On July 11, 2003, the Department of Administration submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting chs. WGC 1 to 24 and Game 3, relating to greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering.

Statutory Authority: 16.004 (1), 227.11 (2) (a), 562.02 (1), 562.04 (2), 562.05 (2), 562.057 (5), 562.065 (1), and 562.09 Stats.

Statutes Interpreted: ss. 562.02 (1), 562.04, 562.05 (6) (e) 2., 562.057 (4m) (b), 562.065, 562.06 (2), 562.105, and 562.11, Stats.

The Department proposes to revise its administrative code relating to greyhound racing and pari-mutuel wagering. The revision process was conducted in order to ensure the Department exercises its regulatory oversight functions in an effective and efficient manner. The proposed amendments reflect contemporary regulatory and industry standards. In many cases, the amendments raise regulatory standards and safeguards by conforming the administrative code to current practices in place at Wisconsin racetracks.

In addition, the amendments afford Wisconsin racetracks and licensees greater flexibility while preserving and strengthening key regulatory safeguards that protect the health, welfare and safety of greyhounds and the public, and the integrity of pari-mutuel wagering and greyhound racing.

The Department will hold a public hearing on the amended rules on August 12, 2003 at 1:00 pm. The hearing will be located at Western Racine County Services Center, Eppers Room, 209 N. Main St., Burlington, WI. The Division of Gaming is primarily responsible for promulgation of these rules.

If you have any questions regarding the rule amendments, please contact:

Christopher Patton

Department of Administration – Division of Gaming

Telephone (608) 270-2532

On July 3, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting ch. NR 30, relating to boundaries of established parts of intensive forest fire control areas in the Town of Irving, Jackson County.

The Department will hold a public hearing on August 12, 2003.

Richard Bucklew

Bureau of Forest Protection

(715) 358-9217

On July 3, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting ch. NR 116, relating to the exclusion of costs to elevate a nonconforming building or a building with a nonconforming use from the 50% provisions.

The Department will hold a public hearing on August 18, 2003.

Gary Heinrichs

Bureau of Watershed Management

(608) 266-3093

On July 3, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting ch. NR 140, relating to groundwater quality standards for arsenic.

The Department will hold public hearings on August 12 and 13, 2003.

Bill Phelps

Bureau of Drinking Water and Groundwater

(608) 267-7619

On July 3, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting chs. NR 404 and 484, relating to ambient air quality standards.

The Department will hold a public hearing on September 16, 2003.

Dennis Koepke

Bureau of Air Management

(608) 266-7718

On July 3, 2003, the Department of Natural Resources submitted a proposed rule to the Wisconsin Legislative Council Rules Clearinghouse affecting ch. NR 809, relating to arsenic in public water systems.