Local laws and regulations in Wisconsin: Wisconsin landlord-tenant laws. Open carry gun laws. Alcohol sale restrictions. Smoke-free workplace regulations. Vehicle emissions testing requirements. Wisconsin sales tax rate. State hunting and fishing licenses. Wisconsin labor laws. Wisconsin building codes. Wisconsin utility regulations.
Wisconsin landlord-tenant laws.
In Wisconsin, Landlord-Tenant Laws govern various aspects, including security deposits, rent payments, property maintenance, lease agreements, and evictions. Landlords must provide habitable properties, give 12 hours' notice before entry (except in emergencies), and follow specific procedures for evictions. Meanwhile, tenants have rights to a safe living environment and must maintain the property and comply with lease terms. For more detailed information on these regulations, you can visit the official Wisconsin Landlord-Tenant Laws page.
Open carry gun laws.
In Wisconsin, individuals over 18 can openly carry loaded firearms in public without a permit, but there are restrictions on carrying in certain locations such as police stations, correctional facilities, and school grounds, and specific laws against endangering safety with a weapon. For more detailed information about these regulations, visit the Bucher Law Group website. It is crucial to understand these restrictions to ensure compliance with state laws and to promote public safety when carrying firearms openly.
Alcohol sale restrictions.
In Wisconsin, alcohol sale restrictions include prohibitions on selling liquor and wine between 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., and beer between midnight and 6:00 a.m., with local municipalities allowed to further restrict sales hours. Additionally, alcohol cannot be sold in "to-go" containers, and bars must be closed between 2:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekdays and between 2:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. on weekends, except on New Year's Eve. For more comprehensive details on these regulations, visit the Wisconsin Alcohol Laws FAQ to understand the unique nuances of these laws.
Smoke-free workplace regulations.
In Wisconsin, the statewide smoke-free air law, effective July 5, 2010, prohibits smoking in all enclosed places that are workplaces or public places, including offices, restaurants, bars, sports arenas, and public transportation. Employers must enforce the law by posting signs, refusing service to violators, and notifying law enforcement if necessary, with fines ranging from $100 to $250 for non-compliance. For more detailed information about the implementation and effects of this legislation, you can consult the Wisconsin Smoke-Free Air Law Fact Sheet.
Vehicle emissions testing requirements.
In Wisconsin, vehicle emissions testing is required every two years for vehicles registered in the counties of Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Sheboygan, Washington, and Waukesha. Testing is mandatory for gasoline vehicles with a GVWR less than 8,501 lbs manufactured between 1996 and 2006, and for diesel and gasoline vehicles from 2007 and newer with a GVWR less than 14,001 lbs. For more detailed information on the requirements and procedures, visit the Wisconsin Department of Transportation website. This ensures compliance with environmental standards and helps in maintaining the air quality in these counties.
Wisconsin sales tax rate.
In Wisconsin, the state sales tax rate stands at 5%, complemented by an optional local tax rate of 0.5% that most counties adopt, culminating in an average combined sales tax rate of 5.43%. However, starting in 2024, there will be a notable change as sales tax rates in Milwaukee are set to increase. The city's combined rate will rise to 7.9%, while the rest of Milwaukee County will experience a change to 5.9%. For more detailed information, you can visit the State Taxes Guide provided by AARP Wisconsin.
State hunting and fishing licenses.
In Wisconsin, hunting and fishing licenses are managed by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Hunters and anglers must obtain the appropriate licenses, which vary by residency, age, and the type of game or fish, with additional requirements such as stamps and certifications for certain activities. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wisconsin Hunting License page, where up-to-date details on regulations and requirements are provided to ensure compliance and preservation of natural resources.
Wisconsin labor laws.
Wisconsin labor laws encompass rigorous child labor regulations, necessitating work permits for minors under 16 and placing limitations on their working hours and the types of work they can undertake. These laws further stipulate meal periods for minors and enforce prevailing wage rates for public works projects. Moreover, they provide family and medical leave for eligible employees. With strict penalties for violations, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development ensures compliance, including requirements for overtime pay for excess hours worked. For more detailed information, you can visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's website.
Wisconsin building codes.
The Uniform Dwelling Code (UDC) in Wisconsin has been in effect since June 1, 1980, establishing minimum standards for various important aspects such as fire safety, structural strength, energy conservation, and other health and safety considerations for new one- and two-family dwellings. This code is consistent across the entire state, offering no room for municipalities to adopt either more or less stringent regulations. Enforcement is managed collaboratively by the Division of Industry Services and local building inspection departments. For more detailed information about the code and its application, you can visit the official Uniform Dwelling Code website.
Wisconsin utility regulations.
In Wisconsin, public utility regulations are governed by the Public Service Commission (PSC), which oversees rates, service standards, and construction projects for investor-owned and municipal utilities, ensuring reasonable and just rates, minimum service standards, and state control over monopoly utilities. For more detailed information on these regulations and the role of the PSC, visit the Public Service Commission documentation, which provides comprehensive insights into how these standards are maintained and updated to serve the public effectively.