Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB23

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/23
• Refer: 2/10/23
• Report Pass: 9/27/23
• Refer: 9/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Modifying the Department of Tourism's reporting duties and repealing requirements to distribute cheese, submit a financial statement, and use famous residents in marketing.

Impact

The bill also repeals three distinct provisions: the obligation to distribute donated Wisconsin-made cheese at tourist information centers, the requirement for the Council on Tourism to consider utilizing famous Wisconsin residents in marketing strategies, and the stipulation that the WPGA Junior Foundation submit annual audited financial statements regarding contributions received from special license plate purchases. The repeal of these requirements signals a shift in how tourism marketing and outreach efforts will be structured moving forward.

Summary

Assembly Bill 23 (AB23) seeks to modify the reporting duties of the Department of Tourism in the state of Wisconsin and to repeal several existing requirements. Specifically, it changes how the Department reports its activities by allowing them to report to appropriate standing committees rather than being confined to specific committees like the Senate Natural Resources Committee and the Assembly Committee on Tourism. This marks a move towards greater flexibility in legislative oversight of tourism activities.

Conclusion

Overall, AB23 represents a significant reform of certain statutory obligations tied to the Department of Tourism. While this provides the department with more discretion in managing its outreach and marketing strategies, it also raises important discussions about regulatory oversight and the implications of fewer requirements on accountability and community relations within Wisconsin's tourism sector.

Contention

One notable area of contention is the repeal of the cheese distribution requirement, which some advocates argue played a small but significant role in promoting local dairy products and supporting regional businesses. The elimination of mandates related to the use of famous residents in marketing could also raise questions about the effectiveness of tourism promotions that rely on celebrity endorsements. Furthermore, the withdrawal of financial accountability measures such as the requirement for audited financial statements could lead to concerns about transparency in the handling of contributions associated with special licenses plates.