Chapter 16

16.27(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

16.27(1)(a) (a) “County department” means a county department under s. 46.215 or 46.22.

16.27(1)(am) (am) “Crisis assistance” means a benefit that is given to a household experiencing or at risk of experiencing a heating-related emergency.

16.27(1)(b) (b) “Dwelling” means the residence of a low-income warm room program volunteer.

16.27(1)(bm) (bm) “Heating assistance” means a benefit, other than crisis assistance, that is given to a household to assist in meeting the cost of home heating.

16.27(1)(c) (c) “Household” means any individual or group of individuals who are living together as one economic unit for whom residential energy is customarily purchased in common or who make undesignated payments for energy in the form of rent.

16.27(1)(d) (d) “Low-income warm room program materials” include a removable, insulated radiator blanket, a portable remote control thermostat and other cost-efficient materials or repairs necessary to achieve maximum heating efficiency in a dwelling.

16.27(1)(e) (e) “Low-income warm room program volunteer” means a person who is eligible for assistance under 42 USC 8621 to 8629, whose dwelling, in comparison to the dwellings of other persons eligible for assistance under 42 USC 8621 to 8629, has a high ratio of space to occupant, and who volunteers to take the training under sub. (2) (b) and to cooperate with the department in the installation and operation of low-income warm room program materials in his or her dwelling.

16.27(1)(em) (em) “Utility allowance” means the amount of utility costs paid by those individuals in subsidized housing who pay their own utility bills, as averaged from total utility costs for the housing unit by the housing authority.

16.27(2) (2) Administration.

16.27(2)(a) (a) The department shall administer low-income energy assistance as provided in this section to assist an eligible household to meet the costs of home energy with low-income home energy assistance benefits authorized under 42 USC 8621 to 8629.

16.27(2)(b) (b) The department shall administer a low-income warm room program to install low-income warm room program materials in the dwellings of low-income warm room program volunteers and to train the low-income warm room program volunteers and the members of each low-income warm room program volunteer’s household in the operation of the low-income warm room program materials to achieve maximum health and heating efficiency.

16.27(3) (3) Funding. Subject to s. 16.54 (2), the department shall, within the limits of the availability of federal funds received under 42 USC 8621 to 8629:

16.27(3)(b) (b) By October 1 of every year from the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (mb), determine the total amount available for payment of heating assistance under sub. (6) and determine the benefit schedule.

16.27(3)(c) (c) From the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (mb), allocate $1,100,000 in each federal fiscal year for the department’s expenses in administering the funds to provide low-income energy assistance.

16.27(3)(d) (d) From the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (n), allocate $2,900,000 in each federal fiscal year for the expenses of a county department, another local governmental agency or a private nonprofit organization in administering under sub. (4) the funds to provide low-income energy assistance.

16.27(3)(e) (e) From the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (mb):

16.27(3)(e)1. 1. Allocate and transfer to the appropriation under s. 20.505 (1) (n), 15 percent of the moneys received under 42 USC 8621 to 8629 in each federal fiscal year under the priority of maintaining funding for the geographical areas on July 20, 1985, and, if funding is reduced, prorating contracted levels of payment, for the weatherization assistance program administered by the department under s. 16.26.

16.27(3)(e)3. 3. Except as provided under subd. 6., allocate the balance of funds received under 42 USC 8621 to 8629 in a federal fiscal year, after making the allocations under pars. (c) and (d) and subd. 1., for the payment of heating assistance or for the payment of crisis assistance under sub. (6).

16.27(3)(e)6. 6. If federal funds received under 42 USC 8621 to 8629 in a federal fiscal year total less than 90 percent of the amount received in the previous federal fiscal year, submit a plan of expenditure under s. 16.54 (2) (b).

16.27(3)(e)7. 7. By October 1 of each year, allocate funds budgeted but not spent and any funds remaining from previous fiscal years to heating assistance under sub. (6) or to the weatherization assistance program under s. 16.26.

16.27(4) (4) Application procedure.

16.27(4)(a) (a) A household may apply after September 30 and before May 16 of any year for heating assistance from the county department under s. 46.215 (1) (n) or 46.22 (1) (b) 4m. a. to e. or from another local governmental agency or a private nonprofit organization with which the department contracts to administer the heating assistance program, and shall have the opportunity to do so on a form prescribed by the department for that purpose.

16.27(4)(b) (b) If by February 1 of any year the number of households applying under par. (a) substantially exceeds the number anticipated, the department may reduce the amounts of payments made under sub. (6) made after that date. The department may suspend the processing of additional applications received until the department adjusts benefit amounts payable.

16.27(5) (5) Eligibility. Subject to the requirements of subs. (4) (b) and (8), the following shall receive low-income energy assistance under this section:

16.27(5)(b) (b) A household with income which is not more than 60 percent of the statewide median household income.

16.27(5)(c) (c) A household entirely composed of persons receiving aid to families with dependent children under s. 49.19, food stamps under 7 USC 2011 to 2036, or supplemental security income or state supplemental payments under 42 USC 1381 to 1383c or s. 49.77.

16.27(5)(d) (d) A household with income within the limits specified under par. (b) that resides in housing that is subsidized or administered by a municipality, a county, the state or the federal government in which a utility allowance is applied to determine the amount of rent or the amount of the subsidy.

16.27(5)(e) (e) A household that is not eligible under par. (c) that includes at least one person who is eligible for food stamps under 7 USC 2011 to 2036, excluding any household in an institution, as defined by the department of health services by rule. Notwithstanding sub. (6), a household under this paragraph shall be eligible for a heating assistance benefit of not more than $1.

16.27(6) (6) Benefits. Within the limits of federal funds allocated under sub. (3) and subject to the requirements of sub. (4) (b) and s. 16.54 (2) (b), heating assistance shall be paid under this section according to a benefit schedule established by the department based on household income, family size and energy costs.

16.27(7) (7) Individuals in state prisons or secured juvenile facilities. No payment under sub. (6) may be made to a prisoner who is imprisoned in a state prison under s. 302.01 or to a person placed at a juvenile correctional facility, as defined in s. 938.02 (10p), or a secured residential care center for children and youth, as defined in s. 938.02 (15g).

16.27(8) (8) Crisis assistance program. A household eligible for heating assistance under sub. (6) may also be eligible for a crisis assistance payment to meet a weather-related or fuel supply shortage crisis. The department shall define the circumstances constituting a crisis for which a payment may be made and shall establish the amount of payment to an eligible household or individual. The department may delegate a portion of its responsibility under this subsection to a county department under s. 46.215 or 46.22 or to another local governmental agency or a private nonprofit organization.

16.27(9) (9) Notice of utility disconnection required. Any public utility, as defined in s. 196.01 (5), or any fuel distributor furnishing heat, light or power to a residential customer shall provide written notice of intent to disconnect or discontinue service during the months of November to April and shall include information concerning any federal, state or local program that provides assistance for fuel or home heating bills. The department shall provide printed information at no cost upon request to any fuel distributor serving residential customers except public utilities. The information shall describe the nature and availability of any federal, state or local program that provides assistance for fuel or home heating bills.

16.27 History History: 1985 a. 29 ss. 1055g, 2488h to 2488n; 1985 a. 176, 332; 1987 a. 27; 1989 a. 31, 359; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 16; 1995 a. 27 ss. 2336, 3182 to 3207; Stats. 1995 s. 16.385; 1995 a. 77, 417; 1999 a. 9; 2003 a. 33 s. 162; Stats. 2003 s. 16.27; 2003 a. 321 s. 11; 2003 a. 327 s. 5; 2005 a. 25, 344; 2009 a. 11, 28.

16.28 16.28 Office of business development.

16.28(1) (1) The office of business development shall provide administrative support to the small business regulatory review board and shall perform other functions determined by the secretary.

16.28(2) (2) The deputy director of the office shall be appointed by the governor to serve at his or her pleasure.

16.28 History History: 2011 a. 32.

16.283 16.283 Disabled veteran-owned businesses.

16.283(1) (1) Definitions. In this section, unless the context requires otherwise:

16.283(1)(a) (a) “Business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or corporation.

16.283(1)(b) (b) “Disabled veteran” means a person who is verified by the department of veterans affairs as being all of the following at the time the person applies for certification under sub. (3):

16.283(1)(b)1. 1. A veteran, as defined in s. 45.01 (12).

16.283(1)(b)2. 2. A resident of this state.

16.283(1)(b)3. 3. A person who is in receipt of an award from the U.S. department of veterans affairs of a service-connected disability rating under 38 USC 1114 or 1134.

16.283(1)(c) (c) “Duly authorized representative” has the meaning given in s. 45.04 (1) (a).

16.283(1)(d) (d) “Financial adviser” means a business that serves as an adviser with regard to the sale of evidences of indebtedness or other obligations.

16.283(1)(e) (e) “Investment firm” means a business that serves as a manager, comanager, or in any other underwriting capacity with regard to the sale of evidences of indebtedness or other obligations or as a broker-dealer as defined in s. 551.102 (4).

16.283(1)(f) (f) “Useful business function” means the provision of materials, supplies, equipment, or services to customers, including the state.

16.283(2) (2) Disabled veteran-owned business database. The department shall develop, maintain, and keep current a computer database of businesses certified under this section.

16.283(3) (3) Disabled veteran-owned business, financial adviser, and investment firm certification.

16.283(3)(a) (a) Any business, financial adviser, or investment firm may apply to the department for certification under this section.

16.283(3)(b) (b)

16.283(3)(b)1m. 1m. The department shall certify a business, financial adviser, or investment firm under this section if, after conducting an investigation, the department determines that the business, financial adviser, or investment firm fulfills all of the following requirements:

16.283(3)(b)1m.a. a. One or more disabled veterans owns not less than 51 percent of the business, financial adviser, or investment firm or, in the case of any publicly owned business, financial adviser, or investment firm, one or more disabled veterans owns not less than 51 percent of the stock of the business, financial adviser, or investment firm.

16.283(3)(b)1m.b. b. One or more disabled veterans or one or more duly authorized representatives of one or more disabled veterans controls the management and daily business operations of the business, financial adviser, or investment firm.

16.283(3)(b)1m.c. c. The business, financial adviser, or investment firm has its principal place of business in this state.

16.283(3)(b)1m.d. d. The business, financial adviser, or investment firm is currently performing a useful business function. Acting as a conduit for the transfer of funds to a business that is not certified under this section does not constitute a useful business function, unless doing so is a normal industry practice.

16.283(3)(b)2m. 2m. The department may, without conducting an investigation, certify a business, financial adviser, or investment firm having its principal place of business in this state and currently performing a useful business function if the business, financial advisor, or investment firm is certified, or otherwise classified, as a disabled veteran-owned business, financial advisor, or investment firm by an agency or municipality of this or another state, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or the federal government, or by a private business with expertise in certifying disabled veteran-owned businesses if the business uses substantially the same procedures the department uses in making a determination under subd. 1m.

16.283(3)(c) (c) The department may charge each business, financial adviser, or investment firm applying for certification under this section a fee to cover the department’s expenses in making the certification determination.

16.283(3)(d) (d) If a business, financial adviser, or investment firm applying for certification under this section fails to provide the department with sufficient information to enable the department to conduct an investigation under par. (b) 1m. or does not qualify for certification under par. (b), the department shall deny the application. A business, financial adviser, or investment firm whose application is denied may, within 30 days after the date of the denial, appeal in writing to the secretary. The secretary shall enter his or her final decision within 30 days after receiving the appeal.

16.283(3)(e) (e)

16.283(3)(e)1. 1. The department may, at the request of any state agency or on its own initiative, evaluate any business, financial adviser, or investment firm certified under this section to verify that it continues to qualify for certification. The business, financial adviser, or investment firm shall provide the department with any records or information necessary to complete the examination.

16.283(3)(e)2. 2. If a business, financial adviser, or investment firm fails to comply with a reasonable request for records or information, the department shall notify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm and the departments of administration and transportation, in writing, that it intends to decertify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm.

16.283(3)(e)3. 3. If, after an evaluation under this paragraph, the department determines that a business, financial adviser, or investment firm no longer qualifies for certification under this section, the department shall notify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm and the departments of administration and transportation, in writing, that it intends to decertify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm.

16.283(3)(f) (f) The business, financial adviser, or investment firm may, within 30 days after a notice is sent under par. (e) 2. or 3., appeal in writing to the secretary. If the business, financial adviser, or investment firm does not submit an appeal under this paragraph, the department shall immediately decertify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm. If an appeal is submitted under this paragraph, the secretary shall enter his or her final decision, in writing, within 30 days after receiving the appeal. If the secretary confirms the decision of the department, the department shall immediately decertify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm. A business, financial adviser, or investment firm decertified under this paragraph may, within 30 days after the secretary’s decision, request a contested case hearing under s. 227.42 from the department. If the final administrative or judicial proceeding results in a determination that the business, financial adviser, or investment firm qualifies for certification under this section, the department shall immediately certify the business, financial adviser, or investment firm. The department shall provide the business, financial adviser, or investment firm and the departments of administration and transportation with a copy of the final written decision regarding certification under this paragraph.

16.283(4) (4) Department rule making. The department shall promulgate by administrative rule procedures to implement this section.

16.283 History History: 2009 a. 299 s. 100; 2011 a. 32 s. 3317; Stats. 2011 s. 16.283; 2013 a. 20; 2017 a. 122.

16.283 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Adm 82, Wis. adm. code.

16.285 16.285 Woman-owned businesses; certification; database.

16.285(1) (1) 

16.285(1)(a) (a) In this subsection, “woman-owned business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture, or corporation that fulfills all of the following requirements:

16.285(1)(a)1. 1. It is at least 51 percent owned, controlled, and actively managed by a woman.

16.285(1)(a)2. 2. It is currently performing a useful business function in this state.

16.285(1)(b) (b) The department shall implement a program for the certification of woman-owned businesses. The department may, without conducting an investigation, certify a business currently performing a useful business function in this state as a woman-owned business if the business is certified, or otherwise classified, as a woman-owned business by an agency or municipality of this or another state, a federally recognized American Indian tribe, or the federal government, or by a private business with expertise in certifying woman-owned businesses if the business uses substantially the same process as the department promulgates by rule for implementing this subsection.

16.285(1)(bm) (bm) The department may charge an applicant for certification under this subsection a processing fee of not more than $50.

16.285(1)(c) (c) The department shall promulgate rules necessary to implement this subsection.

16.285(2) (2) The department shall develop, maintain, and keep current a computer database of businesses in the state that are owned by women, containing demographic statistics and information on the types of industries represented, sales volume and growth rates, generation of jobs by both new and existing businesses, and any other relevant characteristics. The department shall compile and periodically update a list of businesses certified under sub. (1) and make the list available to the public on the Internet.

16.285 History History: 1991 a. 39; 1999 a. 185; 2005 a. 358; 2011 a. 32 s. 3319; Stats. 2011 s. 16.285; 2013 a. 20.

16.285 Cross-reference Cross-reference: See also ch. Adm 83, Wis. adm. code.

16.287 16.287 Minority businesses.

16.287(1) (1) Definitions. In this section:

16.287(1)(a) (a) “American Indian” means a person who is enrolled as a member of a federally recognized American Indian tribe or band or who possesses documentation of at least one-fourth American Indian ancestry or documentation of tribal recognition as an American Indian.

16.287(1)(b) (b) “Asian-Indian” means a person whose ancestors originated in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh.

16.287(1)(c) (c) “Black” means a person whose ancestors originated in any of the black racial groups of Africa.

16.287(1)(d) (d) “Hispanic” means a person of any race whose ancestors originated in Mexico, Puerto Rico, Cuba, Central America or South America or whose culture or origin is Spanish.

16.287(1)(e) (e) “Minority business” means a sole proprietorship, partnership, limited liability company, joint venture or corporation that fulfills both of the following requirements:

16.287(1)(e)1m. 1m. It is at least 51 percent owned, controlled and actively managed by a minority group member or members who are U.S. citizens or persons lawfully admitted to the United States for permanent residence, as defined under 8 USC 1101 (a) (20).

16.287(1)(e)2. 2. It is currently performing a useful business function.