SB 517 Wisconsin Senate · 2023-2024 Regular Session

Relating to: court-issued criminal complaints if the person's actions were in self-defense.

This bill allows circuit judges to issue criminal complaints when a district attorney refuses to do so, specifically in cases where the accused claims self-defense. Under the new rules, a judge can only proceed with a hearing if there is new evidence suggesting the person did not act in self-defense, as the law currently protects individuals who defend themselves or others. If the judge determines a crime was committed despite the self-defense claim, they can subpoena witnesses and review police reports to decide whether to file charges. The district attorney must provide all relevant investigation records and explain their reasons for refusing to issue charges if the judge requests them.
Bill status failed 4 of 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2023
Committee Review
Feb 2024
Senate Passage
May 2024
Assembly Passage
Feb 2024
Vetoed
Mar 2024
Introduced Oct 16, 2023 Vetoed Mar 29, 2024
Floor votes · Senate Feb 13, 2024

How they voted

2110
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 32
Feb 13, 2024
D Democratic9
8 Nay 1
88% Nay
R Republican23
21 Yea 2 Nay
91% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
33
Key actions
5
Committee
3
May 14, 2024
Upper · Passed
Passed notwithstanding the objections of the Governor, Ayes 21, Noes 10
upper
Mar 29, 2024
Vetoed
Report vetoed by the Governor on 3-29-2024
upper
Feb 15, 2024
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
lower
Feb 13, 2024
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 2-15-2024 by Committee on Rules
lower
Feb 13, 2024
Committee
Read first time and referred to committee on Rules
lower
Feb 13, 2024
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 21, Noes 10
upper
Jan 31, 2024
Upper · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 4, Noes 3
upper
Oct 16, 2023
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Hutton, Bradley, Wanggaard, James, Felzkowski and Nass; cosponsored by Representatives Moses, Rettinger, Donovan, Schutt, O'Connor, Dittrich, Rozar, Gundrum, Mursau, Wichgers, Bodden and Brandtjen
upper
6 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors