Wisconsin Contractor Licensing Law

Wisconsin Code · 22 sections

The following is the full text of Wisconsin’s contractor licensing law statutes as published in the Wisconsin Code. For the official version, see the Wisconsin Legislature.

Wis. Stat. § 106.01

106.01 .

145.01(3m)

(3m)

 

Cross-connection control device.

“Cross-connection control device” means any mechanical device that automatically prevents backflow from a contaminated source in or into a water supply system.

145.01(3s)

(3s)

 

Cross-connection control tester.

“Cross-connection control tester” means a person who conducts a performance test of an installed cross-connection control device.

145.01(4)

(4)

 

Department.

“Department” means the department of safety and professional services.

145.01(4m)

(4m)

 

Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system.

“Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system” means a private on-site wastewater treatment system that meets the criteria established by the department for determining if a private on-site wastewater treatment system is failing. A failing private on-site wastewater treatment system is one that causes or results in any of the following conditions:

145.01(4m)(a)

(a)

The discharge of sewage into surface water or groundwater.

145.01(4m)(b)

(b)

The introduction of sewage into zones of saturation that adversely affects the operation of a private on-site wastewater treatment system.

145.01(4m)(c)

(c)

The discharge of sewage to a drain tile or into zones of bedrock.

145.01(4m)(d)

(d)

The discharge of sewage to the surface of the ground.

145.01(4m)(e)

(e)

The failure to accept sewage discharges and back up of sewage into the structure served by the private on-site wastewater treatment system.

145.01(5)

(5)

 

Governmental unit responsible for regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems.

“Governmental unit responsible for the regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems” or “governmental unit”, unless otherwise qualified, means the county except that in a county with a population of 750,000 or more these terms mean the city, village or town where the private on-site wastewater treatment system is located.

145.01(6)

(6)

 

Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter.

“Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter” means any person other than an automatic fire sprinkler contractor who is engaged in the practical installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems.

145.01(7)

(7)

 

Journeyman plumber.

“Journeyman plumber” means any person other than a master plumber, who is engaged in the practical installation of plumbing.

145.01(8)

(8)

 

Master plumber.

“Master plumber” means any person skilled in the planning, superintending and the practical installation of plumbing and familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing the same.

145.01(9)

(9)

 

Pipelayer.

“Pipelayer” means a person registered under s.

Wis. Stat. 145.01

145.01 Definitions. In this chapter: (1) Automatic fire sprinkler contractor. “Automatic fire sprinkler contractor” means any individual, firm or corporation who has paid the annual license fee and obtained a license to conduct a business in the design, installation, maintenance or repair of automatic fire sprinkler systems. (2) Automatic fire sprinkler system. “Automatic fire sprinkler system”, for fire protection purposes, means an integrated system of underground and overhead piping designed in accordance with fire protection engineering standards. The system includes a suitable water supply, such as a gravity tank, fire pump, reservoir or pressure tank or connection beginning at the supply side of an approved gate valve located at or near the property line where the pipe or piping system provides water used exclusively for fire protection and related appurtenances and to standpipes connected to automatic sprinkler systems. The portion of the sprinkler system above ground is a network of specially sized or hydraulically designed piping installed in a building, structure or area, generally overhead, and to which sprinklers are connected in a systematic pattern. The system includes a controlling valve and a device for actuating an alarm when the system is in operation. The system is usually activated by heat from a fire and discharges water over the fire area. (3) Automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice. “Automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice” means any person other than an automatic fire sprinkler system contractor or a journeyman automatic fire sprinkler system fitter who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems and who is employed under an apprentice contract under s. 106.01. (3m) Cross-connection control device. “Cross-connection control device” means any mechanical device that automatically prevents backflow from a contaminated source in or into a water supply system. (3s) Cross-connection control tester. “Cross-connection control tester” means a person who conducts a performance test of an installed cross-connection control device. (4) Department. “Department” means the department of safety and professional services. (4m) Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system. “Failing private on-site wastewater treatment system” means a private on-site wastewater treatment system that meets the criteria established by the department for determining if a private on-site wastewater treatment system is failing. A failing private on-site wastewater treatment system is one that causes or results in any of the following conditions: (a) The discharge of sewage into surface water or groundwater. (b) The introduction of sewage into zones of saturation that adversely affects the operation of a private on-site wastewater treatment system. (c) The discharge of sewage to a drain tile or into zones of bedrock. (d) The discharge of sewage to the surface of the ground. (e) The failure to accept sewage discharges and back up of sewage into the structure served by the private on-site wastewater treatment system. (5) Governmental unit responsible for regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems. “Governmental unit responsible for the regulation of private on-site wastewater treatment systems” or “governmental unit”, unless otherwise qualified, means the county except that in a county with a population of 750,000 or more these terms mean the city, village or town where the private on-site wastewater treatment system is located. (6) Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter. “Journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter” means any person other than an automatic fire sprinkler contractor who is engaged in the practical installation of automatic fire sprinkler systems. (7) Journeyman plumber. “Journeyman plumber” means any person other than a master plumber, who is engaged in the practical installation of plumbing. (8) Master plumber. “Master plumber” means any person skilled in the planning, superintending and the practical installation of plumbing and familiar with the laws, rules and regulations governing the same. (9) Pipelayer. “Pipelayer” means a person registered under s. 145.07 (11). (10) Plumbing. (a) “Plumbing” means: 1. All piping, fixtures, appliances, equipment, devices, and appurtenances in connection with water supply systems, water distribution systems, wastewater drainage systems, reclaimed water systems, and stormwater use systems, including hot water storage tanks, water treatment devices, and water heaters connected with these systems and also includes the installation thereof. 2. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of any drain or wastewater piping system that connects to the mains or other terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes, including private on-site wastewater treatment systems and stormwater treatment and dispersal systems, and the alteration of any such systems, drains or wastewater piping. 3. The construction, connection, installation, service, or repair of water service piping that connects to the main or other water utility service terminal within the bounds of, or beneath an area subject to easement for highway purposes and its connections. 4. The water pressure system other than municipal systems as provided in ch. 281. 5. A plumbing and drainage system so designed and vent piping so installed as to keep the air within the system in free circulation and movement; to prevent with a margin of safety unequal air pressures of such force as might blow, siphon or affect trap seals, or retard the discharge from plumbing fixtures, or permit sewer air to escape into the building; to prohibit cross-connection, contamination or pollution of the water supply and distribution systems; and to provide an adequate supply of water to properly serve, cleanse and operate all fixtures, equipment, appurtenances and appliances served by the plumbing system. (br) “Plumbing” does not include any of the following: 1. A rainwater gutter or downspout down to the point that it discharges into a plumbing system, a subsoil drain, or a foundation drain. 2g. A process water reuse system if the process water reuse system is not connected to any plumbing fixture or appliance. 2m. A stormwater culvert under a roadway or walkway that is placed there only to equalize the water level from one end of the culvert to the other end. 3. The practical installation of process piping within a sewage disposal plant. (11) Plumbing apprentice. “Plumbing apprentice” means any person other than a journeyman or master plumber who is engaged in learning and assisting in the installation of plumbing and drainage. (12) Private on-site wastewater treatment system. “Private on-site wastewater treatment system” means a sewage treatment and disposal system serving a single structure with a septic tank and soil absorption field located on the same parcel as the structure. This term also means an alternative sewage system approved by the department including a substitute for the septic tank or soil absorption field, a holding tank, a system serving more than one structure or a system located on a different parcel than the structure. A private on-site wastewater treatment system may be owned by the property owner or by a special purpose district. (13) Registered learner. “Registered learner” means a person, other than a restricted plumber licensee, who is learning a limited type of plumbing and is engaged in assisting a restricted plumber licensee. (14) Restricted plumber licensee. “Restricted plumber licensee” means any person licensed as a master plumber (restricted) or a journeyman plumber (restricted) under s. 145.14. (15) Utility contractor. “Utility contractor” means a person licensed under s. 145.07 (10). (17) Waters of the state. “Waters of the state” has the meaning specified under s. 281.01 (18). History: 1971 c. 255; 1977 c. 314; 1979 c. 34, 221; 1981 c. 20; 1983 a. 189, 410, 538; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 213, 322; 1995 a. 27 ss. 4355 and 9116 (5); 1995 a. 227; 2009 a. 200, 291; 2011 a. 32, 146; 2013 a. 124; 2013 a. 173 s. 33; 2017 a. 59; 2021 a. 67 s. 2; 2023 a. 19 s. 472g.

Wis. Stat. 145.02

145.02 Powers of department. (1) The construction, installation and maintenance of plumbing in connection with all buildings in this state, including buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision thereof, shall be safe, sanitary and such as to safeguard the public health and the waters of the state. (2) (a) The department shall have general supervision of all plumbing described under sub. (1). The department shall promulgate rules that shall uniformly apply to all types of buildings, private or public, rural or urban, including buildings owned by the state or any political subdivision. The rules promulgated by the department shall constitute the state plumbing code. The state plumbing code shall comply with ch. 160. To the extent that the historic building code applies to the subject matter of these standards, the standards do not apply to a qualified historic building if the owner elects to be subject to s. 101.121. The standards do not apply to a primitive rural hunting cabin, as defined in s. 101.61 (3). (b) The department shall promulgate rules that establish separate plumbing standards applicable only to camping units that are set in a fixed location in a campground for which a permit is issued under s. 97.67, that contain a sleeping place, and that are used for seasonal overnight camping. The standards established in the rules shall also take into account the uses, including seasonal use, that are unique to recreational and educational camps, as defined in s. 101.053 (1). If the department has appointed one or more committees under s. 227.13 to advise the department on rule making with respect to private on-site wastewater treatment systems or other plumbing systems, the department shall promulgate the rules required under this paragraph in consultation with those committees. (3) The department may exercise such powers as are reasonably necessary to carry out the provisions of this chapter. It may, among other things: (a) Employ competent supervisors who shall be licensed plumbers, and other assistants, prescribe their qualifications and assign their duties. (b) Conduct investigations and experiments for the advancement of technical knowledge relating to plumbing and may hold public meetings and attend or be represented at such meetings within or without the state. (c) Enter and inspect at reasonable hours plumbing installations on private or public property and may disseminate information relative to the provisions of this chapter. (d) Prepare and cause to be printed such codes, bulletins or other documents as may be necessary and furnish copies thereof to those engaged in the plumbing business and to the public upon request. (e) Furnish upon request of the owner of the building or of the plumber making the plumbing installation, recommendations or a certificate of inspection. (f) Issue special orders directing and requiring compliance with the rules and standards of the department promulgated under this chapter whenever, in the judgment of the department, the rules or standards are threatened with violation, are being violated or have been violated, except that the department shall issue orders related to occupational licenses, as defined in s. 101.02 (1) (a) 2., as provided in s. 101.022. The circuit court for any county where violation of such an order occurs has jurisdiction to enforce and shall enforce any order brought before it by injunctive and other appropriate relief. The attorney general or the district attorney of the county where the violation of the order occurs shall bring action for its enforcement. The department may issue an order under this paragraph to abate a violation of s. 254.59. (g) By rule, fix fees for the examination and approval of plans of plumbing systems and collect the same. (h) Promulgate rules concerning the testing of cross-connection control devices, including rules identifying the types of cross-connection control devices that may be tested only by a registered cross-connection control tester and the circumstances under which cross-connection control devices shall be tested. (4) (a) The department shall prescribe rules as to the qualifications, examination and licensing of master and journeyman plumbers and restricted plumber licensees, for the licensing of utility contractors, for the registration of plumbing apprentices and pipe layers and for the registration and training of registered learners. The plumbers council, created under s. 15.407 (16), shall advise the department in formulating the rules. (b) The department may promulgate rules for the qualification and registration of cross-connection control testers. (5) (a) The department may appoint a city, village, town, or county as an agent of the department that is authorized to review and approve plumbing plans and specifications for plumbing installations specified by the department for public buildings, as defined in s. 101.01 (12), and places of employment, as defined in s. 101.01 (11). (b) 1. In this paragraph, “agent appointment” means an appointment under par. (a) or s. SPS 382.20 (2), Wis. Adm. Code. 2. The department shall establish requirements for cities, villages, towns, and counties to electronically renew agent appointments every 5 years. The process shall allow cities, villages, towns, and counties with agent appointments made 5 years or more before April 5, 2018, to renew those agent appointments within deadlines specified by the department. History: 1971 c. 194; 1973 c. 90; 1975 c. 39; 1977 c. 275, 314; 1979 c. 34, 221; 1981 c. 341; 1983 a. 410; 1993 a. 27, 213, 322; 1995 a. 27; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 49; 2017 a. 59, 198, 331, 365; 2019 a. 130; 2021 a. 238 s. 45. Cross-reference: See also chs. SPS 327, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, and 391, Wis. adm. code. Sub. (2) did not invalidate a town ordinance prohibiting residential sewage holding tanks. Konkel v. Town of Raymond, 101 Wis. 2d 704, 305 N.W.2d 190 (Ct. App. 1981). Counties must obtain state approval before permitting private experimental sanitation systems. Citizen committees appointed by the county board may not engage in setting plumbing standards. 60 Atty. Gen. 209.

Wis. Stat. 145.06

145.06 License or registration required; exemptions. (1) (a) No person may engage in or work at plumbing in the state unless licensed to do so by the department. A master plumber may work as a journeyman. No person may act as a plumbing apprentice or pipe layer unless registered with the department. (b) No public utility shall engage in or perform plumbing unless exempted by sub. (4). (2) No person shall install plumbing unless at all times a licensed master plumber is in charge, who shall be responsible for proper installation. Licenses shall be issued only to individuals and no license shall be issued to or in the name of any firm or corporation. No such license shall be transferable. It is unlawful for any licensed master plumber to allow the use of his or her license, directly or indirectly, for the purpose of obtaining local permits for others or to allow the use of his or her license by others to install plumbing work. (3) Each member or employee of a partnership or limited liability company or each officer or employee of a corporation engaging in the business of superintending plumbing installations shall be required to apply for and obtain a master plumber’s license before engaging in the work of superintending plumbing installations. (3m) No person may test the performance of cross-connection control devices when the test is required by the department unless he or she is registered with the department as a cross-connection control tester. (4) This section shall not apply to: (a) Plumbing work done by a property owner in a one-family building owned and occupied by him or her as his or her home or farm building, except where such license is required by local ordinance. (b) Plumbing from the private water supply pump to and including the initial pressure tank and connection to an existing water distribution system, when installed by persons licensed under ch. 280. (c) Installation of sewer and water service piping from the main to the property lot line, when installed by authorized municipal utility employees or sewer and water utility installers under a contract with a municipality. (d) Making minor repairs to faucets, valves, pipes or appliances, repair or replacement of electrical or gas energy or other automatic valves or control devices or removing of stoppages in waste or drainage pipes. (e) Installation of sewer and water mains, when installed by sewer and water utility contractors and their employees. (f) Installation, repair or replacement of water service piping, from the property line to the meter, including meter installation, to service any building or structure or proposed building or structure when such installation, repair or replacement is accomplished by employees of a public municipal water utility, providing such utility regularly has engaged in such installation, repair or replacement for at least 5 years prior to January 1, 1964. History: 1977 c. 314; 1983 a. 189; 1993 a. 112, 322, 482, 490; 1995 a. 227. Cross-reference: See also ss. SPS 305.90, 305.91, 305.92, 305.93, 305.94, 305.95, 305.96, 305.97, 305.98, and 305.99, Wis. adm. code.

Wis. Stat. 145.08

145.08 Fees; expiration of license; registration. (1) The department shall establish fees by rule for the examinations, licenses, and registrations specified in this section. The fees established by the department shall as closely as possible equal the cost of providing the following services: (a) Administering a master plumber’s examination. (b) Issuing a master plumber’s license. (c) Administering a journeyman plumber’s examination. (d) Issuing a journeyman plumber’s license. (e) Issuing a temporary permit pending examination and issuance of a license for master plumber or journeyman plumber. (f) Administering a master plumber’s (restricted) examination. (g) Issuing a master plumber’s license (restricted). (h) Administering a journeyman plumber’s (restricted) examination. (i) Issuing a journeyman plumber’s license (restricted). (k) Administering an automatic fire sprinkler contractor’s examination. (L) Issuing an automatic fire sprinkler contractor’s license. (Lm) Issuing an automatic fire sprinkler — maintenance only registration. (m) Administering a journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter’s examination. (n) Issuing a journeyman automatic fire sprinkler fitter’s license. (nm) Issuing an automatic fire sprinkler fitter — maintenance only registration certificate. (o) Issuing a utility contractor’s license. (q) Issuing a pipelayer’s registration. (1g) The department may not charge a plumbing supervisor employed by the department in accord with s. 145.02 (3) (a) a fee for the appropriate 4-year license for which the plumbing supervisor has previously qualified. (2) No license or registration may be issued for longer than 4 years. Any license or registration may be renewed upon application made prior to the date of expiration. The department may renew licenses or registrations upon application made after the date of expiration if it is satisfied that the applicant has good cause for not applying for renewal prior to the date of expiration and upon payment of the renewal and additional fees prescribed. (3) To establish a record of beginning an apprenticeship, as a plumber, as an automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice, or as a plumber learner (restricted), every plumbing and automatic fire sprinkler system apprentice and every plumbing learner (restricted) shall within 30 days after beginning an apprenticeship or learnership register with the department. A fee established by the department by rule shall be paid at the time of registration and before January 1 of each subsequent calendar year during which the apprentice is engaged in the apprenticeship or learnership. History: 1971 c. 255; 1975 c. 39, 199; 1977 c. 314; 1981 c. 20; 1981 c. 60 ss. 6, 11; 1981 c. 314; 1993 a. 16, 322; 1995 a. 417; 2005 a. 25; 2009 a. 28; 2011 a. 146.

Wis. Stat. § 145.09

145.09 " href="/doc/feed?path=%2Fstatutes%2Fstatutes%2F145%2F09" /> Skip navigation Home Documents Senate Assembly Committees Service Agencies Docs Options Help 2025 Biennium Statutes Admin. Rules Indices Miscellaneous Archives Home Bill, Rule, and Appointment Histories Senators Representatives Committees Text of Introduced Proposals Amendment Text Acts Veto Messages Enrolled Bills Votes Assembly and Senate Floor Calendars Schedule of Committee Activities Assembly and Senate Journals Committee Records (ROCPs) Legislative Rules All Session-Related Documents Subject Index to Acts Subject Index to Legislation Subject Index to Journals Author Index to Legislation Subject Index to Clearinghouse Rules Miscellaneous Budget Documents Executive Orders Rulings of the Chair Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Opinions of the Attorney General Town Law Forms Law Districts Session Drafting Files Feeds Preferences Show tree Hide tree Feedback Help Home Senate Home Senators Committees Session Chief Clerk Sergeant at Arms Civics Education Human Resources Assembly Home Representatives Committees Session Chief Clerk Sergeant at Arms Human Resources Schedule Joint Senate Assembly Study Legislative Audit Bureau Legislative Council Legislative Fiscal Bureau Legislative Human Resources Office Legislative Reference Bureau Legislative Technology Services Bureau Please note, you are using an old version of Internet Explorer . Your experience will improve if you upgrade your browser . Menu » Statutes Related » Statutes » Chapter 145 Up Up 145.07(7) (7) A person shall be registered as a registered learner with the department without examination or training prequalifications and shall not be required to be employed under an apprentice contract under s. 106.01 . 145.07(9) (9) Master plumbers, journeyman plumbers and apprentices are not subject to the restrictions under s. 145.14 . 145.07(10) (10) An application for a utility contractor’s license shall be made to the department with fees required by the department under s. 145.08 (1) (o) . The department shall issue a utility contractor’s license to any person who is skilled in the planning, superintending and practical installation, within public or private premises, of piping which conveys sewage, rain water or other liquid wastes to a legal point of disposal and who is skilled in the design, planning, superintending and practical installation of water service piping from the street main to the immediate inside building perimeter. 145.07(11) (11) An application for registration as a pipelayer shall be made to the department with the fees required by the department under s. 145.08 (1) (q) . The department shall approve the registration of any person as a pipelayer if the person is employed by a utility contractor and if the person is engaged in the practical installation, within public or private premises, of piping which conveys sewage, rain water or other liquid wastes to a legal point of disposal or engages in the practical inst

Wis. Stat. 145.10

145.10 Investigations, hearings; suspension, revocation. (1) The department may make investigations and conduct hearings and may, on its own or upon complaint in writing duly signed and verified by the complainant, and after providing not less than 10 days’ notice to the licensee, suspend any master or journeyman plumber’s license, cross-connection control tester’s registration, utility contractor’s license or temporary permit if it has reason to believe, and may revoke such license, registration or permit in the manner provided under this section if it finds, that the holder of such license, registration or permit has: (a) Made a material misstatement in the application for a license or registration or renewal thereof or for a temporary permit; (am) Committed gross negligence or misconduct or is incompetent in the practice covered by the person’s license, registration or permit; (b) Failed to correct an installation for which he or she is responsible, at his or her own expense, within 30 days following notification by the department of a violation of any rule adopted under this chapter; or (c) Falsified information on an inspection form under s. 145.20 (5). (2) A copy of the complaint with notice of the suspension of license, registration or permit shall be served on the person complained against, and the person’s answer to the complaint shall be filed with the department and the complainant within 10 days after service. The department shall thereupon set the matter for hearing as promptly as possible and within 30 days after the date of filing the complaint. Either party may appear at the hearing in person or by attorney or agent. The department shall make its findings and determination within 90 days after the date that the hearing is concluded and send a copy to each interested party. (3) No order revoking a license, registration or permit shall be made until after a public hearing to be held before the department at such place as the department designates. At least 10 days prior to the hearing the department shall send written notice of the time and place of the hearing to the licensee or permittee and to the person’s attorney or agent of record by mailing the notice to the last-known address of such persons. The testimony presented and proceedings had at the hearing shall be recorded and preserved as the records of the department. The department shall as soon thereafter as possible make its findings and determination and send a copy to each interested party. One year after the date of revocation, application may be made for a new license or registration. History: 1977 c. 314, 418; 1979 c. 34; 1981 c. 1 s. 47; 1981 c. 60; 1983 a. 27, 70; 1991 a. 39; 1993 a. 322; 2005 a. 347.

Wis. Stat. 145.11

145.11 Advertising restrictions. (1) No person offering plumbing services may do any of the following, unless the person is a licensed master plumber or employs a licensed master plumber: (a) Advertise as a plumbing contractor, master plumber or plumber. (b) Append his or her name to, or in connection with, the title “plumbing contractor”, “master plumber” or “plumber”. (c) Append his or her name to any other title or words that may tend to represent the person as a plumbing contractor, master plumber or plumber. (2) No person other than a licensed master plumber shall use or display the title “Master Plumber” or append his or her name to or in connection with such title or any other title or words which represent or may tend to represent him or her as a licensed master plumber. Every holder of a master plumber’s license shall promptly notify the department of any change of his or her business address. (3) Any person who advertises as a master plumber through the use of printed material designed for public distribution shall include in the advertisement the number of his or her license as a master plumber. Any person who advertises as a plumbing contractor through the use of printed material designed for public distribution shall include in the advertisement the license number of the master plumber employed by the plumbing contractor. (4) Subsection (1) does not apply to any person who advertises as providing services for which no license is required under s. 145.06, unless the person holds himself or herself out as providing services for which a license is required. History: 1983 a. 125; 1993 a. 482.

Wis. Stat. 145.12

145.12 Prohibitions and penalties. (1) Any person who engages in or follows the business or occupation of, or advertises or holds himself or herself out as or acts temporarily or otherwise as a master plumber, as an automatic fire sprinkler contractor or as a business establishment holding an automatic fire sprinkler-maintenance only registration certificate without first having secured the required license or certificate, or who otherwise violates any provisions of this chapter, shall be fined not less than $100 nor more than $500 or imprisoned for 30 days or both. Each day such violation continues shall be a separate offense. (2) Any person violating this chapter or failing to obey a lawful order of the department, or a judgment or decree of a court in connection with this chapter, may be imprisoned for not more than 3 months or fined not more than $500. (3) Any master plumber who shall employ an apprentice on plumbing representing the apprentice to be a journeyman, or who shall charge for an apprentice a journeyman’s wage, shall be punished by a fine of not more than $25, or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than 30 days. Each day of violation shall be a separate offense. (4) Any person who violates any order under s. 145.02 (3) (f) or 145.20 (2) (f) or any rule or standard adopted under s. 145.02 shall forfeit not less than $10 nor more than $1,000 for each violation. Each violation of an order under s. 145.02 (3) (f) or 145.20 (2) (f) or a rule or standard under s. 145.02 constitutes a separate offense, and each day of continued violation is a separate offense. (5) (a) In lieu of any other penalty under this section, the department may directly assess a forfeiture by issuing an order against any person who violates s. 145.06 or 145.20 (6). The department may not assess a forfeiture exceeding $2,000 for each violation. (b) The department shall promulgate rules specifying the procedures governing the assessment of forfeitures under this subsection including the following: 1. The procedure for issuing an order for an alleged violation. 2. The amount of a forfeiture that the department may assess for an alleged violation, subject to the limit under par. (a). 3. The procedure for contesting an order issued for an alleged violation. 4. The procedure for contesting the assessment of a forfeiture for an alleged violation. (c) The department shall remit all forfeitures paid under this subsection to the secretary of administration for deposit in the school fund. (d) All forfeitures that are not paid as required under this subsection shall accrue interest at the rate of 12 percent per year. (e) The attorney general may bring an action in the name of the state to collect any forfeiture imposed, or interest accrued, under this subsection if the forfeiture or interest has not been paid after the exhaustion of all administrative and judicial reviews. History: 1971 c. 255; 1981 c. 20, 60; 1983 a. 410; 1993 a. 482; 1995 a. 225; 2005 a. 182; 2007 a. 197; 2017 a. 331.

Wis. Stat. § 145.15

145.15 " href="/doc/feed?path=%2Fstatutes%2Fstatutes%2F145%2F15" /> Skip navigation Home Documents Senate Assembly Committees Service Agencies Docs Options Help 2025 Biennium Statutes Admin. Rules Indices Miscellaneous Archives Home Bill, Rule, and Appointment Histories Senators Representatives Committees Text of Introduced Proposals Amendment Text Acts Veto Messages Enrolled Bills Votes Assembly and Senate Floor Calendars Schedule of Committee Activities Assembly and Senate Journals Committee Records (ROCPs) Legislative Rules All Session-Related Documents Subject Index to Acts Subject Index to Legislation Subject Index to Journals Author Index to Legislation Subject Index to Clearinghouse Rules Miscellaneous Budget Documents Executive Orders Rulings of the Chair Wisconsin Supreme Court Rules Opinions of the Attorney General Town Law Forms Law Districts Session Drafting Files Feeds Preferences Show tree Hide tree Feedback Help Home Senate Home Senators Committees Session Chief Clerk Sergeant at Arms Civics Education Human Resources Assembly Home Representatives Committees Session Chief Clerk Sergeant at Arms Human Resources Schedule Joint Senate Assembly Study Legislative Audit Bureau Legislative Council Legislative Fiscal Bureau Legislative Human Resources Office Legislative Reference Bureau Legislative Technology Services Bureau Please note, you are using an old version of Internet Explorer . Your experience will improve if you upgrade your browser . Menu » Statutes Related » Statutes » Chapter 145 Up Up 145.11(2) (2) No person other than a licensed master plumber shall use or display the title “Master Plumber” or append his or her name to or in connection with such title or any other title or words which represent or may tend to represent him or her as a licensed master plumber. Every holder of a master plumber’s license shall promptly notify the department of any change of his or her business address. 145.11(3) (3) Any person who advertises as a master plumber through the use of printed material designed for public distribution shall include in the advertisement the number of his or her license as a master plumber. Any person who advertises as a plumbing contractor through the use of printed material designed for public distribution shall include in the advertisement the license number of the master plumber employed by the plumbing contractor. 145.11(4) (4) Subsection (1) does not apply to any person who advertises as providing services for which no license is required under s. 145.06 , unless the person holds himself or herself out as providing services for which a license is required. 145.11 History History: 1983 a. 125 ; 1993 a. 482 . 145.12 145.12 Prohibitions and penalties. 145.12(1) (1) Any person who engages in or follows the business or occupation of, or advertises or holds himself or herself out as or acts temporarily or otherwise as a master plumber, as an automatic fire sprinkler contractor or as a business establishment holding an

Wis. Stat. 145.17

145.17 Inspectors and rule making. (1) The department may employ competent supervisors, who shall be licensed automatic fire sprinkler contractors or journeymen automatic fire sprinkler system fitters, and may employ other persons. (2) The department shall prescribe rules as to the qualifications, examination and licensing of journeymen automatic fire sprinkler system fitters and automatic fire sprinkler contractors and for the registration and training of automatic fire sprinkler system apprentices. The automatic fire sprinkler system contractors and journeymen council, created under s. 15.407 (17), shall advise the department in formulating the rules. History: 1971 c. 255; 1979 c. 102, 221; 1995 a. 27; 2011 a. 32, 146.

Wis. Stat. 145.18

145.18 Temporary permits. The department may issue temporary permits to journeymen automatic fire sprinkler system fitters or to automatic fire sprinkler contractors pending examination of applicants for licenses. The department may also issue temporary permits to applicants for automatic fire sprinkler-maintenance only registration certificates. The department shall, by rule, prescribe the procedure for issuing these permits. Examination fees shall be paid at the time the permit is issued. History: 1971 c. 255; 1981 c. 20.

Wis. Stat. § 16.75

16.75 in the designation of all state public depositories and in contracting for depository services.

34.045(1)(f)

(f)

Establish by rule minimum depository operational requirements that any institution must meet prior to being considered as eligible to submit any proposal to serve as a public depository or to provide services.

34.045(1)(g)

(g)

Upon request of any state agency or department, provide assistance in the selection of a depository.

34.045(2)

(2)

 

The secretary of administration or his or her designee shall require any state department or agency to submit to him or her for prior review, elimination, consolidation, renegotiation, or confirmation any existing service contract or service proposed by the department or agency.

34.045(3)

(3)

 

The secretary of administration or his or her designee may, for cause, disapprove any contract submitted under sub. (2) if he or she finds the proposed contract to be in violation of the guidelines established under sub. (1) , or to have been improperly negotiated or to be otherwise illegal. If the secretary of administration or his or her designee fails to disapprove a proposed contract within 60 days after it is submitted by the department or agency, the contract shall be deemed approved. The secretary of administration or his or her designee shall provide written justification for disapproving a contract proposed by a state agency or department. A disapproval is subject to judicial review under ch. 227 .

34.045(4)

(4)

 

State agencies and departments shall provide the secretary of administration or his or her designee with a written justification for any proposed contract award for service.

Wis. Stat. § 443.01

443.01 (7m) , or structural pest control operator, by an individual who is a qualified 3rd party, or by a contractor about matters within the scope of the contractor’s occupation, if the information is in writing and is furnished on time and if the entry to which it relates is identified, and except that the owner may substitute for any entry information supplied by a public agency. Information that substitutes for an entry on the report under s.

Wis. Stat. 443.14

443.14 Exempt persons. The following persons, while practicing within the scope of their respective exemptions, shall be exempt from this chapter: (1) (a) An employee of a person holding a certificate of registration in architecture under s. 443.10 who is engaged in the practice of architecture and an employee of a person temporarily exempted from registration in architecture under this section, if the practice of the employee does not include responsible charge of architecture practice. (b) An employee of a person holding a certificate of registration in professional engineering under s. 443.10 who is engaged in the practice of professional engineering and an employee of a person temporarily exempted from registration in professional engineering under this section, if the practice of the employee does not include responsible charge of professional engineering practice. (2) Officers and employees of the federal government while engaged within this state in the practice of architecture, landscape architecture or professional engineering for the federal government. (3) A public service company and its regular employees acting in its behalf where the professional engineering services rendered are in connection with its facilities which are subject to regulation, supervision and control by a commission of this state or of the federal government. (4) (a) Any person who practices architecture, exclusively as a regular employee of a private company or corporation, by rendering to the company or corporation architectural services in connection with its operations, so long as the person is thus actually and exclusively employed and no longer, if the company or corporation has at least one architect who is registered under this chapter in responsible charge of the company’s or corporation’s architectural work in this state. (b) Any person who practices professional engineering, exclusively as a regular employee of a private company or corporation, by rendering to the company or corporation professional engineering services in connection with its operations, so long as the person is thus actually and exclusively employed and no longer, if the company or corporation has at least one professional engineer who is registered under this chapter in responsible charge of the company’s or corporation’s professional engineering work in this state. (5) A person engaged in the manufacture of a product or unit, including laboratory research affiliates of the person, where the services performed are the design, assembly, manufacture, sale or installation of that product or unit. “Product or unit” does not include any building. (6) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, contractors, subcontractors or construction material or equipment suppliers are not required to register under this chapter to perform or undertake those activities which historically and customarily have been performed by them in their respective trades and specialties, including, but not limited to, the preparation and use of drawings, specifications or layouts within a construction firm or in construction operations, superintending of construction, installation and alteration of equipment, cost estimating, consultation with architects, professional engineers or owners concerning materials, equipment, methods and techniques, and investigations or consultation with respect to construction sites, provided all such activities are performed solely with respect to the performance of their work on buildings or with respect to supplies or materials furnished by them for buildings or structures or their appurtenances which are, or which are to be, erected, enlarged or materially altered in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by architects or professional engineers, or by persons exempt under subs. (1) to (5) while practicing within the scope of their exemption. (7) This chapter does not require manufacturers or their material or equipment suppliers to register under this chapter in order to enable them to perform engineering in the design, assembly, manufacture, sale or installation of their respective products. (8) An employee of a professional land surveyor, while doing surveying work under the supervision of the employer, if the employee is not in responsible charge of the practice of professional land surveying. (8m) (a) Subject to par. (b), an employee or contractor of any of the following while engaged in land surveying is exempt from the provisions of this chapter: 1. The provider of a broadcast service, as defined in s. 196.01 (1m). 2. The provider of a cable service, as defined in s. 196.01 (1p). 3. A commercial mobile radio service provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (2g). 4. A public utility, as defined in s. 196.01 (5). 5. A telecommunications provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (8p). 6. A video service provider, as defined in s. 196.01 (12r). 7. A cooperative association organized under ch. 185 for the purpose of producing or furnishing heat, light, power, or water to its members only. (b) The exemption under par. (a) applies only if the employee or contractor is engaged in services described in s. 443.01 (6s) (a) 3., (c), (d), or (f) for or on behalf of the provider or cooperative. (9) A license shall not be required for an owner to survey his or her own land for purposes other than for sale. (10) Any person employed by a county or this state who is engaged in the planning, design, installation or regulation of land and water conservation activities under ch. 92 or s. 281.65 and who is certified under s. 92.18. (11) Any professional land surveyor licensed under s. 443.06 who is engaged in the planning, design, installation, or regulation of land and water conservation activities under ch. 92 or s. 281.65. (12m) A driller who is licensed under s. 280.15 (2m), or an employee of a drilling business that is registered under s. 280.15 (1), who is engaged in well drilling, as defined in s. 280.01 (8), or heat exchange drilling, as defined in s. 280.01 (2c). (13) A professional engineer who, while engaged in the practice of professional engineering in accordance with this chapter, collects, investigates, interprets or evaluates data relating to soil, rock, groundwater, surface water, gases or other earth conditions, or uses that data for analysis, consultation, planning, design or construction. (14) A person who, while engaged in the practice of professional geology, hydrology or soil science as defined in s. 470.01 (2), (3) or (4), practices professional engineering, if the acts that involve the practice of professional engineering are also part of the practice of professional geology, hydrology or soil science. (15) A person employed by the federal government who is engaged in this state in the practice of landscape architecture for the federal government. (16) A person who performs services related to natural resources management if any map that is prepared as a part of those services contains the following statement: “This map is not a survey of the actual boundary of any property this map depicts.” In this subsection, “natural resources management” includes all of the following: (a) The management of state lands under ss. 23.09, 23.11, 27.01, and 28.04. (b) The control of invasive species, as defined in s. 23.22 (1) (c). (c) The cultivation or harvesting of raw forest products, as defined in s. 26.05 (1). (d) The management of county forests under s. 28.11. (e) The practice of forestry, as defined in s. 77.81 (2), including sustainable forestry, as defined in s. 28.04 (1) (e); any services provided in connection with an order, or the preparation of an application for an order, under subch. I or VI of ch. 77; and any forestry operation, as defined in s. 823.075 (1) (c). (17) A person who prepares a map that depicts temporary trails, easements, or other uses of lands if the map contains the following statement: “This map is not a survey of the actual boundary of any property this map depicts.” (18) An employee or agent of the department of natural resources, department of agriculture, trade and consumer protection, department of transportation, public service commission, board of commissioners of public lands, or department of military affairs who creates a geographic information systems map if done within the scope of his or her employment or agency. History: 1979 c. 167 ss. 5, 21, 40, 48; 1979 c. 355; 1983 a. 189 s. 329 (18); 1991 a. 309; 1993 a. 463, 465, 491; 1995 a. 227; 1997 a. 27, 300; 2005 a. 360; 2009 a. 123; 2011 a. 146, 150; 2013 a. 358.

Wis. Stat. 452.01

452.01 Definitions. In this chapter: (1e) “Adverse fact” means any of the following: (a) A condition or occurrence that is generally recognized by a competent licensee as doing any of the following: 1. Significantly and adversely affecting the value of the property. 2. Significantly reducing the structural integrity of improvements to real estate. 3. Presenting a significant health risk to occupants of the property. (b) Information that indicates that a party to a transaction is not able to or does not intend to meet his or her obligations under a contract or agreement made concerning the transaction. (1m) “Agency agreement” means a written agreement between a firm and a client in which the client authorizes the firm to provide brokerage services to the client. (1o) “Associated with a firm” means to have been engaged by a firm to provide brokerage services to the firm’s clients and customers on behalf of the firm and under the firm’s supervision, including as an employee of the firm or as an independent contractor, or both. (1p) “Associated with a subagent” means to be associated with a firm that is engaged as a subagent. (1s) “Board” means real estate examining board. (2) “Broker” means any person not excluded by sub. (3), who does any of the following: (a) For another person, and for commission, money, or other thing of value, negotiates or offers or attempts to negotiate, whether directly or indirectly, a sale, exchange, purchase, or rental of, or the granting or acceptance of an option to sell, exchange, purchase, or rent, an interest or estate in real estate, a time share, or a business or its goodwill, inventory, or fixtures, whether or not the business includes real property. (b) Is engaged wholly or in part in the business of selling or exchanging interests or estates in real estate or businesses, including businesses’ goodwill, inventory, or fixtures, whether or not the business includes real property, to the extent that a pattern of sales or exchanges is established, whether or not the person owns the real estate or businesses. Five sales or exchanges in one year or 10 sales or exchanges in 5 years is presumptive evidence of a pattern of sales or exchanges. (bm) For another person, and for commission, money, or other thing of value shows real estate or a business or its inventory or fixtures, whether or not the business includes real property, except that this paragraph does not include showing a property that is offered exclusively for rent. (c) For another person, and for commission, money, or other thing of value, promotes the sale, exchange, purchase, option, rental, or leasing of real estate, a time share, or a business or its goodwill, inventory, or fixtures, whether or not the business includes real property. This paragraph does not apply to a person who only publishes or disseminates verbatim information provided by another person. (d) Issues a written report of property value that is prepared for another person and that is not an appraisal, as defined in s. 458.01 (1). (3) “Broker” does not include any of the following: (a) Receivers, trustees, personal representatives, guardians, or other persons appointed by or acting under the judgment or order of any court. (b) Public officers while performing their official duties. (c) Any bank, trust company, savings bank, savings and loan association, insurance company, or any land mortgage or farm loan association organized under the laws of this state or of the United States, when engaged in the transaction of business within the scope of its corporate powers as provided by law. (d) Employees of persons enumerated in pars. (a) to (c), (f), and (i) when engaged in the specific performance of their duties as such employees. (dm) Any employee of an attorney under par. (h) if all of the following are true: 1. The employee’s activities are directly supportive of the attorney’s provision of legal services to the attorney’s client. 2. The employee’s activities are activities that the attorney may perform under par. (h). 3. The employee is under the direction and supervision of the attorney. (e) Any custodian, janitor, employee or agent of the owner or manager of a residential building who exhibits a residential unit therein to prospective tenants, accepts applications for leases and furnishes such prospective tenants with information relative to the rental of such unit, terms and conditions of leases required by the owner or manager, and similar information. (f) Any credit union which negotiates loans secured by real estate mortgages or any licensee under ch. 138 which negotiates loans secured by real estate mortgages or any licensed attorney who, incidental to the general practice of law, negotiates or offers or attempts to negotiate a loan, secured or to be secured by mortgage or other transfer of or encumbrance on real estate. (g) A person licensed as a mortgage banker under s. 224.72 who does not engage in activities described under sub. (2). (h) Attorneys licensed to practice in this state while acting within the scope of their attorney’s license. (i) A developer, as defined in s. 707.02 (11), negotiating a transaction involving a time share. (3e) “Brokerage service” means any service described under sub. (2) provided to a person by a firm and any licensees associated with the firm. (3j) “Business entity” means any organization or enterprise, other than a sole proprietorship, which is operated for profit or that is nonprofit and nongovernmental, including an association, business trust, corporation, joint venture, limited liability company, limited liability partnership, partnership or syndicate. (3k) “Business representative” means a director, manager, member, officer, owner or partner of a business entity. (3m) “Client” means a party to a transaction who has an agency agreement with a firm for brokerage services. (3p) “Crime” does not include a crime for which the individual has been pardoned; a crime for which the conviction has been reversed, set aside, or vacated; or a crime for which the conviction has been expunged under s. 973.015. (3s) “Customer” means a party to a transaction who is provided brokerage services by a firm and any licensees associated with the firm but who is not a client. (3w) “Designated agency” means a multiple representation relationship in which each client of the firm in the multiple representation relationship receives negotiation services from the firm only from licensees associated with the firm who are not providing negotiation services to any other client of the firm in the transaction. (4) “Disciplinary proceeding” means a proceeding against one or more licensees in which the board may revoke, suspend, or limit a license, reprimand a licensee, or assess a forfeiture or require education or training under s. 452.14 (4m) or (4r). (4v) “Felony” means a felony under the laws of this state or a crime committed elsewhere that would be a felony if committed in this state. “Felony” does not include a felony for which the applicant has been pardoned; a felony for which the conviction has been reversed, set aside, or vacated; or a felony for which the conviction has been expunged under s. 973.015. (4w) “Firm” means a licensed individual broker acting as a sole proprietorship or a licensed broker business entity. (4x) “Licensed broker business entity” means a broker licensed under s. 452.12 that is a business entity. (4y) “Licensed individual broker” means a broker licensed under s. 452.12 who is an individual. (5) “Licensee” means any person licensed under this chapter. (5c) “License number” means a number assigned to a person under s. 452.05 (1) (j). (5e) “Listing firm” means a firm that has entered into an agency agreement with a seller or landlord pursuant to which the firm lists property for sale or lease. (5g) “Material adverse fact” means an adverse fact that a party indicates is of such significance, or that is generally recognized by a competent licensee as being of such significance to a reasonable party, that it affects or would affect the party’s decision to enter into a contract or agreement concerning a transaction or affects or would affect the party’s decision about the terms of such a contract or agreement. (5j) “Multiple representation relationship” means a relationship between a firm and 2 or more of the firm’s clients in which the clients are parties in the same transaction. (5m) “Negotiate” means to provide to a party assistance within the scope of the knowledge, skills, and training required under this chapter in developing a proposal or agreement relating to a transaction, including doing any of the following: (a) Acting, whether directly or indirectly, as an intermediary by facilitating or participating in communications between parties related to the parties’ interests in a transaction. In this paragraph, providing advice or opinions on matters that are material to a transaction in which a person is engaged or intends to engage or showing a party real estate does not, in and of itself, constitute acting as an intermediary by facilitating or participating in communications between parties. (b) Completing, when requested by a party, appropriate board-approved forms or other writings to document the party’s proposal consistent with the party’s instruction. (c) Presenting to a party the proposals of other parties to the transaction and giving the party a general explanation of the provisions of the proposal. (5n) “Out-of-state broker” means a person who is not licensed under this chapter and who is regularly and lawfully engaged in the real estate brokerage business in another state, a territory or possession of the United States, or a foreign country. (5p) “Out-of-state salesperson” means a person who is not licensed under this chapter and who is employed or engaged as an independent contractor by an out-of-state broker. (5r) “Party” means a person seeking to engage in a transaction. (5w) “Principal firm” means a firm that engages a subagent to provide brokerage services in a transaction. (6) “Real estate practice” means engaging in conduct which requires a license under this chapter. (7) “Salesperson” means any individual who is associated with a firm, other than a broker or an individual who is not required to hold a license under this chapter as provided under s. 452.03 (2). (7r) “Subagent” means a firm that is engaged by a principal firm to provide brokerage services in a transaction, but that is not associated with the principal firm. (8) “Time share” has the meaning given in s. 707.02 (24).

Wis. Stat. 452.03

452.03 Brokers and salespersons licensed. (1) Except as provided in s. 452.137, no person may engage in or follow the business or occupation of, or advertise or hold himself or herself out as, or act temporarily or otherwise as a broker or salesperson without a license issued under this chapter. The board may grant a license only to a person who is competent to transact that business or occupation in a manner that safeguards the interests of the public, and only after satisfactory proof of the person’s competence has been presented to the board. (2) No license under this chapter is required for an individual who, on behalf of and under the direction of a firm or one or more licensees associated with a firm, provides the firm or licensee with services that are limited to those that are purely administrative, clerical, or personal in nature. History: 1981 c. 94, 391; 1989 a. 307; 2011 a. 32; 2015 a. 258. Under this section, an agreement to pay a real estate brokerage commission to a person not licensed as a broker is void at its inception. Using a licensed broker who provides no actual services as a conduit for a fee to an unlicensed person does not create a co-brokerage arrangement authorized by s. 452.19. Badger III Ltd. Partnership v. Howard, Needles, Tammen & Bergendoff, 196 Wis. 2d 891, 539 N.W.2d 904 (Ct. App. 1995), 94-2531. Officers of a corporation or partners of a partnership can act for the corporation or partnership in the rental of real estate owned by the entity without being licensed as real estate brokers. 60 Atty. Gen. 1. Actions of a tenants’ union on behalf of its members may require a real estate broker’s license. 60 Atty. Gen. 118. Discussing the permitted limits of nonlicensed independent contractor agents. 70 Atty. Gen. 23.

Wis. Stat. 452.20

452.20 Limitation on actions for commissions. No person engaged in the business or acting in the capacity of a broker or salesperson within this state may bring or maintain an action in the courts of this state for the collection of a commission or compensation for the performance of any act mentioned in this chapter without alleging and proving that he or she was a duly licensed broker or salesperson at the time the alleged cause of action arose. History: 1981 c. 94; 1987 a. 399; 1989 a. 56; 2015 a. 258. A foreign corporation that contracts to sell a radio station without being licensed in this state cannot sue for its commission. The licensing requirement is not an unlawful burden on interstate commerce. Chapman Co. v. Service Broadcasting Corp., 52 Wis. 2d 32, 187 N.W.2d 794 (1971). The prohibition against paying a commission to an unlicensed person acting as a broker is absolute and not conditioned on the innocence or lack of sophistication of the other contracting parties. Because a contract for a commission with a person not licensed as a broker is void from its inception, estoppel is not available to avoid the effect of the statute. Greenlee v. Rainbow Auction/Realty Co., 202 Wis. 2d 653, 553 N.W.2d 257 (Ct. App. 1996), 95-1463. This section was not applicable since the broker, acting as the owner’s agent, was not attempting to negotiate the lease when conferring with the broker’s alleged principal in Wisconsin and therefore was not acting in the capacity of a broker in Wisconsin. The negotiation of the lease occurred when the broker met and conferred with the prospective lessee either in Illinois or Tennessee. Paulson v. Shapiro, 490 F.2d 1 (1973).

Wis. Stat. § 452.38

452.38 .

104.01(2)(b)3.

3.

Any individual engaged in performing services for an employer described in sub. (3) (b) if that individual is not considered under 29 USC 203 (e) (4), as amended to April 15, 1986, to be an employee for the purposes of the fair labor standards act, 29 USC 201 to 219 , or if that individual is exempt under 29 USC 213 , as amended to April 1, 1990, from being paid at least the federal minimum hourly wage under 29 USC 206 (a) (1).

104.01(2)(b)4.

4.

Any individual engaged in performing services for an employer described in sub. (3) (b) if that individual is not subject to the civil service laws of the employer and if that individual is an elective officer; is on the personal staff of an elective officer, other than a member of the legislature; is appointed by an elective officer to serve on a policymaking level; or is an immediate adviser to an elective officer with respect to the constitutional or legal powers of the elective officer’s office.

104.01(2)(b)5.

5.

Any individual whose primary duty is making sales, as defined in 29 USC 203 (k), or obtaining orders or contracts for services or for the use of facilities for which a consideration will be paid by the client or customer and who is customarily and regularly engaged away from the employer’s place of business in performing that primary duty.

104.01(2)(b)6.

6.

Any individual who has entered into a contract to play baseball at the minor league level and who is compensated pursuant to the terms of a collective bargaining agreement that expressly provides for wages and working conditions.

104.01(3)

(3)

 

104.01(3)(a)

(a)

The term “employer” shall mean and include every person, firm or corporation, agent, manager, representative, contractor, subcontractor or principal, or other person having control or direction of any person employed at any labor or responsible directly or indirectly for the wages of another.

104.01(3)(b)

(b)

“Employer” includes the state, its political subdivisions and any office, department, independent agency, authority, institution, association, society or other body in state or local government created or authorized to be created by the constitution or any law, including the legislature and the courts.

104.01(5g)

(5g)

 

“Minor employee” means an employee who is under 18 years of age.

104.01(5m)

(5m)

 

“Opportunity employee” means a person under 20 years of age who is in the first 90 consecutive days of employment with his or her employer.

104.01(6)

(6)

 

“Sheltered workshop” means a charitable organization or institution conducted not for profit, but for the purpose of carrying out a recognized program of rehabilitation for workers with disabilities and of providing workers with disabilities with remunerative employment or other occupational rehabilitating activity of an educational or therapeutic nature.

104.01(7)

(7)

 

“Student learner” means a student who is receiving instruction in an accredited school and who is employed on a part-time basis, pursuant to a bona fide school training program. A “bona fide school training program” means a program authorized and approved by the department of public instruction or the technical college system board, or other recognized educational body, and provided for part-time employment training which may be scheduled for a part of the workday or workweek, supplemented by and integrated with, a definitely organized plan of instruction and where proper scholastic credit is given by the accredited school.

104.01(7m)

(7m)

 

“Tipped employee” means an employee who in the course of employment customarily and regularly receives money or other gratuities from persons other than the employee’s employer.

104.01(8)

(8)

 

“Wage” means any compensation for labor measured by time, piece, or otherwise.

104.01(10)

(10)

 

“Worker with a disability” means a worker whose earning capacity is impaired by age or physical or mental deficiency or injury and who is being served in accordance with the recognized rehabilitation program of a sheltered workshop within the facilities of such agency or in or about the home of the worker.

Wis. Stat. 452.38

452.38 Independent contractor relationship. (1) Except as otherwise provided in s. 102.078, a licensee shall not, under ch. 102, 103, 104, or 109, under subch. X of ch. 71 or subch. II of ch. 111, under any other law or rule other than those specified under sub. (1m), or in any action or proceeding under the common law, be considered an employee of a firm if all of the following are satisfied: (a) A written agreement has been entered into with the firm that provides that the licensee shall not be treated as an employee for federal and state tax purposes. (b) Seventy-five percent or more of the compensation related to sales or other output, as measured on a calendar year basis, paid to the licensee pursuant to the written agreement referenced under par. (a) is directly related to the brokerage services performed by the licensee on behalf of the firm. (1m) This section does not apply with respect to ch. 108 or any rules promulgated thereunder. (2) (a) Subsection (1) applies notwithstanding the requirements and responsibilities of a firm under s. 452.132 and any rules promulgated by the board. (b) Subsection (1) applies regardless of the licensee’s status as a supervising broker under s. 452.132 and any actions taken by the licensee as a supervising broker under s. 452.132. (3) In the case of an individual who is engaged as both an independent contractor and an employee for the same firm, sub. (1) applies only with respect to activities covered under the written agreement referenced under sub. (1) (a). History: 2015 a. 258.

Wis. Stat. § 623.06

623.06

 

Standard valuation law.

623.06(1)

(1)

 

In this section:

623.06(1)(a)

(a)

“Accident and health insurance contract” means a contract that incorporates morbidity risk and provides protection against economic loss resulting from accident, sickness, or medical conditions and as may be specified in the valuation manual.

623.06(1)(b)

(b)

“Appointed actuary” means a qualified actuary who is appointed in accordance with the valuation manual to prepare the actuarial opinion required in sub. (1r) .

623.06(1)(c)

(c)

“Deposit-type contract” means a contract that does not incorporate mortality or morbidity risks and as may be specified in the valuation manual.

623.06(1)(d)

(d)

“Law enforcement agency,” “National Association of Insurance Commissioners,” or “regulatory agency” includes the employees, agents, consultants, and contractors of each such entity.

623.06(1)(e)

(e)

“Life insurance,” “life insurance contract,” “life insurance policy,” or “plan of life insurance” means a contract that incorporates mortality risk, including annuity and pure endowment contracts, and as may be specified in the valuation manual.

623.06(1)(f)

(f)

“Operative date of the valuation manual” means January 1, 2017, as determined under sub. (9) (b) .

623.06(1)(g)

(g)

“Principle-based valuation” means a reserve valuation that uses one or more methods, or one or more assumptions, determined by the insurer and that is required to comply with sub. (10) as specified in the valuation manual.

623.06(1)(h)

(h)

“Qualified actuary” means an individual who is qualified to sign the applicable statement of actuarial opinion in accordance with the American academy of actuaries qualification standards for actuaries signing such statements and who meets the requirements specified in the valuation manual, if the valuation manual is in effect, and any other requirements that the commissioner may by rule specify.

623.06(1)(i)

(i)

“Tail risk” means a risk that occurs either when the frequency of low probability events is higher than expected under a normal probability distribution or when there are observed events of very significant size or magnitude.

623.06(1)(j)

(j)

“Valuation manual” means the manual of valuation instructions as adopted by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners under sub. (9) or as subsequently amended.

623.06(1f)

(1f)

 

623.06(1f)(a)

(a)

For policies and contracts issued before the operative date of the valuation manual, the commissioner shall annually value, or cause to be valued, the reserve liabilities (hereinafter called reserves) for all outstanding life insurance policies and annuity and pure endowment contracts of every life insurance company doing business in this state and may certify the amount of any such reserves, specifying the mortality table or tables, rate or rates of interest and methods (net level premium method or other) used in the calculation of such reserves. In calculating such reserves, the commissioner may use group methods and approximate averages for fractions of a year or otherwise. In lieu of the valuation of the reserves herein required of any foreign or alien company, the commissioner may accept any valuation made, or caused to be made, by the insurance supervisory official of any state or other jurisdiction if such valuation complies with the minimum standard herein provided and if the official of such state or jurisdiction accepts as sufficient and valid for all legal purposes the certificate of valuation of the commissioner when such certificate states the valuation to have been made in a specified manner according to which the aggregate reserves would be at least as large as if they had been computed in the manner prescribed by the law of that state or jurisdiction. Subsections (2) to (7) apply to all policies and contracts issued before the operative date of the valuation manual.

623.06(1f)(b)

(b)

For policies and contracts issued on or after the operative date of the valuation manual, the commissioner shall annually value, or cause to be valued, the reserve liabilities (hereinafter called reserves) for all outstanding life insurance contracts, annuity and pure endowment contracts, accident and health insurance contracts, and deposit-type contracts of every insurer doing business in this state. In lieu of the valuation of the reserves required of a foreign or alien company, the commissioner may accept a valuation made, or caused to be made, by the insurance supervisory official of any state or other jurisdiction if the valuation complies with the minimum standard provided in this section. Subsections (9) and (10) apply to all policies and contracts issued on or after the operative date of the valuation manual.

623.06(1m)

(1m)

 

Before the operative date of the valuation manual, all of the following apply:

623.06(1m)(a)

(a)

623.06(1m)(a)1.

1.

For each year ending on or after December 31, 1996, every life insurance company doing business in this state shall submit to the commissioner, with its annual statement due by March 1 of the following year, an opinion by a qualified actuary as to whether the reserves and related actuarial items held in support of the policies and contracts specified by the commissioner by rule satisfy all of the following:

623.06(1m)(a)1.a.

a.

They are computed appropriately.

623.06(1m)(a)1.b.

b.

They are based on assumptions that satisfy contractual provisions.

623.06(1m)(a)1.c.

c.

They are consistent with prior reported amounts.

623.06(1m)(a)1.d.

d.

They comply with the applicable laws of this state.

623.06(1m)(a)2.

2.

The commissioner shall by rule specify in detail the nature of the information required in the opinion under subd. 1. and may by rule require any additional information that the commissioner determines is necessary to the scope of the opinion.

623.06(1m)(b)

(b)

623.06(1m)(b)1.

1.

Every life insurance company not exempted by rule shall include with the opinion required under par. (a) the opinion of the qualified actuary as to whether the reserves and related actuarial items held in support of the policies and contracts specified by the commissioner by rule, when considered in light of the assets held by the company with respect to the reserves and related actuarial items, including but not limited to the investment earnings on the assets and the considerations anticipated to be received and retained under the policies and contracts, make adequate provision for the company’s obligations under the policies and contracts, including but not limited to the benefits under and expenses associated with the policies and contracts. The commissioner may by rule provide for a transition period for an insurance company to establish any higher reserves that the qualified actuary determines are necessary to make adequate provision for the company’s obligations under the policies and contracts.

623.06(1m)(b)2.

2.

An insurance company that is required to submit an opinion under subd. 1. shall have prepared by the qualified actuary who renders the opinion a memorandum in support of the opinion under subd. 1. The commissioner shall specify by rule the form and content of the memorandum. The insurance company shall provide the memorandum to the commissioner, at the commissioner’s request, for his or her examination. After examination, the commissioner shall return the memorandum to the insurance company. The memorandum shall not be considered a record of the commissioner’s office.

623.06(1m)(b)3.

3.

If an insurance company fails to provide a supporting memorandum to the commissioner upon request within the period specified by rule, or if the commissioner determines that the supporting memorandum provided by an insurance company fails to meet the standards prescribed by rule or is otherwise unacceptable, the commissioner may retain a qualified actuary at the expense of the insurance company to review the opinion required under subd. 1. and the basis for the opinion and to prepare such supporting memorandum as the commissioner requires.

623.06(1m)(c)

(c)

The following provisions apply to an opinion required under par. (a) or (b) :

623.06(1m)(c)1.

1.

The opinion shall apply to all business in force, including individual and group health insurance plans, in form and substance acceptable to the commissioner as specified by rule.

623.06(1m)(c)2.

2.

The opinion shall be based on standards adopted from time to time by the actuarial standards board established by the American academy of actuaries and on such additional standards as the commissioner may by rule prescribe.

623.06(1m)(c)3.

3.

In the case of an opinion required to be submitted by a foreign or alien company, the commissioner may accept the opinion filed by that company with the insurance supervisory official of another state if the commissioner determines that the opinion reasonably meets the requirements applicable to a company domiciled in this state.

Down

Down

/statutes/statutes/623

true

statutes

/statutes/statutes/623

Chs. 600-655, Insurance

statutes/623

statutes/623

section

true

Menu

»

Statutes Related

»

Statutes

»

Chapter 623

×

  Details for














      PDF view

Link

(Permanent link)

Bookmark this location

View toggle

Go to top of document

Search in this chapter

Search in this section

Search in this agency

Search in this chapter group

Search in this chapter

Search in this section

Cross references for section

Acts affecting this section

References to this

1970 Statutes Annotations

Appellate Court Citations

Administrative Code Index

Reference lines

Clear highlighting

2023-24 Wisconsin Statutes updated

through 2025 Wis. Act 103 and through all Supreme Court Orders and Controlled Substances Board Orders filed before and in effect on April 3, 2026.

Published and certified under s. 35.18. Changes effective after April 3, 2026, are designated by NOTES.

(Published 4-3-26)

Wis. Stat. § 755.17

755.17 , and the court provides written notification to the director of state courts. Discontinuation of an agreement under this subsection shall be effective at the end of the term for which the judge has been elected or appointed but only if the ordinance or bylaw discontinuing the agreement is submitted to the appropriate filing officer under s. 5.02 (4v) (c) or to the ethics commission and to the director of state courts prior to October 1 of the year preceding the end of the term for which the judge has been elected or appointed. When a municipal judge is elected under this subsection, candidates shall be nominated by filing nomination papers under s. 8.10 (6) (bm) , and shall register with the filing officer specified under s. 5.02 (4v) (c) or with the ethics commission.

Effective date note NOTE: Sub. (4) is shown as amended eff. 12-1-27 by 2023 Wis. Act 126 , as affected by 2025 Wis. Act 7 , section 2 . Prior to 12-1-27 it reads:

Effective date text (4) Two or more cities, towns or villages of this state may enter into an agreement under s. 66.0301 for the joint exercise of the power granted under sub. (1), except that for purposes of this subsection, any agreement under s. 66.0301 shall be effected by the enactment of identical ordinances by each affected city, town or village. Electors of each municipality entering into the agreement shall be eligible to vote for the judge of the municipal court so established. If a municipality enters into an agreement with a municipality that already has a municipal court, the municipalities may provide by ordinance or resolution that the judge for the existing municipal court shall serve as the judge for the joint court until the end of the term or until a special election is held under s. 8.50 (4) (fm). Each municipality shall adopt an ordinance or bylaw under sub. (1) prior to entering into the agreement. The contracting municipalities need not be contiguous and need not all be in the same county. Upon entering into or discontinuing such an agreement, the contracting municipalities shall each transmit a certified copy of the ordinance or bylaw effecting or discontinuing the agreement to the appropriate filing officer under s. 11.0102 (1) (c). Any court formed under this subsection, including the formation of a new court by a change in the municipalities that have entered into an agreement under s. 66.0301, shall become operative and function when the requirements under this subsection are met, the court receives a certification from the chief judge of the judicial administrative district that the court meets the requirements under ss. 755.09, 755.10, 755.11, and 755.17, and the court provides written notification to the director of state courts. Discontinuation of an agreement under this subsection shall be effective at the end of the term for which the judge has been elected or appointed but only if the ordinance or bylaw discontinuing the agreement is submitted to the appropriate filing office under s. 11.0102 (1) (c) and to the director of state courts prior to October 1 of the year preceding the end of the term for which the judge has been elected or appointed. When a municipal judge is elected under this subsection, candidates shall be nominated by filing nomination papers under s. 8.10 (6) (bm), and shall register with the filing officer specified in s. 11.0102 (1) (c).

The law belongs to the people. Georgia v. Public.Resource.Org, 590 U.S. (2020)