NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections 101.02 (15) (j), 101.177, and 101.19 of the Statutes, the Department of Commerce will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to revise Chapters Comm 2, 41 and 45, relating to mechanical refrigeration, and affecting small businesses.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
March 4, 2010 Thursday At 10:00 a.m.	Thompson Commerce Center, Third Floor, Room 3B 201 West Washington Avenue Madison, Wisconsin

This hearing will be held in an accessible facility. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call Sam Rockweiler at (608) 266-0797 or at Contact Through Relay at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon a request from a person with a disability.

Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing, via e-mail. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this rulemaking will remain open until March 8, 2010, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend the hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. E-mail comments should be sent to sam.rockweiler@wi.gov. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.

The proposed rules and an analysis of them are available on the Internet by entering “Comm 45" in the search engine at the following Web site: https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/ public/Home. Paper copies may be obtained without cost from Sam Rockweiler at the Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53707, or at sam.rockweiler@ wi.gov, or at telephone (608) 266-0797, or at Contact Through Relay. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.

Sections 101.02 (1) and (15) (h) to (j), 101.17, 101.177 and 101.19.

Sections 101.02 (1) and (15) (h) to (j), 101.177, 101.19 and 227.11 (2) (a).

Under sections 101.02 (15) (h) to (j) and 101.17 of the Statutes, the Department is required to establish rules and prescribe safeguards for protecting the life, health, safety and welfare of employees and frequenters of public buildings and places of employment. Under section 101.177 of the Statutes, the Department is required to establish rules relating to proper handling and use of ozone-depleting refrigerants and associated equipment. Section 101.19 of the Statutes authorizes the Department to assess fees for providing services.

The Department also has authority under section 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes to promulgate rules interpreting any statute that is enforced or administered by the Department, if the rule is considered necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.

Some of the mechanical refrigeration systems addressed by the proposed rules include pressure vessel components that are regulated by chapter Comm 41.

The proposed rule changes primarily consist of updating chapter Comm 45 to have it directly reference the latest editions of two applicable national standards, and to make it consistent with current industry and regulatory practices for mechanical refrigeration systems. The primary referenced national standard is ANSI/ASHRAE 15-2007, including its addenda a to i — and ANSI/IIAR 2-2008 is referenced for closed-circuit ammonia mechanical refrigeration systems. Comm 45 currently instead references ANSI/ASHRAE 15 indirectly by incorporating chapter 11 of the 2000 edition of the International Mechanical Code® (IMC), which in turn references a previous version of ANSI/ASHRAE 15. No substantive changes to administrative requirements are included.

The US Environmental Protection Agency has regulations relating to production or release of various ozone-depleting refrigerants, but the proposed rule changes do not directly address the topics covered by those regulations.

Michigan regulates the design and installation of mechanical refrigeration systems by adopting the 2006 edition of the IMC. The IMC in turn references the 2001 and 1999 editions of the ASHRAE 15 and IIAR 2 standards, respectively.

Minnesota's regulation is the same as Michigan — except closed-circuit ammonia refrigeration systems must comply with the 2008 edition of IIAR 2, and with the 2006 edition of B31.5 and the welding and welder criteria in section IX of the 2007 edition of the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code.

Illinois does not regulate mechanical refrigeration systems, and no corresponding Iowa regulations were found.

In considering the latest editions of ANSI/ASHRAE 15 and ANSI/IIAR 2, Department staff compared these standards to the requirements currently in Comm 45, and concluded that these standards are clearer and provide more detail than the current requirements and standards included in Comm 45, and would not impose significant costs or other impacts on a substantial number of businesses.

The rules were also developed with assistance from the Department's advisory council for mechanical refrigeration. The organizations represented on that advisory council are as follows:

City of Milwaukee

Mechanical Contractors Association of Wisconsin

Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors Association of Milwaukee, Inc.

University of Wisconsin — Madison

Vilter Manufacturing Corporation

Wisconsin Pipe Trades Association

An economic impact report was not prepared. Consideration of the potential effects on small business was based on guidelines produced by the federal Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy. The advisory council referenced above did not identify any significant impacts relative to compliance with the proposed revisions updating chapter Comm 45.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on a substantial number of businesses because the primary effect of the changes is to make chapter Comm 45 consistent with current regional and national standards for mechanical refrigeration, and with current industry and regulatory practices.

Owners and operators of public buildings and places of employment that use mechanical refrigeration systems, or other premises if ozone-depleting refrigerants exist.

No new reporting or recordkeeping would be needed for compliance with these rules.

No new professional skills would be needed for compliance with these rules.

No

The Department has prepared a preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) on the proposed rules. The preliminary recommendation is a finding of no significant impact. Copies of the preliminary EA are available from the Department on request and will be available at the public hearings. Requests for the EA and comments on the EA should be directed to:

Written comments will be accepted until March 8, 2010

There are no requirements in this proposal that should significantly affect either state or local government costs or revenues.

The anticipated costs that may be incurred by the private sector in complying with new requirements in the proposed rules are adequately described in the rule analysis.

None.

None.

None known or anticipated.

Sam Rockweiler, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI, 53708-0427; telephone (608) 266-0797; e-mail sam.rockweiler@wi.gov.

Any inquiries for the small business regulatory coordinator for the Department of Commerce can be directed to Sam Rockweiler, as listed above.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to sections 101.02 (1), 168.04 (1), 168.16 (4), and 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes, the Department of Commerce will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to revise Chapter Comm 48, relating to petroleum and other liquid fuel products, and affecting small businesses.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
February 26, 2010 Friday At 10:00 a.m.	Thompson Commerce Center, Third Floor, Room 3B 201 West Washington Avenue Madison, Wisconsin

This hearing will be held in an accessible facility. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call Sam Rockweiler at (608) 266-0797 or at Contact Through Relay at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon a request from a person with a disability.

Interested persons are invited to appear at the hearing and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing, via e-mail. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this rulemaking will remain open until March 3, 2010, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend the hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. E-mail comments should be sent to sam.rockweiler@wi.us. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.

The proposed rules and an analysis of the rules are available on the Internet by entering “Comm 48" in the search engine at the following Web site: https://health.wisconsin. gov/admrules/public/Home. Paper copies may be obtained without cost from Sam Rockweiler at the Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53707, or at sam.rockweiler@wi.us, or at telephone (608) 266-0797, or at Contact Through Relay. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.

Sections 168.04 (1) and 168.16 (4), Stats.

Sections 101.02 (1), 168.04 (1), 168.16 (4), and 227.11 (2) (a), Stats.

Under section 101.02 (1) of the Statutes, the Department is required to adopt reasonable rules relative to the exercise of the Department's powers and authorities, and to the mode and manner of its inspections. Under chapter 168 of the Statutes, the Department is responsible for inspection of petroleum and other liquid fuel products that come into Wisconsin. Chapter 168 requires that these products meet minimum product-grade specifications as prescribed by rule by the Department; and that the Department's inspections be conducted, so far as applicable, in accordance with the latest standards produced by ASTM International. Section 168.16 (4) of the Statutes specifically authorizes the Department to promulgate reasonable rules relating to the administration and enforcement of chapter 168. The Department also has authority under section 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes to promulgate rules interpreting any statute that is enforced or administered by the Department, if the rule is considered necessary to effectuate the purpose of the statute.

The proposed rule changes for chapter Comm 48 are related to rules in chapter Comm 10 that address inventory controls for motor vehicle fuels, and to rules in chapters Comm 10 and 14 that address storage of flammable and combustible liquids.

The proposed rule changes primarily consist of updating chapter Comm 48 to include the latest revisions of several recently updated ASTM International standards for petroleum and other liquid fuel products. Consent to adopting the ASTM standards will be obtained from the Attorney General prior to incorporating the standards into the rules.

The proposed changes also include several clarifications and refinements relating to administration and enforcement by the Department's inspectors. These changes would (1) further clarify that this chapter addresses not only petroleum-based fuels but also liquid fuels and fuel components which are not petroleum-based, such as ethanol and biodiesel; (2) authorize shutdown of a storage tank system if corresponding inventory, delivery or manifest records either have been falsified or are not available for inspection within 24 hours after being requested; (3) codify use of biodiesel-blended motor fuels of 6 to 20 percent biodiesel; (4) clarify that fuel products which are imported into the state are subject to sampling by the Department, instead of always sampled by the Department; (5) clarify that the Department tests samples at locations and frequencies which are designed to prevent sale of noncompliant fuel products, instead of testing all samples of all products; and (6) codify the maximum amount of water permitted in a fuel-storage tank.

The Federal Trade Commission establishes requirements for accurate automotive fuel ratings, under Title 16 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Part 306 – which includes criteria for octane ratings, certification, and posting. Also included in Part 306 are detailed requirements for labeling retail diesel fuel dispensing devices that dispense fuel blends consisting of more than 5 percent by volume biodiesel fuel or biomass-based diesel fuel. Those detailed requirements include prescribed dispenser labels for blended fuels of 6 to 20 percent biodiesel fuel or biomass-based diesel fuel, and dispenser labels for blended fuels of more than 20 percent biodiesel fuel or biomass-based diesel fuel. The proposed rule changes for chapter Comm 48 include an informational Note referencing those labeling requirements.

Federal Environmental Protection Agency fuel standards mandate transitioning fully to ultra-low-sulfur diesel fuel, which has a sulfur content of no greater than 15 parts per million, and which is needed to enable heavy-duty engine components to consistently reduce particulate matter and nitrogen oxide emissions by 90 and 95 percent, respectively, below previous standard levels. The current deadlines for completing this transition are December 1, 2010, for highway vehicles — and 2014 for non-road, locomotive, and marine vehicles. The EPA is likewise implementing corresponding, similar reductions in sulfur levels in automotive gasoline. The proposed rule revisions for chapter Comm 48 do not directly address air-quality-based issues such as these, and therefore retain the current Wisconsin requirements that permit higher maximum sulfur levels in diesel fuel and automotive gasoline. These Wisconsin requirements are expected to be retained until the federally mandated transition is completed.

Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan all have requirements addressing the quality of motor vehicle fuels. An Internet-based search showed that Iowa, Illinois, and Michigan similarly apply the most recent, corresponding standards produced by ASTM International. Minnesota and Illinois were found to similarly collect samples of motor fuels, which are then tested appropriately.

In considering the latest revisions of the ASTM International standards, Department staff reviewed the corresponding topics addressed by ASTM International in updating each standard. In developing the clarifications and refinements relating to administration and enforcement, input from inspection staff was relied upon, particularly in relation to mandated product-inventory records that have been found to be either unavailable or unreliable.

The rules were also developed with assistance from the Department's advisory committee for petroleum and other liquid fuel products. The organizations represented on that advisory committee are as follows:

Wisconsin Biodiesel Association

Wisconsin Small Engine Consortium

Wisconsin Petroleum Council

Petroleum Marketers Association and Convenience Store Association of Wisconsin

Cooperative Network

Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance

Renewable Fuels Association

National Petrochemical and Refiners Association

An economic impact report was not prepared. Consideration of the potential effects on small business was based on federal guidelines produced by the federal Small Business Administration's Office of Advocacy.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on a substantial number of businesses because the primary effect of the changes is to make chapter Comm 48 consistent with current regional and national standards for fuel quality, and with current administrative practices.

The proposed rules may affect any business which brings petroleum or other liquid fuel products into Wisconsin, or which markets these products within Wisconsin.

No new reporting, bookkeeping or other procedures would be required for compliance with the proposed rules.

No new professional skills would be necessary for compliance with the proposed rules.

No.

The Department has considered the environmental impact of the proposed rules. In accordance with chapter Comm 1, the proposed rules are a Type III action. A Type III action normally does not have the potential to cause significant environmental effects and normally does not involve unresolved conflicts in the use of available resources. The Department has reviewed these rules and finds no reason to believe that any unusual conditions exist. At this time, the Department has issued this notice to serve as a finding of no significant impact.

There are no requirements in this proposal that should significantly affect either state or local government costs or revenues.

The anticipated costs that may be incurred by the private sector in complying with new requirements in the proposed rules are adequately described in the rule analysis.

None.

None.

None known or anticipated.

Sam Rockweiler, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI, 53708-0427; telephone (608) 266-0797; e-mail sam.rockweiler@wi.gov.

Any inquiries for the small business regulatory coordinator for the Department of Commerce can be directed to Sam Rockweiler, as listed above.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 560.208 (4) of the Statutes, the Department of Commerce will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to create Chapter Comm 134, relating to investment credits for meat processing facilities, and affecting small businesses.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
March 3, 2010 Wednesday At 10:00 a.m.	Thompson Commerce Center, Third Floor, Room 3B 201 West Washington Avenue Madison, Wisconsin

This hearing will be held in an accessible facility. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call Sam Rockweiler at (608) 266-0797 or at Contact Through Relay at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon a request from a person with a disability.

Interested persons are invited to appear at the Hearing and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing, via e-mail. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this rulemaking will remain open until March 5, 2010, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend the hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. E-mail comments should be sent to sam.rockweiler@wi.gov. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.

The proposed rules and an analysis of the rules are available on the Internet by entering “Comm 134" in the search engine at the following Web site: https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/public/Homesam.rockweiler@wi.gov. Paper copies may be obtained without cost from Sam Rockweiler at the Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53707, or at sam.rockweiler@wi.gov, or at telephone (608) 266-0797, or at Contact Through Relay. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.

Sections 71.07 (3r), 71.28 (3r), 71.47 (3r), and 560.208, Stats., as created in 2009 Wisconsin Act 2.

Sections 227.11 (2) (a) and 560.208 (4), Stats.

Section 560.208 (4) of the Statutes requires the Department to promulgate rules for administering a program to certify applicants and allocate tax credits for the meat processing investments addressed in sections 71.07 (3r), 71.28 (3r) and 71.47 (3r) of the Statutes. Section 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes authorizes the Department to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any Statute administered by the Department.

The Department has rules for several other programs associated with tax credits, but those programs are not targeted specifically to investments in meat processing facilities.

The proposed rules in this order address (1) the eligibility requirements for applicants; (2) the documentation that must be submitted by applicants to become certified as eligible for the meat processing facility investment credit, and to receive acceptance of incurred expenses; (3) the Department's response to the submitted documentation; and (4) filing a claim with the Department of Revenue for the corresponding tax credit.

Neither the Department nor the Department of Revenue is aware of any existing or proposed federal regulations that address these tax credits.

An Internet-based search of rules promulgated by Minnesota, Michigan, Illinois and Iowa revealed that each state offers various tax credit programs, but none that are similar to the meat processing facility investment credit in Wisconsin.

The data and methodology for developing these proposed rules were derived from and consisted of (1) incorporating the applicable criteria from 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, (2) incorporating applicable best practices the Department has developed in administering the current tax credit program for dairy manufacturing facility investments, (3) soliciting and utilizing input from the Department of Revenue, and (4) reviewing Internet-based sources of related federal and state information.

The primary document that was used to determine the effect of the proposed rules on small businesses was 2009 Wisconsin Act 2. The proposed rules apply their private-sector requirements only to owners or operators of meat processing facilities who choose to pursue tax credits for investing in those facilities.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on small businesses because the rules address submittal of documentation only by applicants who choose to pursue tax credits for investments in meat processing facilities.

Owners and operators of meat processing facilities who choose to pursue the tax credits in sections 71.07 (3r), 71.28 (3r), and 71.47 (3r) of the Statutes, for investing in those facilities.

An application form prescribed by the Department must be completed and submitted to the Department.

No new professional skills are necessary for compliance with the rules.

No.

The Department has considered the environmental impact of the proposed rules. In accordance with chapter Comm 1, the proposed rules are a Type III action. A Type III action normally does not have the potential to cause significant environmental effects and normally does not involve unresolved conflicts in the use of available resources. The Department has reviewed these rules and finds no reason to believe that any unusual conditions exist. At this time, the Department has issued this notice to serve as a finding of no significant impact.

Although the rules will newly result in review of documentation relating to certifying applicants as eligible to then claim allocated tax credits for investments in meat processing facilities, the number of these reviews and allocations is expected to be too small to result in significant changes in the Department's costs for administering its business development programs. Therefore, the proposed rules are not expected to have any significant fiscal effect on the Department.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose any significant costs on the private sector, because the rules address only voluntary submittal of documentation relating to tax credits for investments in meat processing facilities.

None.

None.

None known.

Steven Sabatke, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Bureau of Business Finance and Compliance, P.O. Box 7970, Madison, WI, 53707-7970; telephone (608) 267-0762; e-mail Steven.Sabatke@Wisconsin.gov.

Any inquiries for the small business regulatory coordinator for the Department of Commerce can be directed to Sam Rockweiler, sam.rockweiler@wi.gov, or at telephone (608) 266-0797.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to section 560.03 of the Statutes, the Department of Commerce will hold a public hearing on proposed rules to revise Chapter Comm 132, relating to dairy manufacturing facility investment credits for dairy cooperatives, and affecting small businesses.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
March 2, 2010 Tuesday At 1:00 p.m.	Thompson Commerce Center, Third Floor, Room 3B 201 West Washington Avenue Madison, Wisconsin

This hearing will be held in an accessible facility. If you have special needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the hearing, please call Sam Rockweiler at (608) 266-0797 or at Contact Through Relay at least 10 days prior to the hearing date. Accommodations such as interpreters, English translators, or materials in audio tape format will, to the fullest extent possible, be made available upon a request from a person with a disability.

Interested persons are invited to appear at the Hearing and present comments on the proposed rules. Persons making oral presentations are requested to submit their comments in writing, via e-mail. Persons submitting comments will not receive individual responses. The hearing record on this rulemaking will remain open until March 5, 2010, to permit submittal of written comments from persons who are unable to attend the hearing or who wish to supplement testimony offered at the hearing. E-mail comments should be sent to sam.rockweiler@wi.gov. If e-mail submittal is not possible, written comments may be submitted to Sam Rockweiler, Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53708-0427.

The proposed rules and an analysis of the rules are available on the Internet by entering “Comm 132" in the search engine at the following Web site: https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/public/Home. Paper copies may be obtained without cost from Sam Rockweiler at the Department of Commerce, Division of Environmental and Regulatory Services, P.O. Box 14427, Madison, WI 53707, or at sam.rockweiler@wi.gov, or at telephone (608) 266-0797, or at Contact Through Relay. Copies will also be available at the public hearing.

Sections 71.07 (3p), 71.28 (3p) and 71.47 (3p), Stats., as amended by 2009 Wisconsin Act 2.

Sections 227.11 (2) (a) and 560.207 (4), Stats.

Section 560.207 (4) of the Statutes requires the Department to promulgate rules for administering a program to certify applicants and allocate tax credits for the dairy manufacturing investments addressed in sections 71.07 (3p), 71.28 (3p) and 71.47 (3p) of the Statutes. Section 227.11 (2) (a) of the Statutes authorizes the Department to promulgate rules interpreting the provisions of any Statute administered by the Department.

The Department has rules for several other programs associated with tax credits, but those programs are not targeted specifically to investments by dairy cooperatives in dairy manufacturing facilities.

The proposed rules in this order would expand chapter Comm 132 to enable members of dairy cooperatives to claim tax credits for the cooperatives' investments in dairy manufacturing facilities, as authorized by 2009 Wisconsin Act 2.

Neither the Department nor the Department of Revenue is aware of any existing or proposed federal regulations that address these tax credits.

Michigan provides tax abatement to agricultural processing facilities that qualify for the Agricultural Processing Renaissance Zones (APRZ) program. There are no administrative rules for the program, but guidelines are available through the Michigan Economic Development Corporation's Web site at http://www.themedc.org.

Minnesota offers various tax credit programs, but none that are similar to the dairy manufacturing facility investment credit in Wisconsin.

In Iowa, the High Quality Job Creation Program offers tax credits, exemptions and refunds to qualifying businesses to offset the cost incurred to locate, expand, or modernize an Iowa facility. Qualifying businesses must meet several eligibility requirements, including producing value-added goods or being in one of 11 targeted industries. Administrative rules for this program are available in the Iowa Administrative Code, 261-Chapter 68. Further information is available through the Iowa Department of Economic Development Web site at www.iowalifechanging.com.

Illinois offers various tax credit programs, but none that are similar to the dairy manufacturing facility investment credit in Wisconsin.

The data and methodology for developing these proposed rules were derived from and consisted of (1) incorporating the applicable criteria from 2009 Wisconsin Act 2, (2) incorporating applicable best practices the Department has developed in administering the current tax credit program for dairy manufacturing facility investments, (3) soliciting and utilizing input from the Department of Revenue, and (4) reviewing Internet-based sources of related federal and state information.

The primary document that was used to determine the effect of the proposed rules on small businesses was 2009 Wisconsin Act 2. The proposed rules apply their private-sector requirements only to dairy cooperatives that choose to pursue tax credits for investing in dairy manufacturing facilities.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose significant costs or other impacts on small businesses because the rules address submittal of documentation only by dairy cooperatives that choose to pursue tax credits for dairy manufacturing modernization or expansion activities.

Members of dairy cooperatives that choose to pursue the tax credits in sections 71.07 (3p), 71.28 (3p), and 71.47 (3p) of the Statutes, for investing in dairy manufacturing facilities.

An application form prescribed by the Department must be completed and submitted to the Department.

No new professional skills are necessary for compliance with the rules.

No.

The Department has considered the environmental impact of the proposed rules. In accordance with chapter Comm 1, the proposed rules are a Type III action. A Type III action normally does not have the potential to cause significant environmental effects and normally does not involve unresolved conflicts in the use of available resources. The Department has reviewed these rules and finds no reason to believe that any unusual conditions exist. At this time, the Department has issued this notice to serve as a finding of no significant impact.

Although the rules will newly result in review of documentation relating to certifying dairy cooperatives and allocating tax credits to them for investments in dairy manufacturing facilities, the number of these reviews and allocations is expected to be too small to result in significant changes in the Department's costs for administering its business development programs. Therefore, the proposed rules are not expected to have any significant fiscal effect on the Department.

The proposed rules are not expected to impose any significant costs on the private sector, because the rules address only voluntary submittal of documentation relating to tax credits for investments by dairy cooperatives in dairy manufacturing facilities.

None.

None.

None known.

Steven Sabatke, Wisconsin Department of Commerce, Bureau of Business Finance and Compliance, P.O. Box 7970, Madison, WI, 53707-7970; telephone (608) 267-0762; e-mail Steven.Sabatke@Wisconsin.gov.

Any inquiries for the small business regulatory coordinator for the Department of Commerce can be directed to Sam Rockweiler, sam.rockweiler@wi.gov, or at telephone (608) 266-0797.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to ss. 186.235 (8) and 227.1 1(2), Stats., the Office of Credit Unions will hold a public hearing to consider a rule to create Chapter DFI-CU 65, relating to credit union service organizations.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
February 26, 2010 Friday At 10:00 a.m.	Dept. of Financial Institutions 345 W. Washington Avenue 5th Floor Madison, Wisconsin

To obtain a copy of the proposed rule or fiscal estimate at no charge, to submit written comments regarding the proposed rule, or for questions regarding the agency's internal processing of the proposed rule, contact Mark Schlei, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Financial Institutions, Office of the Secretary, P.O. Box 8861, Madison, WI 53708-8861, tel. (608) 267-1705, e-mail mark.schlei@ wisconsin.gov. A copy of the proposed rule may also be obtained and reviewed at the Department of Financial Institution's website, www.wdfi.org. Written comments must be received by the conclusion of the department's hearing regarding the proposed rule.

For substantive questions on the proposed rule, contact Suzanne Cowan, Director, Office of Credit Unions, P.O. Box 14137, Madison, WI 53708-0137, tel. (608) 267-2609, e-mail suzanne.cowan@wisconsin.gov.

Section 186.11 (4), Stats.

Sections 186.235 (8) and 227.11 (2), Stats.

None.

Pursuant to ch. 186, Stats., the Office of Credit Unions regulates state-chartered credit unions and credit union service organizations.

The objective of the rule is to create ch. DFI-CU 65. The purpose of the rule is to set forth certain procedures and requirements for credit union service organizations, including notice, corporate separateness, legal opinions, expansion of services, conflicts of interest, report and audit procedures, increase of investment, and supervision.

Comparable rules may be found in federal regulations governing federally-chartered credit unions, National Credit Union Administration regulation Part 712.

Illinois has comparable rules; Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan do not.

The office applied its own experience in its regulation of credit union service organizations regarding the notice, corporate separateness, legal opinions, expansion of services, conflicts of interest, report and audit procedures, increase of investment, and supervision matters addressed by the rule. An additional resource for the office is the National Credit Union Administration and its regulation of credit union service organizations. Furthermore, the office has met and discussed with various credit unions and industry representatives matters regarding CUSO regulation.

Small businesses are neither involved nor effected by this rule.

The rule's requirements place no additional duties or burdens on state or local government, and hence has no affect on costs to either.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT pursuant to ss. 227.11 (2) (a), 281.16, 281.19, 281.65 and 281.66, Stats., the Department of Natural Resources will hold public hearings on proposed revisions to Chapters NR 151, 153 and 155, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to the control of polluted runoff and two grant programs that help fund those controls.

The hearings will be held on:

Each hearing will begin with a 1 hour informational session followed by formal testimony.

Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations, including the provision of informational material in an alternative format, will be provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. Please call Carol Holden at (608) 266-0140 with specific information on your request at least 10 days before the date of the scheduled hearing.

The proposed rule revisions and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be viewed and downloaded and comments electronically submitted at the following internet site: https://health.wisconsin.gov/admrules/public/ Home (Search this website using “NR 151", select “NR 151, 153, 155 Relating to Runoff Management Performance Standards and Grants."). If you do not have internet access, a personal copy of the proposed rules and supporting documents, including the fiscal estimate may be obtained from Carol Holden, DNR – WT/3, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by calling (608) 266-0140.

Written comments on the proposed rules may be submitted via U.S. mail to Carol Holden, DNR – WT/3, P.O. Box 7921, Madison, WI 53707-7921 or by e-mail to carol.holden@ wisconsin.gov. Comments may be submitted until March 12, 2010. Written comments whether submitted electronically or by U.S. mail will have the same weight and effect as oral statements presented at the public hearings.

Sections 281.16, 281.65 and 281.66, Stats.

Sections 227.11 (2) (a), 281.16, 281.19, 281.65 and 281.66, Stats.

Chapter 92 and s. 283.33, Stats., and chs. ATCP 50, and NR 120, 152, 154, 216 and 243, Wis. Adm. Code.

The rule adds new and modifies existing performance standards that address nonpoint source pollution from both agricultural and non-agricultural sources, including transportation. The new performance standards include:

Modifications are made to the agricultural performance standards addressing cropland soil erosion control, nutrient management and manure storage. The rule also changes the non-agricultural performance standards that address construction site erosion control, post-construction storm water management and developed urban areas. The subchapter addressing transportation performance standards is moved to the non-agricultural performance standards sections. The agricultural implementation and enforcement sections are modified to clarify cost-share eligibility and to better align with the department's stepped enforcement procedures. Some definitions are added and other definitions that are no longer used are deleted.

This existing rule contains policies and procedures for administering targeted runoff management grants to reduce both agricultural and urban nonpoint source pollution. Grants may be used to cost share the installation of best management practices as well as to support a variety of local administrative and planning functions. Projects are selected through a competitive scoring system and generally take two to three years to complete.

The revisions create four project categories for the targeted runoff management grant program instead of one category in the existing rule. The categories include large-scale/TMDL implementation, large-scale/non-TMDL control, small-scale/TMDL implementation and small-scale/ non-TMDL control projects. The rule will help the state make progress in meeting its obligation to address impaired waters by focused funding of projects addressing TMDLs.

To implement recent statutory changes to the grant program, the rule creates a mechanism outside the competitive TRM process to fund Notices of Discharge (NODs) issued under ch. NR 243. Other provisions allow the department more flexibility in allocating grant funds and ensure an equitable scoring system. Portions of ch. NR 153 are repealed and recreated to accommodate the newly created categories, to eliminate or add definitions, clarify and expand restrictions on cost sharing, require the establishment of a local ch. NR 151 implementation program as a grant condition and allow for additional safeguards in the application documents.

This existing rule contains policy and procedures for administering the urban nonpoint source and storm water management grant program authorized under s. 281.66, Stats. The department may make grants under this program to governmental units for practices to control both point and nonpoint sources of storm water runoff from existing urban areas, and to fund storm water management plans for developing urban areas and areas of urban redevelopment. The goal of this grant program is to achieve water quality standards, minimize flooding, protect groundwater, coordinate urban nonpoint source management activities with the municipal storm water discharge permit program and implement the non-agricultural nonpoint source performance standards under ch. NR 151. Grants to a governmental unit may be used to cost share the installation of best management practices as well as to support a variety of local administrative and planning functions. The department may also make grants to the board of regents of the University of Wisconsin System to control urban storm water runoff from campuses in selected locations. Projects are selected through a competitive scoring system and generally take one to two years to complete.

The revisions to ch. NR 155 increase the department's management oversight and accountability of grants while at the same time increase flexibility in how the grants are used. The revisions limit on the amount of money a grantee may receive in a given grant year, increase the department's management oversight of grants by approving all contracts, regardless of cost, provide the department greater flexibility in awarding funds and allow for additional safeguards in the application documents.

The rule also allows the use of local assistance grants to pay for work done by competent in-house staff rather than hiring an outside consultant thus increasing local government's flexibility to control costs. The rule adds requirements that hired consultants be competent in storm water management, all outstanding grants be completed on schedule prior to a new grant award, a final report be submitted and that the department may deny a grant to an otherwise eligible project if there is a potential impact on hazardous sites in addition to historic sites, cultural resources or endangered resources. Other parts of ch. NR 155 are repealed and recreated to define terms, clarify concepts and merge similar sections, giving the department greater flexibility in awarding funds.

The rule revisions are consistent with federal regulations that apply to control of nonpoint sources of pollution, animal feeding operations, nutrient management and storm water management. While federal regulations do not apply specifically to cropland practices or livestock operations that have only nonpoint source runoff, there are federal regulations for concentrated animal feeding operations (point sources) that specify control of nutrients entering surface waters. Certain modifications also better align state grant funding priorities with those of the federal government regarding total maximum daily loads.

The rule's phosphorus index performance standard is based on national policy and guidelines on nutrient management issued by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in April, 1999. The national policy and guidelines suggested the use of one of three phosphorus risk assessment tools, the most comprehensive of which is the phosphorus index. Prior to the adoption of this national policy, states began developing phosphorus-based nutrient management guidelines or regulations. The tillage setback performance standard is based on the phosphorus index calculation that assumes no tillage to the edge of the bank. The performance standard specifying BMPs to meet the load requirements of approved TMDLs will help the state to control nonpoint source pollutants to achieve federally required and approved TMDLs. The control of process wastewater discharge is of sufficient concern that USDA has developed technical standards for management of process wastewater.

In general, the adjacent states do not use statewide performance standards specifically designed to address polluted runoff from agricultural sources. However, these states have various regulations and procedures in place to address many of the polluted runoff sources that these rule revisions address. All four states use the phosphorus index in some form but none have proposed using it as a statewide performance standard as this rule does. The rule differs from the adjacent states' rules because it has more detail in its phosphorus index, is more quantitative and has more research to validate it. Also, in Wisconsin, pursuant to s. 281.16, Stats., cost sharing must be made available to existing agricultural operations before the state may require compliance with the standards.

Illinois does not have a tillage setback requirement, but it does offer a property tax incentive for the construction of livestock waste management facilities including the development of vegetative filter strips. The filter strips must be in cropland that is surrounding a surface-water or groundwater conduit, must be part of a conservation plan, and must have a uniform ground cover. The minimum and maximum widths that are eligible for the tax reduction is determined by the slope. Illinois does not allow raw materials, by-products and products of livestock management facilities, including milkhouse waste, silage leachate, and other similar products to be discharged to waters of the state. In addition to tax incentives, Illinois relies on federal Clean Water Act section 319 funds from US EPA to fund nonpoint source projects in the state.

Illinois requires that permit applicants follow a series of technical standards that are in the Illinois Urban Manual for both construction and post-construction. If the developer uses the technical standards they are considered in compliance, unless an inspection indicates that the technical standard is not working adequately. The developer will then need to make changes to their construction site or storm water management plan.

Iowa requires that nutrient management plans for livestock operation of 500 or more animal units be based on the phosphorus index. The rule's version of the phosphorus index uses Iowa's “quasi-modeling" approach but the equations are based on Wisconsin research. Iowa does not require a separation distance between tillage activities and waterbodies. Iowa prohibits discharge to waters of the state, polluting waters of the state and discharge to road ditches.

Iowa does not have a performance standard approach to construction projects, but does require BMP implementation. There is no specific goal for post-construction other than to have a storm water management plan similar to the way Wisconsin's program was set up before ch. NR 151 was promulgated in 2002. The requirement on the municipality is to try to control runoff from new development. There are no specific goals.

Iowa is making an effort to coordinate the development of TMDLs with the implementation of water quality improvement plans based on TMDLs. There is not yet a separate funding source specifically for implementing TMDL plans, but there are several different funding sources currently used for watershed project implementation, including section 319 funds and three different sources of state-funded watershed implementation funds. There is also a state-funded lakes restoration fund which may be partly used for watershed restoration work. Wherever possible, watershed projects try to leverage EQIP and other federal sources of funds.

Iowa does not currently offer a separate source of funds for Animal Feeding Operation BMPs in response to a Notice of Discharge violation. However, Iowa does not preclude a producer from funding because of a Notice of Violation (NOV), except in the case where the NOV results in the requirement for an NPDES permit. Funding from State Revolving Funds and federal section 319 cannot be used for BMPs requiring an NPDES permit, but can be used for non-permitted BMPs. EQIP funds in Iowa are currently allocated such that counties with water quality livestock projects receive 40 percent of the eligible points when scoring for EQIP funding. The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship has a nutrient management program designed to offer financial assistance for livestock producers for manure management, but the program has not been funded in over 10 years.

Michigan does not require a separation distance between tillage activities and waterbodies. The state's rules regarding process wastewater only apply to permitted concentrated animal feeding operations, but discharges from smaller farms are generally prohibited as a violation of water quality standards.

Within permits that apply to municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4s), Michigan has similar performance standards for post-construction total suspended solids control and peak flow control in new development. It has a minimum treatment volume standard of one inch (or ½ inch if technically supported) where they must achieve an 80 percent total suspended solids reduction. It also has a channel protection criteria where the post-peak flow rate and volume must match the pre-peak flow rate and volume for all storms up to the 2-yr, 24-hr event. The peak flow control standard is more stringent than this rule because it also controls volume. Wisconsin is trying to control streambank erosion by controlling a greater number of smaller storms. Michigan has also identified some water bodies that are not required to meet the channel protection standard, similar to Wisconsin's approach. Michigan has an option to use low impact development to meet these two standards, which is very different from Wisconsin. However, unlike Wisconsin, Michigan is only implementing these performance standards on new development in municipalities that have an MS4 permit. Also, if the municipality had an ordinance in place prior to this rule that addressed water quality for new development even if the performance standard was not included, they are grandfathered in.

Michigan has a pass through grant (section 319 and Clean Michigan Initiative funds) that places a priority on projects that will restore impaired waters or achieve progress toward meeting TMDL load reductions. Michigan does not have a program similar to the rule's mechanism to fund NODs outside of a competitive grant process.

Minnesota does not have a tillage setback requirement along all waterbodies in agricultural areas, but the state does require a 16.5 foot (one rod) grass strip along certain public drainage ditches as well as vegetated strips, restored wetlands, and other voluntary set-aside lands through federal, state and local programs. For process wastewater, Minnesota rules place a limit of less than 25 mg/l BOD5 (biological oxygen demand) that can be released to surface water and, if released to a leach field, the threshold is less than 200 mg/l BOD5.

For non-agricultural practices, Minnesota recently reissued construction permits that require infiltration and the need for additional BMPs when sites are located near s. 303 (d) or outstanding resource waters. Its permit generally is more prescriptive in terms of how to design a BMP for optimal control, but it is not usually presented as a performance standard which would provide more flexibility. Based on Minnesota's documentation, it appears to require BMPs that will achieve an 80 percent total suspended solids reduction and ones that will infiltrate the first half inch of runoff from impervious surfaces. Minnesota requires more BMPs, including temperature control, if the receiving water has special needs such as ORW/ERW waters or s. 303 (d) waters.

Minnesota provides funding for TMDLs through its Clean Water Legacy Act and section 319 of the federal Clean Water Act. The state does not have a funding mechanism to fund notices of discharge specifically, but is looking for ways to provide more financial support for runoff from feedlots. There is a state cost-share program which is used alone or in combination with federal cost share.

The rule's agricultural performance standards were developed with input from an advisory committee that met four times between December 2007 and February 2008. The following research results and methodologies were analyzed as part of the development of these standards.

The following series of articles focused on the watershed targeting approach used in the Wisconsin Buffer Initiative report:

The following studies of in-field runoff sediment and phosphorus concentrations provided some of the data that was used in building phosphorus index equations:

The following articles about the in-field runoff monitoring methods to collect the runoff phosphorus data that are used to validate the phosphorus index:

The following paper showed one year's worth of research that validated the Wisconsin phosphorus index.

The following paper in press shows that simple runoff phosphorus loss models, like the Wisconsin phosphorus index can work well:

RUSLE 2 (Revised Universal Soil Loss Equations, version 2), USDA-NRCS official RUSLE2 Program and Database and Training materials and User's Guides are available from http://fargo.nserl.purdue.edu/rusle2_dataweb/RUSLE2_Index.htm The draft user's guide on this site is on the link labeled “RUSLE2 Technology."

Snap-Plus 1.129.1, 1/20/2009 Copyright 2003-2008 by University of Wisconsin Regents Software developed by P Kaarakka, L.W. Good, and J. Wolter in the Department of Soil Science, UW Madison. This a software program links models for nutrient management (SNAP), conservation assessment (RUSLE2) and the Wisconsin Phosphorus Index (PI) into one software program for multi-year nutrient and conservation planning. The most current version is available at http://www.snapplus.net/ .

The rule's performance standard requires that livestock producers have no significant discharge of process wastewater to waters of the state. Sources of greatest concern include feed storage leachate and milk house waste. Process wastewater discharge is of sufficient concern that USDA has developed technical standards for its management. Environmental aspects of milking center waste water and feed storage leachate, including waste characteristics and water quality impacts, are included in:

Pollution Control Guide for Milking Center Wastewater Management. Springman, R.E., Payer, D.D and B.J. Holmes. 1994. University of Wisconsin-Extension, 44 pages.

“Silage Leachate Control". Wright, Peter, in Silage: Field to Feedbunk, Proceedings from the North American Conference, Hershey, Pennsylvania, February 11-13, 1997. Pages 173 – 186. NRAES, editor.

Modifications to the non-agricultural performance standards were developed with input from a technical advisory committee that met four times between October 2007 and February 2008. Changes to the protective areas performance standard are based on the department's Guidance for the Establishment of Protective Areas for Wetlands in Runoff Management Rules, Wisconsin Administrative Code NR 151 in the Waterway and Wetland Handbook, Ch. 10. Department staff gathered information from municipal engineers and conducted analyses under various scenarios using analytical models to provide information to the technical advisory committee including:

The department concluded that the revisions to chs. NR 151, 153 and 155 will result in additional compliance requirements for small businesses, but the rules will not result in additional reporting requirements for small businesses. Rather than mandate specific design standards, the rules either establish new performance standards or revise existing performance standards.

Compliance requirements for agricultural producers vary depending on the type of operation and the performance standard, but the revisions to the rules will not change the existing compliance requirements for agricultural operations. Under state law, compliance with the performance standards is not required for existing nonpoint agricultural facilities and practices unless cost sharing is made available for eligible costs. A less stringent compliance schedule is not included for agricultural producers because compliance is contingent on cost sharing and in many cases, it can take years for a county or the state to provide cost share money to a producer.

Agricultural producers who are in compliance with the existing nutrient management performance standard may already be in compliance with the new phosphorus index and tillage setback performance standards. A phosphorus reduction strategy is included in NRCS nutrient management technical standard 590 (Sept. 5, 2005). A phosphorus index of 6 or less is specified in the PI strategy in Criteria C, 2 of the technical standard. The concept of streambank integrity, as proposed through a tillage setback performance standard, is an assumption of the phosphorus index calculation, which estimates phosphorus delivery to the stream via overland flow, but not from bank erosion or other means that soil, manure or fertilizer might enter the stream from farming operations. In circumstances where the phosphorus index has been determined to be insufficient to achieve water quality standards in areas where an approved total maximum daily load (TMDL) has been approved, a higher level of pollution control may be required. An owner or operator in this situation would be required to implement BMPs designed to meet the load allocation in the TMDL.

The rule revisions will not change the schedules for compliance and reporting requirements for non-agricultural businesses. These requirements are the same as those specified in ch. NR 216. In determining whether non-agricultural small businesses can be exempted from the rules, the department concluded that because the requirements of ch. NR 151, Subchapter III are based on federal requirements the state cannot exempt those businesses. Also, the impacts from certain small business construction activities can have as large a water quality impact as from large businesses.

In determining the compliance and reporting effects, the department considered 1) the existing performance standards and prohibitions in ch. NR 151, 2) the requirements of NRCS technical standard 590 needed to meet the nutrient management performance standard, 3) assumptions contained in the Wisconsin Phosphorus Index, 4) compliance and reporting requirements under ch. NR 216, Subchapter II, 5) agreement with the department of commerce to regulate storm water discharges from commercial building sites under one permit, and 6) feedback from members of advisory committees that included small business owners and organizations.

The overall effect on small businesses may be increased time, labor and money spent on BMPs or planning tools, but there will not be a significant economic impact on small business. However, for agricultural producers the proposed new agricultural performance standards and the revised existing agricultural performance standards are not enforceable unless 70 percent cost sharing is provided, or up to 90 percent for economic hardship cases. The rules will be enforced either through county ordinances, DNR stepped enforcement procedures or a combination of the two.

Small businesses in the construction industry will not see an effect from the changes to the construction performance standard, but may experience increased costs from the changes to some of the post-construction performance standards. Most of the businesses affected by the changes to the total suspended solids standard will be commercial and it is difficult to estimate how many of those would be classified as small businesses. The modifications to the infiltration and the protective area performance standards may add additional costs, but they are expected to be small. Businesses affected will be both large and small. The rule will be enforced through permits required under ch. NR 216, or through local ordinances. For the non-agricultural performance standards, cost sharing is not required for compliance. However, the department may award grants for certain BMPs and planning activities.

Pursuant to s. 227.114, Stats., the proposed rule may have an impact on small businesses. The initial regulatory flexibility analysis is as follows:

Agricultural producers (crops and livestock), business and associated professionals involved with construction (developers, engineers, contractors, others in the building profession, and small commercial establishments that meet the definition of small business).

None.

Familiarity with software such as SNAP Plus and RUSLE2 will be needed for the phosphorus index agricultural performance standard.

The Department's Small Business Regulatory Coordinator for this rule may be contacted at Julia.Riley@wisconsin.gov or by calling (608) 264-9244.

The Department has made a preliminary determination that this action does not involve significant adverse environmental effects and does not need an environmental analysis under ch. NR 150, Wis. Adm. Code. However, based on the comments received, the Department may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the proposal. This environmental review document would summarize the Department's consideration of the impacts of the proposal and reasonable alternatives.

Proposed rule revision will result in an increased demand on agency staff devoting more time to training, education, grant oversight, enforcement and development of guidance and procedures. The department estimates that a total of 10.5 FTEs will be needed to implement all three rules.

Increase costs. Costs will not be absorbed within the agency's budget.

Increase costs.

Towns, Villages, Cities, Counties.

GPR, SEG.

State cost-share grants to fully implement the process wastewater performance standard would be $9.3 million or $930,000 annually if awarded over a 10-year period. However, this estimate is dependent upon the availability of cost-share funds to implement the standard.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN That pursuant to s. 45.20 (2) (c) 2. a., Stats., and Chapter 227 of the Wisconsin Statutes, the Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs will hold a public hearing to consider emergency rules and proposed permanent rules to amend section VA 2.02 (2), relating to the veterans tuition reimbursement program.

The public hearing will be held as follows:

Date and Time:	Location:
March 10, 2010 Wednesday At 10:00 a.m.	Wis. Dept. of Veterans Affairs Board Room, 8th Floor 30 West Mifflin Street Madison, Wisconsin

Written comments relating to the proposed rules should be submitted to James A. Stewart, 30 West Mifflin Street, P.O. Box 7843, Madison, WI 53707-7843. Phone: (608) 266-3733 E-Mail: jimmy.stewart@dva.state.wi.us

Comments should be submitted no later than March 24, 2010.

Section 45.20 (2) (c) 2., Stats.

Section 45.20 (2) (c) 2. a., Stats.

The department is charged with administering a grant program to reimburse eligible veterans for undergraduate tuition within the program limitations. It provides eligible applicants with printed and electronic applications for the program through county veterans service offices, school veterans officials and directly from the department. The Legislature has granted the agency authority to promulgate a rule for setting the time an application for the program must be completed and received by the department.

There is no related statute or rule.

The amendment of VA 2.02 (2) will create a specific time period for the completion and submission of an application for the veterans tuition reimbursement program.

There is no current or pending federal regulation which would provide tuition reimbursement for the eligible veterans under this program.

There are no similar rules in adjacent states.

The department has reviewed the provision of financial aids through public and private institutions of higher education. It has also discussed the application deadlines for financial aids with school veterans officials and county veterans service officers. The department has determined that the majority of applications for financial aid in institutions of higher education occur within the first 60 days following the initiation of the semester or term. The department is proposing a time frame for applying for this program consistent with the majority of other financial aids applications.

No analysis was performed regarding an economic impact statement.

These rules have no effect upon small businesses, nor any significant fiscal impact upon the private sector.

The amended rule will require the application to be completed and received by the department no later than 60 days after the starting date of the course, term or semester for which reimbursement is requested. The proposed rule amendment will show initially an increase in the department's denial rate and a decrease in expenditures of the tuition reimbursement grant for eligible veterans. Available data shows that based on historic trends the percentage of applications denied by not being submitted within the required time limit; in FY07 13%, FY08 9% and in FY09 0%.

For the purpose of the fiscal impact of this fiscal estimate, the decrease in expenditures is projected to be:

	Base Demand	% denials	Fiscal Impact	Adjusted Demand
FY11	$1,403,015	13%	$(182,392)	$1,220,623
FY12	$1,487,196	8%	$(118,976)	$1,368,220
FY13	$1,576,428	4%	$(63,057)	$1,513,371
FY14	$1,671,013	4%	$(66,841)	$1,604,173

The fiscal effect in FY11 will be ($182,392) and in FY12 ($118,976).

Please contact the Agency Contact Person listed below to request a copy of the fiscal estimate.

Decrease existing appropriation.

SEG.

Section 20.485 (2) (tf), Stats.

(2) REIMBURSEMENT APPLICATION. An application shall be submitted on a form approved by the department. It may be submitted through a county veterans service officer, through any other agent authorized by the department, or directly to the department, either manually or electronically. The application may not be submitted until the semester for which reimbursement is requested has been completed. Applications shall be received by the department or an authorized agent no later than 60 days after the starting date of the course, term or semester for which reimbursement is requested. Applications are considered received if all student information is completed and a physical or electronic date stamp is affixed to the application. The school veterans coordinator shall list the completion date of the semester, the cost of tuition, other assistance received or applied for by the applicant, the number of credits enrolled in during the semester, and the semester grade point average. Applications are considered complete when all required information has been provided and the completed application is submitted to the department manually or electronically. Completed applications submitted more than 60 days following the last day of the course, term or semester for which reimbursement is requested will be denied unless good cause can be shown for the delay in submission.