WALKER SIGNS FOUR RIPP BILLS INTO LAW

Madison- Four bills authored by State Representative Keith Ripp (R-Lodi) were signed into law by Governor Scott Walker Tuesday afternoon that address issues with the Wisconsin No Call List, public records scamming, and burdens on Wisconsin winery expansion.

 

Senate Bill 155, co-authored by Senator Tom Tiffany, transfers all telephone numbers currently on the Wisconsin No Call List to the list maintained by the federal government. While the Wisconsin list must be renewed every two years, the federal list is permanent for the remainder of time that number is in service or associated with the current consumer. Although the state list is updated quarterly, the federal list is updated daily, ensuring that those who sign up are protected immediately.

 

“This bill is a great solution allowing for the state to save money each year and actually maintain our current level of consumer protection at the same time,” said Ripp. “We’re requiring less work for the consumer but still ensuring that they benefit from the same safeguards provided under the law. It also allows for the Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection to focus more on enforcement of our current solicitation laws.  

 

The second measure, Assembly Bill 592, co-authored by Senator Luther Olsen, increases protection surrounding solicitations that companies can send to consumers. Over the past few years, there has been a significant increase in deed-processing schemes that target new and existing homeowners. Homeowners receive official-looking notices recommending they obtain a deed to their home in order to confirm their ownership in the property for a fee of $50 to $100. However, these deeds are often readily available for almost no cost from the local Register of Deeds. This bill places specific perimeters on what these notices must include to help consumers more easily identify that they are unnecessary.

 

“Scamming activities like this are popping up more and more frequently across Wisconsin and the country. While it is unfortunate that we must continue to draft this type of legislation, I am confident that this bill will give consumers the tools to recognize these scams for what they are and protect themselves,” Ripp said.

 

The final bills, Senate Bills 452 and 453, also co-authored by Senator Luther Olsen, reduce burdensome red tape on Wisconsin wineries that can prevent business expansion. The first would allow underage persons to participate in a tour of the winemaking process with or without a parent present, allowing those persons to attend with extended family and/or friends. The bill does not allow underage persons to sample during the tour, but would promote tourism for traveling families and friends looking for activities that everyone can enjoy together.

 

The second would add wineries to the list of acceptable furnishers of taste samples at Trade Shows. Under current law, a manufacturer, rectifier, or wholesaler of intoxicating liquor may furnish taste samples free of charge. However, wineries are currently not listed as an acceptable furnisher. Winemakers may attend Trade Shows to give presentations, but cannot furnish samples, a restriction that constrains winery expansion.

 

“Wineries are a growing industry in Wisconsin. One of the best ways for government to promote business expansion and job growth in any industry is to get out of the way and continually reduce burdensome red tape. These bills clarify state law, bring wineries more in line with breweries, and remove unnecessary roadblocks,” Ripp said.

 

All four bills passed in both houses of the Legislature with broad support and they were signed into law at the State Capitol on April 8th, 2014. Rep. Keith Ripp is still waiting for the Governor’s signature on eleven other bills passed this session and anticipates that they will be signed this month.

 

Rep. Ripp with Governor Walker, Senator Luther Olsen, and winery stakeholders at the signing of SB 452 and 453.

 

Rep. Ripp with Governor Walker, Senator Luther Olsen, and several Registers of Deeds from around the state for the signing of AB 592.