Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB546

Introduced
10/17/25  
Refer
10/17/25  
Report Pass
2/16/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 753.06 (2) (a), 753.06 (8) (a) and 753.06 (9) (h) of the statutes; Relating to: authorizing additional circuit court and criminal justice system positions. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of SB546 is expected to have a significant impact on state laws by modifying existing statutes related to the structure and staffing of the circuit courts in counties such as Brown, Menominee, Shawano, and Kenosha. As specified in the bill, counties will gain additional branches and personnel, including judges and support staff, enhancing the operational capacity of the courts. The addition of these positions is intended to facilitate the processing of cases, thereby improving the efficiency of the justice system across the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 546 focuses on authorizing additional circuit court positions and enhancing the criminal justice system in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill proposes to add new circuit court branches and appoint additional judges, public defenders, court reporters, and assistant district attorneys to meet the growing demands of the judicial system. This strategic move aims to bolster the legal framework within the state, ensuring that residents have access to timely judicial processes and adequate legal representation.

Contention

There could be points of contention surrounding the bill, especially regarding the budget implications for staffing the new positions and the allocation of resources among counties. Discussions may arise over whether the increased funding for additional judges and attorneys will effectively address the existing backlog of cases. Furthermore, considerations related to the equitable distribution of judicial resources and the potential impact on local government budgets could become focal points for debate among legislators.

Companion Bills

WI AB514

Crossfiled An Act to amend 753.06 (2) (a), 753.06 (8) (a) and 753.06 (9) (h) of the statutes; Relating to: authorizing additional circuit court and criminal justice system positions. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB514

Authorizing additional circuit court and criminal justice system positions. (FE)

WI H4711

Additional circuit court judges

WI HB1996

AN ACT Relating to authorizing a qualified county to impose a tax for the funding of behavioral health diversion from the criminal justice system;

WI HB762

AN ACT relating to the criminal justice system.

WI HB1309

Commission to Review and Assess Racial Disparities in the State Criminal Justice System - Establishment

WI SB32

Relating to the jurisdiction of statutory county courts and creation of an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County.

WI HB115

Relating to the jurisdiction of statutory county courts and creation of an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County.

WI SB2135

Relating to the creation of an additional county court at law and an additional statutory probate court in Hidalgo County.

WI HB1896

Increasing local law enforcement officers by authorizing a local sales and use tax credited against the state portion to hire additional officers and increasing the number of basic law enforcement courses offered by the criminal justice training commission.

WI SB575

To Amend The Law Concerning Installment Fees Collected In Circuit And District Courts; To Amend The Law Concerning Driver's License Reinstatement Fees; And To Create The Justice System Task Force.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.