Wisconsin Senate Bill SB1054

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/24
• Refer: 2/21/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories division administrator (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Justice).

Impact

The impact of SB1054 primarily lies in its influence on the state employment framework within the crime laboratories. By eliminating the exclusion of division administrators from the definition of employee, the bill seeks to foster a more integrated administrative approach. This change is expected to improve accountability and oversight, potentially leading to more efficient operational management to better serve the needs of justice and law enforcement in Wisconsin.

Summary

Senate Bill 1054 is a legislative proposal aimed at amending current definitions within the Wisconsin Statutes regarding the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratories. The primary objective of this bill is to redefine the term 'employee' by eliminating the current exclusion of 'division administrator' from this definition. This amendment is intended to clarify the employment status of individuals in leadership positions within the laboratories, enhancing the administrative structure and operations of these state facilities.

Contention

While the bill is presented as remedial legislation, the discussion around it may focus on whether the changes sufficiently address administrative effectiveness without introducing new bureaucratic complications. Stakeholders, including the Department of Justice, have advocated for this amendment, suggesting it is a necessary step for the operational clarity of the crime laboratories. However, there may be differing opinions regarding the extent to which the roles and responsibilities of division administrators should be defined within statutory framework, with concern over possible implications for departmental hierarchy and employee relations.