Doyle signs bills dealing with retirement investments, public defenders

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Individual retirement accounts could be transferred into Roth IRAs without penalty under a bill signed into law by Gov. Jim Doyle.

The bill he signed on Monday brings Wisconsin into line with other states that made the change after federal law allowed it.

Wisconsin continued to charge penalties for retirement account conversions for state residents who earned more than $100,000 a year.

The new law also brings maximum contribution limits in line with federal guidelines for Roth IRAs and other retirement accounts. It also brings benefits for members of the Armed Forces in line with  federal law and allows them to make penalty-free withdrawals from IRAs if called to active duty.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)

Doyle signs public defender access bill

MADISON, Wis. (AP) Gov. Jim Doyle has signed into law a bill that will make it easier for poor people to be represented by public defenders.

The measure signed by Doyle on Monday updates income guidelines to get public defender representation for the first time since 1987.

Not updating the income guidelines has resulted in many applicants who earn below the federal poverty level not qualifying for public defender representation.

The changes would take effect in June 2011.

Doyle also signed bills that grant police electronic access to state drivers license photos rather than making written requests to the state Department of Transportation, establish new regulations for honey sold in Wisconsin and allow a special Marquette University license plate.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)