16.838 Historically significant furnishings.

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Agency" has the meaning given in s. 16.045 (1) (a).

(b) “Authority" means a body created under subch. II of ch. 114 or ch. 231, 232, 233, 234, or 237.

(c) “Historically significant furnishings" means furniture, fixtures, decorative objects or other items that are or were associated with the current or any prior state capitol and that possess historical significance.

(2) Title. Title to historically significant furnishings in the possession of any agency or authority, including the senate and assembly, is vested in the department.

(3) Acquisition. The department may acquire any historically significant furnishing by purchase or gift. The department shall pay for any such furnishing from the appropriation under s. 20.855 (3) (c).

(4) Transfer of possession. The department shall take possession of historically significant furnishings to which the department has title whenever the department is directed to do so by the joint committee on legislative organization. If a ceding agency or authority requires a replacement for a furnishing that is transferred to the department's possession, the department shall pay for a suitable replacement from the appropriation under s. 20.855 (3) (c).

(5) Restoration. The department shall restore any historically significant furnishing in its possession prior to relocation of the furnishing to the capitol if the joint committee on legislative organization so directs. The department shall pay the cost of such restoration from the appropriation under s. 20.855 (3) (c).

(6) Location. The department shall locate historically significant furnishings in its possession at the places in the capitol specified by the joint committee on legislative organization.

History: 1999 a. 4; 2001 a. 16; 2005 a. 335; 2011 a. 229.