Wisconsin § 18.61 - Undertakings of state.

Full text of Wisconsin Wisconsin Statutes § 18.61 — Undertakings of state., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 18.61. Undertakings of state.

18.61(1) (1) The state shall not be generally liable on revenue obligations and revenue obligations shall not be a debt of the state for any purpose whatsoever. All evidences of revenue obligation shall contain on their face a statement to that effect. 18.61(2) (2) The state pledges and agrees with the owners of revenue obligations that the state will not limit or alter its powers to fulfill the terms of any agreements made with the owners or in any way impair the rights and remedies of the owners until the revenue obligations, together with interest including interest on any unpaid installments of interest, and all costs and expenses in connection with any action or proceeding by or on behalf of the owners, are fully met and discharged. The commission may include this pledge and agreement of the state in any agreement with the owners of revenue obligation. 18.61(3) (3) 18.61(3)(a) (a) If the state fails to pay any revenue obligation in accordance with its terms, and default continues for a period of 30 days or if the state fails or refuses to comply with this subchapter or defaults in any agreement made with the owners of any issue of revenue obligations, the owners of 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the revenue obligations of the issue then outstanding, by instrument recorded in the office of the register of deeds of Dane County and approved or acknowledged in the same manner as a deed to be recorded, may appoint a trustee to represent the owners of the revenue obligations for the purposes specifically provided in the instrument. 18.61(3)(b) (b) The trustee may, and upon written request of the owners of 25 percent in aggregate principal amount of the revenue obligations of the issue then outstanding shall, in the trustee’s own name: 18.61(3)(b)1. 1. By action or proceeding, enforce all rights of all owners of the issue of revenue obligations, including the right to require the state to collect enterprise or program income or special fund income adequate to carry out any agreement as to, or pledge of, such income and to require the state to carry out any other agreements with the owners of the revenue obligations and to perform its duties under this subchapter; 18.61(3)(b)2. 2. Bring suit upon the revenue obligation; 18.61(3)(b)3. 3. By action, require the state to account as if it were the trustee of an express trust for the owners of the revenue obligations; 18.61(3)(b)4. 4. By action, enjoin any acts or things which may be unlawful or in violation of the rights of the owners of the revenue obligations; and 18.61(3)(b)5. 5. Declare all the revenue obligations due and payable, and if all defaults shall be made good, the aggregate principal amount of the revenue obligations of the issue then outstanding, to annul the declaration and its consequences. 18.61(3)(c) (c) The trustee shall have all of the powers necessary or appropriate for the exercise of any functions specifically set forth in this subchapter or incident to the general representation of the owners of revenue obligations in the enforcement and protection of their rights. 18.61(3)(d) (d) Before declaring the principal of revenue obligations due and payable, the trustee shall first give 30 days’ notice in writing to the governor and the attorney general. 18.61(3)(e) (e) Any action or proceeding by the trustee against the state may be commenced by delivering a copy of the summons and of the complaint to the attorney general or leaving them at the attorney general’s office with an assistant or clerk. The place of trial of such an action shall be as provided in s.

Source: official Wisconsin text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Wisconsin § 18.61

What does Wisconsin Statutes § 18.61 cover?

Section 18.61 ("Undertakings of state.") is part of the Wisconsin Statutes, the codified statutory law of Wisconsin. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Wisconsin § 18.61?

A common citation format is "Wisconsin Statutes § 18.61" (Wisconsin). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Wisconsin law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Wisconsin official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Wisconsin attorney.

How does Wisconsin § 18.61 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Wisconsin can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Wisconsin.