Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB444

Introduced

9/29/25

Refer

9/29/25

Failed

3/23/26

Caption

An Act to create 946.685 of the statutes; Relating to: identity requirements for officers who arrest or detain individuals and providing a penalty.

Impact

If enacted, SB444 will modify existing laws by creating a new crime related to the failure of law enforcement officers to identify themselves appropriately when executing detentions or arrests. This new law classifies such violations as a Class D felony, although it includes a unique provision that prohibits imprisonment for offenders, instead allowing for a maximum fine of $100,000. The potential impact on state laws is significant, as it emphasizes the balance between law enforcement authority and citizen rights.

Summary

Senate Bill 444 aims to enhance the accountability and transparency of law enforcement officers during arrests and detentions. The bill mandates that law enforcement officers must clearly identify themselves to individuals they are arresting or detaining by displaying their name and badge number clearly on their uniforms. Additionally, officers are required to provide authority for the arrest or detention, ensuring that individuals are aware of their rights and the nature of the enforcement action being taken against them.

Contention

The bill has generated discussions concerning the implications of enforcing identification requirements for law enforcement. Proponents argue that this legislation is a necessary step for better accountability in policing, enhancing public trust in law enforcement practices. However, critics may express concerns about enforcement, the potential for ambiguous interpretations, and its implications for officer safety during operations where identities need to be concealed for tactical reasons.

Latest WI SB444 Activity

View All Events: WI 2025-2026 Regular Session SB444

Companion Bills

WI AB441

Crossfiled An Act to create 946.685 of the statutes; Relating to: identity requirements for officers who arrest or detain individuals and providing a penalty.

Previously Filed As

WI AB441

Identity requirements for officers who arrest or detain individuals and providing a penalty.

WI HB909

Relating to law enforcement misconduct and law enforcement interactions with certain detained or arrested individuals and other members of the public, to public entity liability for those interactions, and to the confinement, conviction, or release of detained or arrested individuals.

WI A1743

Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.

WI S3114

Requires law enforcement officer to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.

WI HF2646

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly HSB 752.)

WI HSB752

A bill for an act relating to certain activities associated with foreign entities in the state, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See HF 2646.)

WI H0660

Adds to existing law to establish provisions regarding the immigration status and nationality of arrested individuals.

WI SB97

In ethics standards and financial disclosure, further providing for definitions, for restricted activities, for statement of financial interests and for penalties; in lobbying disclosure, further providing for definitions, for reporting and for penalties; and, in Turnpike Commission standards of conduct, further providing for code of conduct.

WI A5177

Repeals law requiring law enforcement officers to reveal facial identity during certain public interactions and to present sufficient identification prior to arresting or detaining person.

WI HF2177

Photo ID required to register to vote and to vote, voter identification card created, provisional ballots established, identification required of individuals providing assistance to a voter in a polling place, voter registration and absentee voting activities prohibited, criminal penalties increased, reports required, and money appropriated.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.