Criminal Justice (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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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 329: Relating to: extreme risk protection temporary restraining orders and injunctions, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates $700,000 annually for ERPO law enforcement training, directly funding a state program under budgetary allocation.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds ERPO training & background checks for firearm restrictions, advancing gun violence prevention reform within criminal justice system95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Courts Firearms Law Enforcement

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 679: Relating to: prohibiting a law enforcement agency from accessing personal data in exchange for payment without a warrant.

SB 679 prohibits law enforcement agencies from obtaining personal data from third parties (like tech companies or data brokers) in exchange for payment without a court warrant. It covers data such as location history, health records, financial details, browsing habits, and biometric information. Exceptions allow access if police have a warrant, face an emergency involving immediate danger, the data is publicly available, or the individual consented. This directly affects how police can legally acquire personal information from private entities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants for law enforcement data access, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability per criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyProhibits warrantless law enforcement access to personal data from tech companies, strengthening data privacy protections as defined in the topic description.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Policing Consumer Data Protection Data Privacy Tags Privacy

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 370: Relating to: crime victim notification cards. (FE)

AB 370 creates standardized crime victim notification cards to help victims stay informed about court proceedings involving offenders. The bill directs the Director of State Courts to design these free cards, which victims can fill out with their contact information and details about the inmate or probationer. County courts and victim-witness offices must provide the cards to victims, who can then send completed cards to the relevant court to receive updates. The bill also protects victims' mailing addresses in court records from public inspection under state law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates standardized victim notification cards to ensure victims receive court updates, enhancing victim services within the criminal justice system.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Victims' Rights

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