This bill proposes to establish the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of specific child sex offenses, including certain violations of Wisconsin's child sexual abuse statutes. The legislation directly affects people charged with these crimes by expanding the range of penalties available to courts and restricting parole eligibility for those sentenced under the new provisions. Key mechanisms include creating new statutory sections that define crimes punishable by death, eliminating mandatory parole release for certain inmates, and preventing work release or extended supervision for those serving life sentences under the new sentencing framework. The bill also includes administrative provisions to allow controlled substance permits for executions and clarifies definitions related to crimes punishable by death or life imprisonment.
This bill establishes the death penalty or life imprisonment without parole for individuals convicted of specific child sex offenses, including sexual abuse of a child and sexual exploitation of a child. It creates new statutory provisions that remove these offenders from eligibility for parole, work release, and extended supervision programs, ensuring they remain incarcerated for the duration of their sentences. The legislation also defines crimes punishable by death and adjusts sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders of serious violent crimes, while including administrative provisions for emergency rule procedures and controlled substance permits for executions.
This bill modifies Wisconsin's criminal sentencing laws to allow for adjustments when legal changes occur after a person is sentenced. It directly affects inmates currently serving prison time or on extended supervision by enabling courts to reduce their sentences if new laws would have resulted in shorter terms. The key mechanism allows courts to convert prison time to extended supervision or vice versa, with limits to ensure the adjusted sentence does not exceed what the offender could have received under the new laws at the time of sentencing. The bill also includes safeguards to prevent extended supervision from exceeding the maximum term allowed for the offense when the petition is filed.
This bill reduces the maximum prison sentences for certain felony offenses in Wisconsin by reclassifying them from higher classes to Class H felonies, which carry shorter potential imprisonment terms. It directly affects individuals convicted of crimes such as prescription drug violations, counterfeit mark trafficking, antitrust violations, and various administrative offenses by lowering their statutory sentencing limits. The legislation also adjusts fine amounts for these offenses, setting specific maximum penalties for individuals and corporations while maintaining the option for jail time in some cases. Additionally, the bill modifies provisions related to inmates serving bifurcated sentences, allowing them to seek sentence modifications under new criteria. The bill was introduced in March 2026 but failed to pass the Senate.
SB 1018 creates a mandatory one-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of a felony committed with the intent to terrorize, intimidate, or coerce two or more people inside a church. It prohibits probation for these offenses and requires courts to obtain a special verdict confirming the intent to terrorize church occupants. Prosecutors cannot dismiss or amend related charges without court approval, and deferred prosecution programs are banned for such cases. This law directly affects defendants charged with church-targeted violent crimes, prosecutors handling these cases, and courts overseeing sentencing.
SB 882 amends Wisconsin sentencing laws to specifically address individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider designated mitigating factors and relevant information (such as youth-related circumstances) when determining release eligibility for "youthful offenders" under sections 973.014 and 973.018. The bill creates new procedural requirements for parole commissions, including mandatory consideration of these factors and written reasons for denials with reconsideration timelines. These changes apply to juvenile offenders sentenced under the specified statutes, focusing on release decisions rather than sentencing ranges.
AB 895 modifies sentencing and parole procedures for individuals under 18 convicted of crimes. It requires courts to consider youth-specific mitigating factors and relevant information when determining eligibility for release to extended supervision or parole. The bill creates new provisions (e.g., § 302.114(5)(cs), § 304.06(1)(bc)) that apply specifically to "youthful offenders" as defined in § 973.014(3)(a). These changes directly affect minors in the state’s criminal justice system by mandating more individualized review of their cases during sentencing and parole decisions.
AB 743 adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed from military service as a potential mitigating factor in sentencing for veterans convicted of crimes. It specifically applies to veterans (defined as those who served in U.S. armed forces) who have a documented PTSD diagnosis linked to their military service. Courts may now consider this PTSD diagnosis when determining sentences, potentially leading to reduced penalties. The bill takes effect for offenses committed after it becomes law.
SB 716 adds a new provision (973.017(8m)) to sentencing guidelines, allowing courts to consider post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed from military service as a mitigating factor during sentencing for veterans. It specifically applies to individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces and have a documented PTSD diagnosis linked to their military service. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but gives judges discretion to weigh this factor when determining penalties for eligible veterans convicted of crimes. This affects veterans with service-connected PTSD who are facing sentencing in criminal cases. The bill takes effect for offenses committed on its effective date.
SB 91 upgrades penalties for child trafficking by imposing mandatory life imprisonment without parole when the crime involves three or more child victims. It applies to individuals who recruit, transport, or exploit children for commercial sex acts (as defined by existing law), as well as those who benefit financially from such trafficking. The bill amends statutes to classify these offenses as Class A felonies with no possibility of parole or extended supervision. This change directly affects convicted traffickers and their enablers, ensuring life sentences for repeat or large-scale cases involving multiple minors.
