29.556 Handling fee.

(1b) In this section:

(a) “In-person credit transaction costs" means the costs associated with issuing approvals that are applied for and issued in person and that are paid for by using a credit card.

(b) “Long-distance handling costs" means the costs associated with paying for approvals that are requested by mail, telephone or electronic means and includes credit transaction fees, mailing costs and personnel costs that are necessary to process a credit transaction.

(1m) In addition to any other fee imposed under s. 29.563, the department may collect a handling fee to cover long-distance handling costs and in-person credit transaction costs incurred in issuing approvals.

(2)

(a) If the department collects a handling fee under sub. (1m), it shall promulgate rules to do all of the following:

1. Designate the approvals to which the fee applies.

2. Establish the amount of the fee.

(b)

1. The department may collect long-distance handling costs and in-person credit transaction costs for the approvals that the department itself issues.

2. The department may allow a person with whom it has contracted under s. 29.024 (6) (a) 4. to collect handling fees that cover long-distance handling costs. The department may allow the person to retain all or a portion of each handling fee.

3. The department may allow an agent who is appointed under s. 29.024 (6) (a) 2. or 3. to collect handling fees that cover in-person credit transaction costs. The department may allow the agent to retain all or a portion of each handling fee.

(c) A handling fee may not be more than the amounts necessary to cover the long-distance handling costs or the in-person credit transaction costs of issuing the approvals.

(3) Any fees collected under this section by the department shall be credited to the appropriation account under s. 20.370 (9) (hu).

History: 1997 a. 248 ss. 150, 151; 1999 a. 9.