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.
AB 85 requires Wisconsin's Department of Corrections to recommend revoking parole, probation, or extended supervision whenever a person under supervision is charged with a new crime. This applies directly to individuals on community supervision who face new criminal charges. The bill mandates that the department submit this recommendation to the appropriate administrative body, triggering a hearing process unless the person waives it. The law changes existing statutes to make this recommendation automatic upon a new charge, without requiring proof of violation first.
SB 25 would require courts to defer to a district attorney's determination that there is no basis to prosecute a law enforcement officer involved in a death. Specifically, it prohibits judges from issuing criminal complaints against such officers unless new or unused evidence is presented, after the district attorney has already concluded there is no case to pursue. The bill directly affects officers in officer-involved death cases defined under Wisconsin law (s. 175.47 (1) (c)). This change shifts authority from courts to district attorneys in determining whether charges proceed, streamlining the process for cases where prosecutors have already declined to file.
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.
AB 957 increases funding by $400,000 for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to support internet crimes against children law enforcement within the Department of Justice. This is a budget adjustment that directly affects the Department of Justice's resources for investigating and prosecuting online crimes targeting minors. The bill does not create new laws or change existing legal standards - it solely allocates additional state funds for enforcement efforts.
AB 604 would require Wisconsin's Department of Health Services to request a federal Medicaid waiver to provide pre-release medical coverage for incarcerated individuals eligible for Medicaid. It specifically covers case management, medication-assisted treatment for substance use disorders, and a 30-day supply of prescription medications for up to 90 days before release. This bill directly affects incarcerated people who qualify for Medicaid, aiming to improve continuity of care upon reentry. The waiver request must be submitted by January 1, 2027, to allow state and federal reimbursement for these services. The bill focuses on concrete policy changes to expand healthcare access during a critical transition period.
AB 265 strengthens Wisconsin's penalties for human trafficking by requiring minimum prison terms: 15 years for child trafficking and 10 years for general human trafficking convictions. It creates new felony charges for individuals who profit from trafficking (Class D C felony) or receive compensation from commercial sex acts or debt bondage (Class F E felony). The bill directly affects convicted traffickers, their financial beneficiaries, and those who facilitate trafficking through recruitment or harboring of children for commercial sex. These sentencing changes apply to offenses committed after the bill's effective date.
SB 278 prevents the automatic expiration (sunset) of Wisconsin's Community-Oriented Policing-House Grant Program by changing its funding mechanism. The bill amends state law to establish the program as a "continuing appropriation" that receives biennial funding without requiring annual legislative action to renew it. This change directly affects local law enforcement agencies and community organizations that receive these grants to fund policing initiatives focused on community engagement. The policy shift ensures stable, ongoing funding for the program starting July 1, 2025, rather than requiring renewal each biennium. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 27 and signed into law on August 11, 2025.
SB 232 creates annual state grants of $17,000 per child advocacy center in Wisconsin to support education, training, medical advice, and quality assurance for responding to child maltreatment cases. The bill specifically authorizes funding for existing centers in Milwaukee, Kenosha, Fox Valley, Marathon, Chippewa, Brown, Racine, Walworth, and Green counties, plus adds the Lakeshore Regional Center in Sheboygan County and a statewide "Child Advocacy Centers of Wisconsin" entity. These grants, drawn from a specific state appropriation, directly support the operational capacity of these centers to improve multidisciplinary child abuse response. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 13 after approval by the Governor on July 2, 2025.
