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.
SB 671 creates a new criminal offense for grooming a child for sexual activity and establishes penalties for this conduct. The bill amends multiple statutes to define "grooming" as a serious crime, specifically adding it to lists of offenses that bar individuals from certain homes (like relatives' homes or unlicensed childcare settings) if they have prior convictions or plea agreements related to child sexual abuse. It updates definitions of "serious crimes" for entities serving minors, ensuring that grooming violations trigger mandatory reporting and registration requirements under laws like 948.072. This directly affects children at risk of exploitation, individuals convicted of grooming-related offenses, and organizations that provide services to minors.
SB 100 requires first-class cities and their school districts to place at least 25 school resource officers (SROs) in schools during normal hours, before/after school, and at events starting January 1, 2024. It mandates SROs complete a 40-hour training course and requires school districts to use specific safety statistics when assigning officers. The bill establishes a cost-sharing agreement where school districts cover 75% of SRO costs and cities cover 25%, with new certification deadlines for both parties to the joint committee on finance. Failure to meet these requirements risks withholding up to 20% of school district aid or 10% of municipal payments under related statutes. The bill directly affects first-class cities and their school districts through these staffing, training, and financial obligations.
AB 293 extends the expiration date of Wisconsin's community-oriented policing grant program from July 1, 2025, to July 1, 2027. This bill directly affects local law enforcement agencies that receive these grants, ensuring continued eligibility for funding through 2027. The key provision amends Wisconsin Act 19 to update the sunset date in the relevant statute. The change delays the program's termination by two years without altering its structure or funding levels.
SB 459 clarifies the standard courts must use to admit expert witness testimony in legal cases. It requires judges to determine, before testimony is presented, that it is "more likely than not" based on sufficient facts, reliable methods, and properly applied to the case details. This change directly affects courts, lawyers, and expert witnesses in civil and criminal trials by strengthening the judge's role in reviewing testimony quality. The bill does not create new laws but refines existing rules for evaluating expert evidence, applying to cases filed after its effective date.
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.
SB 266 amends Wisconsin law to create a new criminal penalty for individuals who knowingly profit from human trafficking. Specifically, it makes it a Class F felony to receive compensation from the earnings of victims subjected to debt bondage, prostitution, or commercial sex acts. This law directly affects traffickers or others who financially benefit from exploiting victims, with penalties applying to offenses committed on or after the law's effective date. The bill also clarifies that the new penalty applies to cases where prosecution time limits had not yet expired as of the effective date.
SB 329 creates a $700,000 annual grant program to train law enforcement on filing extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs), which temporarily restrict firearm access for individuals deemed a risk to themselves or others. The bill amends background check requirements to include searches for active ERPOs under Section 813.124, ensuring courts and law enforcement verify if applicants are subject to such orders before firearm purchases. It also clarifies court procedures for ERPO cases, including venue rules and extensions of temporary orders when judges are reassigned. This bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (through training grants), courts (via updated procedures), and individuals subject to ERPOs.
AB 634 requires law enforcement agencies to publicly release bodycam, vehicle camera, and relevant audio/video footage within 15 days of specific incidents, including officer-involved deaths, critical incidents (like great bodily harm or death in custody), or firearm discharges by officers. This applies to footage showing actions leading to the incident, though agencies may redact sensitive information like victim identities, medical details, or confidential investigative strategies under defined exemptions. Affected parties, such as identified officers, victims, or families, must be notified 48 hours before release to review the footage. The bill aims to increase transparency while balancing privacy and investigative needs.
SB 533 defines "equipment" for correctional officers to include tools used for communication, seeking help, or accessing locked areas, alongside items designed to cause harm or restraint. The bill amends penalties for intentionally disarming an officer or removing their issued equipment. It directly affects correctional officers and individuals who interfere with their authorized tools, making such actions a punishable offense under existing law. The legislation clarifies what constitutes prohibited interference with an officer's duties-related equipment.
