Wisconsin Administrative Code Hearing and Speech Examining Board
Wisconsin Administrative Code: Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.)
1. Overview
The Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) was an independent state agency in Wisconsin responsible for overseeing elections, ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance regulation in the state.
The Board was created to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability in government operations.
It acted as a nonpartisan regulatory body administering Wisconsin’s laws related to elections and ethics.
Note: In 2016, the G.A.B. was dissolved and replaced by two separate commissions:
Wisconsin Elections Commission
Wisconsin Ethics Commission
However, the Wisconsin Administrative Code still contains relevant provisions related to the Government Accountability Board during its operation and transitional matters.
2. Legal Foundation
The G.A.B. was established by the Wisconsin Act 118 of 2007.
Its powers and duties were governed by Wisconsin Statutes Chapters 5, 11, 12, 13, 19, 111, 201, 230, 238, 295, 320, 301, 320, and 323 (among others).
Administrative rules related to G.A.B. were codified in the Wisconsin Administrative Code, particularly chapters dealing with elections, ethics, lobbying, and campaign finance.
3. Functions and Responsibilities
a) Elections Oversight
Administer and enforce state election laws.
Certify election results.
Provide guidance and training to local election officials.
Investigate election law violations.
Ensure compliance with voter registration and campaign finance laws.
b) Ethics Enforcement
Regulate conduct of state officials and employees.
Enforce conflict of interest laws.
Review financial disclosures of public officials.
c) Campaign Finance Regulation
Monitor and enforce campaign finance disclosure.
Investigate illegal contributions or expenditures.
Provide public access to campaign finance information.
d) Lobbying Regulation
Register lobbyists and lobbying activities.
Enforce lobbying disclosure requirements.
4. Board Composition
The G.A.B. was composed of six members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Members had bipartisan representation and were subject to ethical and conflict-of-interest restrictions.
Members served staggered terms to ensure continuity.
5. Rulemaking Authority
The Board promulgated administrative rules to implement statutes.
Rules covered detailed procedures for elections, ethics, campaign finance, and lobbying.
These rules were published in the Wisconsin Administrative Code and subject to public input.
6. Administrative Enforcement
The G.A.B. had investigatory powers to look into complaints.
Could hold hearings and issue decisions, including fines and other penalties.
Its decisions could be appealed to the courts.
7. Notable Historical Points
The G.A.B. was created to replace two previous bodies — the State Elections Board and the Ethics Board — to reduce partisanship.
It aimed at increasing transparency and public confidence in Wisconsin’s governmental processes.
The dissolution in 2016 reflected political and legal debates about the best structure for oversight.
8. Wisconsin Administrative Code Sections (While Active)
The G.A.B.’s rules were codified mainly in chapters such as:
GAB 1 – GAB 10: General provisions.
GAB 11 – GAB 20: Election procedures.
GAB 30 – GAB 40: Ethics and lobbying rules.
These chapters detailed procedural requirements, definitions, enforcement mechanisms, and reporting obligations.
9. Summary Table
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Agency | Government Accountability Board (G.A.B.) |
| Established | 2007 (Wisconsin Act 118) |
| Dissolved | 2016 (Replaced by Elections and Ethics Commissions) |
| Functions | Election oversight, ethics enforcement, campaign finance, lobbying regulation |
| Composition | 6 bipartisan members appointed by Governor |
| Rulemaking | Authority to create administrative rules in Wisconsin Admin Code |
| Enforcement | Investigation, hearings, fines, and sanctions |
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