Wisconsin Legislative Council
ACT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Prepared by: Benjamin Kranner, Staff Analyst May 31, 2023
2023 Wisconsin Act 7
[2023 Senate Bill 36]
Modifying Certain Requirements
Relating to the Department of
Tourism
2023 Wisconsin Act 7 modifies certain requirements relating to the Department of Tourism (“the
department”).
ANNUAL REPORTING REQUIREMENT
State law requires the department to submit an annual report to certain legislative committees
generally describing the department’s activities, marketing efforts, receipts, and disbursements for the
previous fiscal year. Prior to 2023 Wisconsin Act 7, state law required this report to be submitted to the
Senate Natural Resources Committee and the Assembly Committee on Tourism. The act modified this
provision to instead require the department to submit the report to the “appropriate standing
committees of the legislature.”
USE OF FAMOUS RESIDENTS IN MARKETING
State law requires the Council on Tourism, a 14-member committee within the department, to advise
the Secretary of Tourism on matters related to tourism. Additionally, five members of the council must
assist the secretary in formulating a statewide marketing strategy.
2023 Wisconsin Act 7 repeals a requirement that the council consider the use of famous residents and
former residents of Wisconsin in the tourism marketing strategies.
DISTRIBUTION OF CHEESE AT TOURIST INFORMATION CENTERS
2023 Wisconsin Act 7 repeals a requirement that the department distribute cheese that was donated, or
purchased with donations, at tourist information centers. The department does not currently operate
these information centers, pursuant to changes made under the 2009-11 biennial budget (2009
Wisconsin Act 28).
WISCONSIN PROFESSIONAL GOLFERS’ ASSOCIATION LICENSE PLATE
State law directs the department to enter into an agreement with the Wisconsin Professional Golfers’
Association (WPGA) Junior Foundation, Inc., for the department to make payments to the foundation
to fund efforts to provide opportunities, enjoyment, and education to junior golfers in the state. These
payments are funded through revenue the state receives from fees associated with the Golf Wisconsin
special license plate.
2023 Wisconsin Act 7 repeals a requirement that the agreement require the foundation to annually
submit to certain entities an audited financial statement of its use of payments received from the
department. - 2 -
Effective date: May 10, 2023.
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
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