Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB59

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Providing victim compensation for damage to a building by means of fire or explosives. (FE)

Impact

The bill stipulates that property owners whose buildings are damaged in such violent incidents can be compensated for their losses, specifically the gap between what insurance covers and the total necessary repair costs. However, it retains the maximum award limit of $40,000 for these claims. By incorporating this new provision, AB59 reflects a shift in the legal approach, recognizing property crimes as impactful on victims, paralleling traditional personal injury claims.

Summary

Assembly Bill 59 aims to broaden the scope of the victim compensation program by including compensation for damages to buildings that have been intentionally harmed through fire or explosives. The bill modifies the existing statutes under which the Department of Justice administers compensation for personal injury or death resulting from criminal acts. The key feature of AB59 is the introduction of a new category of damage that property owners can claim, marking a significant expansion of the program’s existing eligibility criteria.

Contention

Notably, discussions surrounding AB59 may highlight potential concerns about the financial implications for the victim compensation fund. Critics may argue that expanding the compensation program could strain state resources if a large volume of claims arise from property damage incidents. Additionally, sentiment might arise over whether including building damages could unintentionally prompt fraudulent claims or weaken the focus on personal injuries, which have historically been the focus of victim compensation.

Last_action

As of the last available information, AB59 has already been introduced in the assembly and referred to the Committee on Judiciary. However, further examination of the bill's progress and any amendments or discussions within the committee is essential to assess ongoing legislative sentiment.