TWO BILLS AFFECTING LIBRARIES SIGNED INTO LAW

On March 26, 2012, Governor Walker signed 2011 Senate Bill 348 as Wisconsin Act 158, which includes a number of items suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Public Instruction. Several changes amend Chapter 43 of the Wisconsin Statutes and may be of interest to libraries. The bill officially changes the name of the Division for Libraries, Technology and Community Learning to the Division for Libraries and Technology, and changes the name of the Reference and Loan Library to the Resources for Libraries and Lifelong Learning Service. The bill also corrects a discrepancy in library system membership eligibility for “same services” provision. Details of the senate bill can be found at http://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/SB348. 

On March 28, 2012, the Governor signed 2011 Assembly Bill 224 as Wisconsin Act 163. The bill extends 2006 legislation that allowed public library boards to transfer gifts and donations to eligible not-for-profit organizations under certain circumstances, to include community foundations. Details of the assembly bill can be found at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/proposals/ab224.

(Channel Weekly; March 29, 2012)