Assembly Bill 216 proposes significant changes to the real estate transfer fee structure and the administration of land information programs in Wisconsin. The bill reduces the real estate transfer fee from 30 cents to 20 cents for every $100 of property value, with the distribution of collected fees changing to allow counties to retain 50%, while 30% will go to the general fund and 20% to the land information fund. Additionally, the bill increases the minimum grant amount for counties under the land information program from $100,000 to $175,000, and raises the minimum training grant for county employees from $1,000 to $5,000.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that counties establish a real property recording notification system, which will monitor changes in property records and notify applicants without charging any fees. This system aims to enhance transparency and accessibility for property owners. The bill also includes provisions for the Department of Administration to award grants to counties based on the proportion of real estate transfer fees collected, ensuring that counties receive adequate funding to modernize their land records and improve their land information systems.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 16.967(7)(am)2, 16.967, 16.967(7)(b), 20.505(1)(uc), 20.505, 25.55, 77.22(1), 77.22