Wisconsin Senate Bill SB291

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/15/23
• Refer: 5/15/23
• Report Pass: 10/4/23
• Engrossed: 10/17/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Refer: 3/14/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

An election official's personal information, battery against election officials, whistleblower protection for municipal clerks, county clerks, and election officials who witness and report election fraud or irregularities, and providing a penalty.

Impact

The implications of SB291 on state law are considerable. By establishing defined penalties for assault against election officials, the bill aims to bolster the integrity and security of election management in Wisconsin. The proposed whistleblower protections also reflect an intention to enhance transparency and accountability in electoral processes, allowing clerks to report issues without threats to their employment status. Moreover, the bill restricts public access to personal data of election officials, reinforcing their privacy amid rising public scrutiny and potential harassment. Overall, these changes are positioned to strengthen the framework within which elections are conducted and overseen in the state.

Summary

Senate Bill 291 introduces significant changes to the legal treatment of election-related officials in Wisconsin, specifically focusing on creating new penalties for violence against these individuals. The bill categorizes intentional bodily harm directed towards election officials, such as county clerks and municipal clerks, as a Class I felony. This enhancement of penalties signifies a response to increasing concerns about the safety of those conducting elections and seeks to discourage potential threats or acts of violence that could undermine the electoral process. Furthermore, the legislation extends legal protections to whistleblowers among municipal and county clerks, thus facilitating the reporting of election irregularities without fear of retaliation.

Contention

While the bill aims to safeguard election officials, it has garnered both support and opposition. Proponents argue that heightened penalties and whistleblower protections are necessary to ensure a free and fair electoral system, particularly in light of recent political tensions. Detractors, however, may view the restrictions on public access to officials' personal information as a potential means of obscuring accountability, raising concerns over transparency in the electoral system. The balance between protecting officials and ensuring public oversight will likely be a pivotal discussion point as the bill progresses through the legislative process.