Senate Bill 310 introduces new regulations regarding the emergency powers of chief executive officers in local units of government in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that when the governing body of a local unit is unable to meet due to emergency conditions, the chief executive officer may issue a proclamation to exercise the powers typically conferred to the governing body. However, this proclamation is limited to a duration of 60 days unless extended by the governing body. The bill also clarifies the definition of a chief executive officer, which includes various local government leaders such as county executives, mayors, village presidents, and town board chairpersons, as well as individuals temporarily filling these roles.

The bill renumbers and amends existing legal language, specifically changing the current statute 323.14 (4) (b) to 323.14 (4) (b) 2., and adds a new section, 323.14 (4) (b) 1., to define the chief executive officer. The new language emphasizes the need for the governing body to ratify, modify, or extend the proclamation as soon as they are able to convene, ensuring that the actions taken during the emergency period are subject to oversight once normal operations resume.