Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB115

Introduced
3/7/25  
Refer
3/7/25  
Report Pass
5/8/25  

Caption

An Act to create 165.845 (1r) (a) 3., 165.845 (1r) (f) and 758.19 (8) of the statutes; Relating to: Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE)

Impact

The implications of SB115 are significant in terms of state law concerning criminal justice data management. With the DOJ required to create a searchable database that holds detailed case information for a period of ten years, this improves access to important legal data for lawmakers and the public alike. This database is expected to assist lawmakers in assessing patterns in criminal cases and outcomes, potentially guiding future legislation based on this empirical evidence.

Summary

Senate Bill 115 mandates the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect and report specific data pertaining to criminal cases. This bill outlines the varied information that must be gathered for each criminal case, such as the county of filing, names of involved attorneys and court officials, charges and recommendations, conditions of release, plea bargain details, and case outcomes. The intent of this legislative measure appears to be enhancing transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system by maintaining systematic records of such cases.

Contention

Notably, while the bill has generated support for increasing data transparency, it could raise concerns around privacy, particularly with the handling of sensitive case information. Although the legislation stipulates that personally identifiable details of defendants must be omitted from the database, debates may emerge regarding how effectively these protections are implemented. Additionally, there may be questions about the resources necessary for the DOJ to maintain this extensive data collection and reporting system, raising discussions on funding and administrative capacity.

Companion Bills

WI AB75

Crossfiled An Act to create 165.845 (1r) (a) 3., 165.845 (1r) (f) and 758.19 (8) of the statutes; Relating to: Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB75

Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE)

WI LD1923

An Act to Update Juvenile Justice System Reporting Requirements and to Direct the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health and Human Services to Study Modifying the Long Creek Youth Development Center

WI SB571

Relating to the reporting and investigation of certain misconduct and child abuse and neglect; creating a criminal offense.

WI HB4878

Relating to reporting regarding the confinement in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice or a county jail of certain persons not lawfully present.

WI SF1908

Collection and reporting requirement of specified information on criminal cases and creation of a public dashboard for this information

WI HB528

Alabama Department of Public Health; Alabama Dementia Network created, implementation by the department provided for, data collection and public reporting required

WI HB2858

Criminal justice; creating the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Act of 2025; effective date.

WI HB2858

Criminal justice; creating the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Act of 2025; effective date.

WI HB573

Provides for collection and reporting of data (OR +$4,575,500 GF EX See Note)

WI HB4377

Criminal justice; creating the Oklahoma Criminal Justice Act of 2026; effective date.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.