I’ve just received word that as of the next update in March, the RSB is removing “that troubling ‘u’ word” from the online Wisconsin Statutes. Instead of noting that the text is unofficial, the PDF version will state that the text is not certified.
The new footer will read as follows:
Text from the 2005-06 Wis. Stats. database updated by the Revisor of Statutes. Only printed statutes are certifed under s. 35.18(2), stats. Statutory changes effective prior to 1-2-07 are printed as if currently in effect. Statutory changes effective on or after 1-2-07 are designated by NOTES. Report errors at (608) 266-2011, FAX 264-6978, http://www.legis.state.wi.us/rsb/
According to Bruce Hoesly, Deputy Revisor of Statutes, “the underlying law remains the same, and these disclaimers, I believe, actually more accurately reflect the legal status of the on-line statutes.”
See earlier WisBlawg post with Hoesly’s explanation of what “unofficial” really means.