12/7/05-The Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee voted Dec. 2 to amend and advance a bill that would reduce the state’s minimum markup requirement for motor vehicle fuels.
Sponsored by Sen. David Zien, R-Eau Claire, SB215 is a scaled-down version of one shot down in September that sought to repeal the entire markup for gasoline and diesel.
Wisconsin law now requires markups of at least 9 percent to the price consumers pay for motor fuels, alcohol and tobacco.
The rule requires wholesalers to charge at least 3 percent more than they paid. Retailers in turn must add on at least 6 percent more.
The latest version of the bill would eliminate the 3 percent markup for wholesalers and reduce the retailer markup to 4 percent, plus 3 cents per gallon.
It also would prohibit the sale of fuel below cost, and prohibit the sale of fuel as a loss leader.
The bill now heads to the Senate floor for further consideration.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.

9/19/05-A bill that sought to eliminate the state’s minimum markup requirement for motor vehicle fuel is dead.
SB215, sponsored by Sen. David Zien, R-Eau Claire, was rejected on a 3-2 vote by the Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee.
Despite the Senate panel’s refusal to advance the measure – SB215 – the issue may not be over just yet. A similar version of the bill – A505 – is in the Assembly.

6/9/05-A bill in the Senate Judiciary, Corrections and Privacy Committee would eliminate the state’s minimum markup requirement for motor vehicle fuel.
SB215, sponsored by Sen. David Zien, R-Eau Claire, would strike provisions in state law requiring markups of 3 percent for wholesalers and 6 percent for retailers.
Wisconsin law prohibits the sale of fuel at below cost, which is designed to prevent businesses from selling at a loss in order to drive out competitors.
If approved by both houses of the Legislature, it would head to Gov. Jim Doyle, who has said he would sign it.
For bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.