Criminal Justice (Courts)

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 845: Relating to: repealing unconstitutional provisions related to operating while intoxicated.

SB 845 repeals and amends specific sections of state law related to operating while intoxicated (OWI) and refusal to provide chemical tests, correcting provisions deemed unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court. The bill removes penalties for refusal that were treated as separate offenses (e.g., repealing sections like 23.33 (4p) (a) 3. and 30.684 (1) (c)) and adjusts penalty structures for repeat OWI violations to align with the Court's ruling. It directly affects individuals charged with OWI or refusal, as well as law enforcement officers enforcing these laws, by ensuring refusal penalties are only applied alongside OWI violations rather than as standalone offenses. The changes clarify that refusal penalties now follow the same procedures as OWI violations, eliminating unconstitutional distinctions in the statutes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRepeals unconstitutional OWI penalties, aligning with U.S. Supreme Court ruling to protect defendant rights and correct illegal provisions in criminal justice enforcement.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 912: Relating to: an audiovisual recording of a child’s statement admitted as evidence.

AB 912 amends Wisconsin law to allow audiovisual recordings of children's statements as evidence in court for children aged 12 to 18 (previously 12-16). The bill requires recordings to begin before the child's statement is made and directs courts to consider factors like the child's age and the interests of justice when admitting such evidence. It specifically raises the upper age limit for admissibility from 16 to 18 years old. This change directly affects children involved in legal cases where their recorded statements might be used as evidence. The bill does not alter how recordings are made but adjusts the eligibility criteria and court considerations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands admissibility of child statements (12-18) with safeguards, protecting minors' rights in court proceedings per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 9, 2026

SB 884: Relating to: an audiovisual recording of a child’s statement admitted as evidence.

SB 884 modifies Wisconsin law to allow audiovisual recordings of children's statements to be admitted as evidence in court for children aged 12 to 18 (previously 12 to 16). The bill requires courts to consider specific factors - such as the child's maturity and whether the recording was made appropriately - before admitting such evidence. It directly affects child witnesses in legal cases, particularly in matters like abuse or neglect where their statements might be recorded. The key change raises the upper age limit for this evidence rule from 16 to 18 years old. The bill does not alter the requirement that recordings must be made before the child's 18th birthday.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeModifies evidence rules for child witnesses, requiring maturity assessment and proper recording methods to protect rights in abuse cases, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 938: Relating to: an optional final hearing by affidavit for the dissolution of a marriage (suggested as remedial legislation by the Office of the Director of State Courts).

AB 938 amends Wisconsin law to require divorcing couples to disclose in their dissolution affidavits whether they were involved in any past domestic abuse cases. Specifically, the affidavit must state if either party was part of pending or completed court cases involving interspousal battery, domestic abuse, or related criminal charges under statutes like 940.60 or 940.61. This change directly affects individuals filing for divorce in Wisconsin who may have prior domestic violence history. The bill adds this disclosure requirement to the affidavit process, aiming to improve court awareness of potential safety risks during divorce proceedings. It does not alter divorce eligibility or timelines but mandates this specific information be included.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires disclosure of past domestic abuse cases (criminal charges) in divorce filings to enhance victim safety and court oversight in criminal justice context.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

AB 964: Relating to: Internet crimes against children administrative subpoenas for the crime of sexual extortion when the crime victim is a child. (FE)

AB 964 clarifies that online sexual extortion targeting children falls under existing law by specifying it as a violation of Section 942.095 when the victim is a child (as defined in Section 948.01). This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies investigating internet crimes against children, enabling them to issue administrative subpoenas to internet companies for relevant data without a court order. The key provision streamlines the process for obtaining evidence from online platforms in cases where children are victims of sexual extortion. It does not create new penalties but ensures these cases are explicitly covered under current statutes for investigative efficiency.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEnables law enforcement to issue administrative subpoenas for child sexual extortion cases without court order, streamlining investigations and strengthening enforcement capabilities against internet crimes against children.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Victims' Rights

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 837: Relating to: placement of sexually violent persons on supervised release.

AB 837 modifies Wisconsin law to require that serious child sex offenders placed on supervised release must reside in housing not adjacent to properties where children primarily live. Specifically, it prohibits placement within 1,500 feet of a child’s primary residence, defining "adjacent" as properties sharing a boundary line without a road or alley. The bill also mandates that counties assess proposed residences for compliance with this rule before court approval and report findings to the court. Courts must then review this assessment and reject plans that fail to meet the safety standard, requiring revised housing options if needed. This directly affects serious child sex offenders on supervised release, the Department of Corrections, counties, and courts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts placement of child sex offenders near children's residences to enhance public safety and reduce recidivism risk, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Probation & Parole

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 864: Relating to: courtroom supports for and sealing the identifying information of child victims and child witnesses of human trafficking crimes. (FE)

SB 864 requires courts to seal the identifying information of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases, preventing public disclosure unless a judge holds a hearing and determines disclosure is necessary for justice after considering the child's safety and well-being. The bill also mandates that courts provide necessary courtroom supports - such as testimony accommodations - to protect the health, safety, and liberty of child victims or witnesses during legal proceedings. It directly affects minors involved in human trafficking prosecutions by ensuring their privacy and reducing trauma during court processes. The law applies specifically to cases under statutes addressing human trafficking crimes (940.302 and 948.051).

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects child victims' privacy and safety in trafficking cases through court mandates, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim protection and procedural safeguards.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRequires sealing identifying information of child victims, a data privacy measure to protect personal information from public disclosure.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Judges

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 834: Relating to: courtroom supports for and sealing the identifying information of child victims and child witnesses of human trafficking crimes. (FE)

This bill requires courts to automatically seal personal details (like names or photos) of child victims and witnesses in human trafficking cases. It prohibits public disclosure of this information unless a court holds a hearing considering the child's safety and decides disclosure serves justice. Courts must also provide necessary support services - such as private testimony rooms or emotional support - to protect the child's well-being during proceedings. These changes directly protect children involved in trafficking cases from potential harm while ensuring fair legal processes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects child victims' privacy and well-being in trafficking cases, aligning with victim protection in criminal justice reform.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking

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passed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 147: Relating to: interpreter action by telephone or live audiovisual means in civil or criminal proceedings.

SB 147 allows courts to permit interpreters to participate in civil and criminal trials via telephone or video, rather than requiring in-person attendance. This directly affects parties in court cases who need language assistance, including non-English speakers and their legal representatives. The key provision requires the court to grant permission only upon a party's request and with the consent of all other parties involved. The bill amends existing court procedures to formally enable this remote interpretation option.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables remote interpreters in criminal trials, ensuring language access for defendants and protecting due process rights in court proceedings.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 66: Relating to: dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes.

AB 66 restricts prosecutors from dismissing or amending certain criminal charges without court approval. It applies to specific "covered crimes," including domestic abuse violations, certain violent offenses (like those under s. 940.198 or 941.29), and crimes listed in Chapter 948. Prosecutors must seek court approval for any dismissal or amendment, and courts can only approve if the action aligns with deterring these crimes. The bill also prohibits deferred prosecution agreements for individuals charged with covered crimes. This policy change directly affects prosecutors, courts, and defendants facing charges for the listed offenses.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts prosecutors from dismissing serious crimes (domestic abuse, violent offenses) without court approval to deter crime, strengthening accountability for violent offenses.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Sentencing Victims' Rights

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