Criminal Justice

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 80: Relating to: statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets.

Senate Bill 80 provides statutory recognition for specialized treatment courts and commercial court dockets within the state court system. For treatment courts, the bill formally acknowledges various types, such as drug, mental health, and veterans courts, which aim to address underlying issues related to criminal behavior through treatment and multidisciplinary teams to reduce recidivism. For commercial courts, it establishes a framework for handling complex business cases. The bill mandates that certain types of disputes involving business organizations be assigned to these dockets, with specific circuit court judges selected to preside over them.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes statutory recognition for treatment courts (drug, mental health, veterans) explicitly aimed at reducing recidivism through rehabilitation, aligning with criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 303: Relating to: grants for technical colleges to provide mapping data to law enforcement. (FE)

SB 303 creates a grant program to fund technical colleges in developing detailed digital maps of their campus buildings for law enforcement use. These maps must include specific location details like room numbers, floors, and building layouts to help first responders during emergencies, and must work with existing public safety technology without requiring additional software purchases. The Office of School Safety will administer the grants, accepting applications from technical college leaders working with local law enforcement. The bill also requires an annual report tracking grant funding and how the maps are used.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds technical colleges to create law enforcement maps for emergency response, improving first responder efficiency and public safety within criminal justice operations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 510: Relating to: use of certain statements as evidence in prosecution for prostitution.

AB 510 prevents law enforcement or medical providers from using statements about prostitution as evidence in court if a person contacts them to report another crime (like theft or assault) or seek medical care. It applies directly to individuals seeking help for non-prostitution issues, including those reporting on behalf of others. The bill prohibits using any prostitution-related statements obtained during these unrelated contacts in prosecution for prostitution or attempted prostitution. This policy change ensures that people accessing emergency services or reporting other crimes cannot face additional charges based on their initial contact. The bill is currently pending in the Judiciary Committee after its October 2025 introduction.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents using prostitution statements made during unrelated contacts (e.g., reporting crimes) as evidence in prostitution prosecutions, protecting individuals from unnecessary criminalization and aligning with civil rights reform in criminal just...95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareProtects patient access to medical care by preventing use of unrelated prostitution statements in court, encouraging reporting of crimes/seeking care without fear of prosecution.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Human Trafficking Law Enforcement

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 538: Relating to: use of certain statements as evidence in prosecution for prostitution.

SB 538 prevents law enforcement from using statements about prostitution as evidence in prosecution if those statements were gathered while someone sought medical care or reported another crime (not prostitution). It protects individuals who contact police, medical providers, or emergency services for reasons unrelated to prostitution, as well as those reporting crimes or seeking care on behalf of others. The bill creates a clear rule that statements obtained during these unrelated interactions cannot be used to prosecute a person for prostitution. This change directly affects people interacting with authorities for medical or non-prostitution-related crime reporting, ensuring such statements remain inadmissible in prostitution cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects defendants' rights by preventing use of statements from unrelated medical/crime reports as evidence, reducing unwarranted prostitution prosecutions.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcarePrevents law enforcement from using medical care interactions as evidence in prostitution cases, removing barriers to seeking healthcare and protecting patient rights during medical visits.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 94: Relating to: proclaiming January as Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month in the state of Wisconsin.

AJR 94 is a symbolic resolution that would officially recognize January as "Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month" across Wisconsin. It directly affects all Wisconsin residents by designating a specific month for statewide awareness efforts focused on human trafficking. The resolution has no binding legal requirements but serves as a formal declaration to encourage educational events, community outreach, and resource sharing related to human trafficking prevention during January. It does not create new laws or allocate funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeSymbolic resolution promotes human trafficking prevention awareness, aligning with criminal justice reform efforts to combat a key crime area through education and community outreach.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Human Trafficking

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vetoed · Wisconsin · Assembly May 13, 2026

AB 73: Relating to: statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets.

AB 73 creates a new statute (Chapter 798) to formally recognize two types of specialized court programs in Wisconsin: treatment courts and commercial courts. Treatment courts (e.g., drug, mental health, veterans courts) address underlying issues like addiction to reduce recidivism through treatment and supervision, while commercial courts handle business disputes more efficiently. The bill establishes these dockets within the existing court system, requiring judges to receive specialized training and operate using graduated sanctions and rewards. It directly affects courts handling these case types, aiming to improve outcomes for participants and streamline dispute resolution.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill establishes treatment courts to reduce recidivism through rehabilitation (e.g., drug/mental health programs), directly aligning with criminal justice reform indicators like reducing recidivism and improving rehabilitation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly creates statutory recognition for mental health treatment courts, directly supporting mental health services as part of reducing recidivism through treatment.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Mental Health Substance Abuse

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 116: Relating to: transportation of minors for emergency detention.

AB 116 creates a new reimbursement program for county governments to cover transportation costs when moving minors into emergency detention for safety reasons. It directly affects counties handling youth detention, minors receiving medical assistance, and third-party transportation providers (like ambulances or contracted vendors) who transport minors. The bill requires counties to use the least restrictive transportation method possible (like non-law enforcement vendors when feasible) and establishes that state reimbursement through the Medical Assistance program will only occur if federal approval is secured. This is a procedural change to clarify funding mechanisms, not a policy shift on detention standards.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill mandates non-law enforcement vendors for minor transportation in safety emergencies, minimizing youth's contact with criminal justice system.65% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice Law Enforcement

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 13, 2026

SB 620: Relating to: tracking a person who is registered as a sex offender but unable to provide an address.

SB 620 requires sex offenders on parole or extended supervision who cannot provide an address to notify the department within 24 hours of becoming unable to do so. It also mandates that the department use location tracking technology (passive positioning systems) for these individuals if they fail to provide an address as required under existing registration rules. The bill directly affects sex offenders subject to registration who lose the ability to provide a stable address. Key mechanisms include the 24-hour notification deadline and automatic departmental implementation of tracking when address information is unavailable. The policy change ensures continuous monitoring of this specific group to maintain public safety oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeStrengthens post-release supervision by mandating location tracking for sex offenders unable to provide addresses, enhancing enforcement of registration requirements.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 650: Relating to: penalty enhancer for crimes committed by a person acting as an agent of a foreign government or terrorist organization with the intent to silence or punish persons for their political view, criminalizing the enforcement of foreign laws without federal or state approval, and providing a penalty. (FE)

SB 650 defines "transnational repression" as actions by foreign agents targeting individuals (like activists or journalists) to silence them due to political views. It creates three key provisions: (1) requires Wisconsin's Department of Justice to develop law enforcement training, public awareness campaigns, and a reporting portal for transnational repression cases; (2) increases penalties for crimes committed as transnational repression (e.g., raising a Class B felony to a Class A felony); and (3) criminalizes enforcing foreign laws without federal or state approval, punishable as a Class E felony with a minimum 3-year prison term. The bill directly affects foreign government agents, law enforcement, and individuals targeted by transnational repression. It focuses on prevention, awareness, and stricter penalties for specific foreign interference tactics.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for transnational repression crimes (e.g., Class B to A felony), enhancing protection for activists/journalists from foreign interference targeting political views.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 573: Relating to: sexual assault forensic examination compensation.

AB 573 clarifies which costs related to sexual assault forensic examinations are covered under compensation programs for victims. It specifically defines "examination costs" to include evidence-gathering procedures, STI testing/prevention, HIV prophylaxis (medication to prevent HIV exposure), and STI treatment medications provided during the exam. The bill explicitly excludes administrative fees, attorney costs, and other non-medical expenses from coverage. Additionally, it requires applicants to submit only medical records directly related to the covered services, such as examinations, treatments, or preventive medications, and prohibits submitting unrelated documentation. This bill adjusts eligibility criteria for compensation without creating new benefits or funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly expands victim compensation for essential medical costs (STI/HIV treatment, evidence collection) in sexual assault cases, promoting victim support within criminal justice reform by removing financial barriers to forensic exams.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies coverage for medical services (STI testing, HIV prophylaxis) in sexual assault exams, expanding victim access to healthcare services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Victims' Rights Violent Crime

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