Senate Bill 296 proposes significant changes to the process and regulations surrounding the Authorized State Building Program in Wisconsin. Key modifications include the elimination of the requirement for project enumeration during the design phase, allowing construction projects to proceed without prior enumeration as long as at least 50% of the design phase is completed. The bill also mandates the Department of Administration to submit quarterly reports to the Joint Committee on Finance regarding budget increases for building projects, and it raises the threshold for selecting architects and engineers from $7,400,000 to $15,000,000. Additionally, it introduces a new exception for single prime contracting for projects costing $200,000,000 or more, allowing the Building Commission to waive certain requirements upon request.

Further provisions in the bill establish a timeline for the Claims Board to address contract-related claims, requiring determinations within six months for specific contracts. It also stipulates that each construction contract must clarify the responsibilities for utility service connection charges and consumption costs. The bill includes a transfer of $32,000,000 from the general fund to the building trust fund for fiscal year 2024-25. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the building program process, enhance accountability, and promote energy conservation initiatives in collaboration with energy service companies.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 13.48(4), 13.48, 16.867(2), 16.867, 20.924(1)(a), 20.924