Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB227

Introduced
4/29/25  
Refer
4/29/25  
Report Pass
11/11/25  
Engrossed
11/18/25  
Refer
1/16/26  

Caption

An Act to repeal 164.05 of the statutes; Relating to: the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights.

Impact

If enacted, SB227 would significantly broaden the scope of rights afforded to law enforcement officers across the state of Wisconsin. This change may enhance protections for law enforcement personnel who are often subject to scrutiny during both internal investigations and public controversies. Supporters of the bill argue that this expansion is necessary to ensure that all individuals engaged in law enforcement duties are equally protected, irrespective of their specific position or jurisdiction. By solidifying these rights, the bill seeks to foster a more favorable environment for law enforcement professionals across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 227 aims to amend the existing law enforcement officers' bill of rights in Wisconsin. The current statute provides specific protections to law enforcement officers regarding their employment conditions, such as protection against discrimination for engaging in political activities and for the manner in which they are interrogated. SB227 expands the applicability of these rights to include not just city, town, village, and county employees, but also any individuals employed by the state for purposes related to crime detection and law enforcement.

Contention

There may be notable points of contention surrounding SB227, particularly given the current climate around police practices and accountability. Critics of the bill might argue that the expansion of the bill of rights for law enforcement officers could make it more challenging to hold officers accountable for misconduct. Concerns may arise regarding the balance between protecting officer rights and ensuring public accountability. Debates may center on whether such an expansion serves the interest of public safety or undermines efforts for reform, especially in light of increasing demands for transparency and accountability in law enforcement practices.

Companion Bills

WI AB229

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 164.05 of the statutes; Relating to: the law enforcement officers’ bill of rights.

Previously Filed As

WI AB229

The law enforcement officers’ bill of rights.

WI HB2467

A Bill For An Act Relating To Statutory Revision: Amending Or Repealing Various Provisions Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes Or The Session Laws Of Hawaii For The Purposes Of Correcting Errors And References, Clarifying Language, Or Deleting Obsolete Or Unnecessary Provisions.

WI SB3225

A Bill For An Act Relating To Statutory Revision: Amending Or Repealing Various Provisions Of The Hawaii Revised Statutes Or The Session Laws Of Hawaii For The Purposes Of Correcting Errors And References, Clarifying Language, Or Deleting Obsolete Or Unnecessary Provisions.

WI SB445

Providing that the law enforcement officers memorial advisory committee may receive requests for the Kansas highway patrol and the Kansas bureau of investigation to provide temporary personal and other assistance in support of funeral services honoring law enforcement officers who have lost their lives in the line of duty in the service of the state.

WI H5666

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

WI SB238

Relating to law enforcement officers.

WI H7128

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and includes campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "Law Enforcement Officers' Bill of Rights."

WI S2053

Mandates arming campus police at public higher educational institutions and would include campus police in the definition of "law enforcement officer" for the purposes of the "law enforcement officers' bill of rights".

WI HSB289

A bill for an act relating to the Iowa law enforcement academy council including the revocation or suspension of certifications of law enforcement officers and reserve peace officers, and administrative investigations under the peace officer, public safety, and emergency personnel bill of rights, and including effective date and retroactive applicability provisions.

WI SB1210

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 38, Chapter 8, relative to law enforcement officers' rights.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.