a) who shall serve at the pleasure of the governor. The chairperson of the delegation shall be designated by the governor from among its members. Members of the delegation shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties from the appropriation in s. 20.505 (1) (ka). Annual commission membership dues shall be paid from the appropriation in s. 20.505 (1) (ka).

39.76(2) (2) Administration service. The department of administration shall provide administrative and staff services for the delegation to the education commission of the states.

39.76(3) (3) Reports; bylaws. Under s. 39.75 (3) (j), the education commission of the states shall file a copy of its bylaws and any amendments thereto with the secretary of state and the office of the governor on or before January 15 of each odd-numbered year. The delegation or the education commission of the states shall submit to the governor and the chief clerk of each house of the legislature, for distribution to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2), a report of the activities of the delegation and the commission.

39.76(4) (4) Cooperation of state agencies. Any existing state department or board in the field of public education shall within existing appropriations cooperate with the education compact delegation in the execution of its functions.

39.76 History History: 1977 c. 29 s. 1649; 1977 c. 325; 1981 c. 20 s. 2202 (1) (b); 1981 c. 390; 1987 a. 186; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 25.

39.80 39.80 Midwestern higher education compact. The midwestern higher education compact is hereby enacted into law and entered into by this state with all other jurisdictions legally joining therein, in the form substantially as follows:

39.80(1) (1) Article I — Purpose. The purpose of the midwestern higher education compact shall be to provide greater higher education opportunities and services in the midwestern region, with the aim of furthering regional access to, research in and choice of higher education for the citizens residing in the several states which are parties to this compact.

39.80(2) (2) Article II — The Commission.

39.80(2)(a) (a) The compacting states hereby create the midwestern higher education commission, hereinafter called “the commission”. The commission shall be a body corporate of each compacting state. The commission shall have all the responsibilities, powers and duties set forth herein, including the power to sue and be sued, and such additional powers as may be conferred upon it by subsequent action of the respective legislatures of the compacting states in accordance with the terms of this compact.

39.80(2)(b) (b) The commission shall consist of 5 resident members of each state as follows: the governor or the governor’s designee who shall serve during the tenure of office of the governor; 2 legislators, one from each house (except Nebraska, which may appoint 2 legislators from its unicameral legislature), who shall serve 2-year terms and be appointed by the appropriate appointing authority in each house of the legislature; and 2 other at-large members, at least one of whom shall be selected from the field of higher education. The at-large members shall be appointed in a manner provided by the laws of the appointing state. One of the 2 at-large members initially appointed in each state shall serve a 2-year term. The other, and any regularly appointed successor to either at-large member, shall serve a 4-year term. All vacancies shall be filled in accordance with the laws of the appointing states. Any commissioner appointed to fill a vacancy shall serve until the end of the incomplete term.

39.80(2)(c) (c) The commission shall select annually, from among its members, a chairperson, a vice chairperson and a treasurer.

39.80(2)(d) (d) The commission shall appoint an executive director who shall serve at its pleasure and who shall act as secretary to the commission. The treasurer, the executive director and such other personnel as the commission may determine, shall be bonded in such amounts as the commission may require.

39.80(2)(e) (e) The commission shall meet at least once each calendar year. The chairperson may call additional meetings and, upon the request of a majority of the commission members of 3 or more compacting states, shall call additional meetings. Public notice shall be given of all meetings and meetings shall be open to the public.

39.80(2)(f) (f) Each compacting state represented at any meeting of the commission is entitled to one vote. A majority of the compacting states shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business, unless a larger quorum is required by the bylaws of the commission.

39.80(3) (3) Article III — Powers and Duties of the Commission.

39.80(3)(a) (a) The commission shall adopt a seal and suitable bylaws governing its management and operations.

39.80(3)(b) (b) Irrespective of the civil service, personnel or other merit system laws of any of the compacting states, the commission in its bylaws shall provide for the personnel policies and programs of the compact.

39.80(3)(c) (c) The commission shall submit a budget to the governor and legislature of each compacting state at such time and for such period as may be required. The budget shall contain specific recommendations of the amount or amounts to be appropriated by each of the compacting states.

39.80(3)(d) (d) The commission shall report annually to the legislatures and governors of the compacting states, to the midwestern governors’ conference and to the midwestern legislative conference of the council of state governments concerning the activities of the commission during the preceding year. Such reports shall also embody any recommendations that may have been adopted by the commission.

39.80(3)(e) (e) The commission may borrow, accept, or contract for the services of personnel from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, from any interstate agency, or from any institution, foundation, person, firm or corporation.

39.80(3)(f) (f) The commission may accept for any of its purposes and functions under the compact any and all donations, and grants of money, equipment, supplies, materials and services (conditional or otherwise) from any state or the United States or any subdivision or agency thereof, or interstate agency, or from any institution, foundation, person, firm, or corporation, and may receive, utilize and dispose of the same.

39.80(3)(g) (g) The commission may enter into agreements with any other interstate education organizations or agencies and with higher education institutions located in nonmember states and with any of the various states of these United States to provide adequate programs and services in higher education for the citizens of the respective compacting states. The commission shall, after negotiations with interested institutions and interstate organizations or agencies, determine the cost of providing the programs and services in higher education for use in these agreements.

39.80(3)(h) (h) The commission may establish and maintain offices, which shall be located within one or more of the compacting states.

39.80(3)(i) (i) The commission may establish committees and hire staff as it deems necessary for the carrying out of its functions.

39.80(3)(j) (j) The commission may provide for actual and necessary expenses for attendance of its members at official meetings of the commission or its designated committees.

39.80(4) (4) Article IV — Activities of the Commission.

39.80(4)(a) (a) The commission shall collect data on the long-range effects of the compact on higher education. By the end of the 4th year from the effective date of the compact and every 2 years thereafter, the commission shall review its accomplishments and make recommendations to the governors and legislatures of the compacting states on the continuance of the compact.

39.80(4)(b) (b) The commission shall study issues in higher education of particular concern to the midwestern region. The commission shall also study the needs for higher education programs and services in the compacting states and the resources for meeting such needs. The commission shall, from time to time, prepare reports on such research for presentation to the governors and legislatures of the compacting states and other interested parties. In conducting such studies, the commission may confer with any national or regional planning body. The commission may draft and recommend to the governors and legislatures of the various compacting states suggested legislation dealing with problems of higher education.

39.80(4)(c) (c) The commission shall study the need for provision of adequate programs and services in higher education, such as undergraduate, graduate or professional student exchanges in the region. If a need for exchange in a field is apparent, the commission may enter into such agreements with any higher education institution and with any of the compacting states to provide programs and services in higher education for the citizens of the respective compacting states. The commission shall, after negotiations with interested institutions and the compacting states, determine the cost of providing the programs and services in higher education for use in its agreements. The contracting states shall contribute the funds not otherwise provided, as determined by the commission, for carrying out the agreements. The commission may also serve as the administrative and fiscal agent in carrying out agreements for higher education programs and services.

39.80(4)(d) (d) The commission shall serve as a clearinghouse on information regarding higher education activities among institutions and agencies.

39.80(4)(e) (e) In addition to the activities of the commission previously noted, the commission may provide services and research in other areas of regional concern.

39.80(5) (5) Article V — Finance.

39.80(5)(a) (a) The moneys necessary to finance the general operations of the commission not otherwise provided for in carrying forth its duties, responsibilities and powers as stated herein shall be appropriated to the commission by the compacting states, when authorized by the respective legislatures, by equal apportionment among the compacting states.

39.80(5)(b) (b) The commission shall not incur any obligations of any kind prior to the making of appropriations adequate to meet the same; nor shall the commission pledge the credit of any of the compacting states, except by and with the authority of the compacting state.

39.80(5)(c) (c) The commission shall keep accurate accounts of all receipts and disbursements. The receipts and disbursements of the commission shall be subject to the audit and accounting procedures established under its bylaws. However, all receipts and disbursements of funds handled by the commission shall be audited yearly by a certified public accountant licensed or certified under ch. 442 and the report of the audit shall be included in and become part of the annual report of the commission.