Criminal Justice

SB 146 prohibits individuals convicted of a violent felony from legally changing their name. It amends existing law to clarify that the prohibition applies specifically to violent crimes classified as felonies, not all violent offenses. This directly affects people with violent felony convictions who seek to change their legal name. The bill establishes a clear legal barrier to name changes for this group, with penalties for violations.

SB 76 requires courts to approve any dismissal or amendment of criminal charges for specific "covered crimes" (like domestic abuse violations, certain traffic offenses, or crimes under Chapter 948). Prosecutors must provide reasons for seeking such changes, and courts can only approve if the action aligns with deterring these offenses. The bill also prohibits deferred prosecution agreements for these crimes and mandates annual court reports detailing approved dismissals. This directly affects prosecutors, courts, and defendants charged with the listed offenses.

SB 610 increases the maximum prison sentence for distributing methamphetamine or similar drugs near homeless shelters. If someone distributes these drugs within 1,000 feet of a homeless shelter - knowing or reasonably aware the shelter is nearby - their maximum prison term rises by 5 years. The bill specifically targets violations of drug distribution laws (Section 961.65) occurring in these proximity circumstances. This policy change directly affects individuals convicted of such drug distribution offenses near shelters, without altering existing penalties for other drug offenses.

SB 782 amends Wisconsin statute 256.35(10)(a) to penalize intentionally sending false text messages to 911 reporting a non-existent emergency. It imposes fines of $100-$600 or up to 90 days in jail for a first offense, and classifies subsequent offenses within four years as a Class H felony. The law directly affects individuals who deliberately mislead emergency services via text, such as falsely reporting crimes or medical crises. Key provisions clarify that the penalty applies specifically when the sender knows the reported emergency is fabricated. This bill creates concrete legal consequences for misuse of 911 text services, aiming to deter non-emergency false reports.