Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB252

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 5/8/25
• Refer: 5/8/25

Caption

The notice of an investigation of child abuse or neglect or unborn child abuse provided to appropriate authorities of the U.S. Department of Defense. (FE)

Impact

The introduction of AB252 is significant as it aims to protect the rights and interests of military families by keeping them informed when a child abuse investigation involves them. Proponents argue that this is crucial for ensuring that military parents are not caught off guard, allowing for better coordination between state services and military resources. This will ultimately provide necessary support to personnel who might otherwise be under undue stress from investigations that could possibly impair their service and family units.

Summary

Assembly Bill 252 aims to enhance the communication between state agencies and the U.S. Department of Defense regarding child abuse investigations that involve parents who are members of the armed forces. Under the proposed legislation, if a county department of human services, social services, or a licensed child welfare agency (collectively referred to as 'agency') initiates an investigation pertaining to potential child abuse or neglect, and if they have reason to believe that a parent involved is part of the military, they are required to notify the appropriate Defense authorities within 24 hours. This notification must include the child's name, address, and the fact that an investigation has begun, ensuring that confidentiality is maintained throughout the process.

Contention

Despite its clear intentions, AB252 may face contention related to the balance between necessary oversight and privacy concerns. Critics might argue that mandatory notifications could inadvertently expose sensitive situations or create undue stress within military families during a chaotic time. There may also be debates regarding the adequacy of support structures for military families facing investigations and whether this legislative measure simplifies or complicates their access to necessary resources during such investigations.