Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB167

Introduced
4/3/23  
Refer
4/3/23  
Report Pass
9/6/23  
Engrossed
9/14/23  
Refer
10/11/23  
Enrolled
10/19/23  
Chaptered
12/7/23  

Caption

Annual reporting to the legislature of sexual harassment and assault that occurs in the Wisconsin National Guard and of changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Impact

In addition to tracking incidents within the National Guard, the bill also calls for an annual report on substantive changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) that may affect the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice (WCMJ). This intersection emphasizes the need for local statutes to remain aligned with federal standards and ensures that any changes made at the federal level are adequately integrated into state law. This framework is designed to keep military justice responsive and equitable, particularly regarding the handling of sexual misconduct allegations.

Summary

Senate Bill 167 aims to establish annual reporting requirements concerning incidents of sexual harassment and sexual assault occurring within the Wisconsin National Guard. The bill mandates that the Adjutant General submit a comprehensive report detailing reported incidents to the Governor and relevant legislative committees. This annual report is required to include data on restricted and unrestricted reports, the types of conduct reported, the duty status of the individuals involved, and the status of the investigations into these incidents. The intent of this measure is to enhance the accountability and transparency of the National Guard concerning these serious issues.

Contention

A significant focus of discussion around SB167 is the balance between transparency and the rights to privacy for victims. The legislation stresses that any report must protect the identities of those who have suffered from harassment or assault, foreseeing concerns about victim retribution or stigma. This privacy provision reflects an ongoing tension in legislative efforts to increase accountability while also safeguarding the dignity of victims, pointing to the broader societal implications of such legal requirements.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB178

Annual reporting to the legislature of sexual harassment and assault that occurs in the Wisconsin National Guard and of changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

WI SB166

Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.

WI AB177

Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.

WI SB352

The military: sexual harassment.

WI AB1079

Employment of direct-care employees by veterans homes, eligibility for burial in veterans cemeteries, and elements of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. (FE)

WI SB1066

Employment of direct-care employees by veterans homes, eligibility for burial in veterans cemeteries, and elements of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. (FE)

WI HB2406

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2025

WI HB3039

Relating to the reporting and prosecution of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and sexual misconduct by a member of the state military forces; creating a criminal offense.

WI HB2990

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Sexual Harassment and Assault Prevention Improvements Act of 2023

WI HB4250

Relating to the investigation and punishment of certain sexual assaults, to protective orders issued on the basis of certain sexual assaults, to crime victims' compensation, and to the establishment of a state sexual assault prevention and response program for the Texas Military Department.

Similar Bills

WI AB178

Annual reporting to the legislature of sexual harassment and assault that occurs in the Wisconsin National Guard and of changes to the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

WI AB1104

The Council on Veterans Programs; county veterans service offices; repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; and celebration of Memorial Day (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

WI SB1057

The Council on Veterans Programs; county veterans service offices; repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; and celebration of Memorial Day (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

WI SB8

The University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB26

The University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action Recovery and Identification Project and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB287

Talent attraction and retention initiatives focusing on active duty military personnel transitioning out of the U.S. armed forces and veterans and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB284

Talent attraction and retention initiatives focusing on active duty military personnel transitioning out of the U.S. armed forces and veterans and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB166

Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.