Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB75

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/28/25
• Refer: 2/28/25
• Report Pass: 3/11/25
• Refer: 3/11/25
• Engrossed: 3/13/25
• Refer: 3/14/25
• Refer: 5/12/25

Caption

Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE)

Impact

Upon enactment, this law would establish a searchable database maintained by the DOJ that includes the collected information for a period of ten years. The bill seeks to ensure that this database does not contain personally identifiable information of defendants, striking a balance between accountability and privacy. By providing legislators with annual reports derived from this data, the bill aims to inform legislative discussions and decisions relating to criminal justice reforms and resource allocations, potentially affecting how cases are processed and managed throughout the state.

Summary

Assembly Bill 75 aims to enhance the transparency and accountability of the criminal justice system in Wisconsin by mandating the collection and reporting of specific data related to criminal cases. The bill directs the Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect detailed information from the director of state courts, including the county of filing, prosecuting attorney, court official involvement, charges filed, recommendations from law enforcement agencies, and details about defendants' release conditions. This requirement emphasizes a comprehensive record-keeping system that supports data-driven policy making in the state.

Contention

The bill's introduction may spark discussions around data privacy versus the need for increased oversight in the criminal justice system. While proponents argue that the bill will enable lawmakers to make better-informed decisions based on concrete data, critics may raise concerns regarding the implications of comprehensive data collection on defendants. There may also be debates about whether the state will allocate necessary resources to effectively implement the data collection and reporting processes mandated by this bill, thus influencing local court operations and funding.

Notable_points

Opposition groups may focus on ensuring that the bill's implementation does not lead to misuse of the collected data, emphasizing the necessity of strict regulations around access and use of information about criminal cases. As discussions progress, key stakeholders in the legislative process will likely address the balance between transparency, judicial efficiency, and individual rights, making AB75 a significant piece of legislation in shaping Wisconsin's approach to criminal justice.