Wisconsin Senate Bill SB115

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/7/25
• Report Pass: 5/8/25

Caption

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

Impact

The implications of SB115 are significant in terms of state law concerning criminal justice data management. With the DOJ required to create a searchable database that holds detailed case information for a period of ten years, this improves access to important legal data for lawmakers and the public alike. This database is expected to assist lawmakers in assessing patterns in criminal cases and outcomes, potentially guiding future legislation based on this empirical evidence.

Summary

Senate Bill 115 mandates the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) to collect and report specific data pertaining to criminal cases. This bill outlines the varied information that must be gathered for each criminal case, such as the county of filing, names of involved attorneys and court officials, charges and recommendations, conditions of release, plea bargain details, and case outcomes. The intent of this legislative measure appears to be enhancing transparency and accountability within the criminal justice system by maintaining systematic records of such cases.

Contention

Notably, while the bill has generated support for increasing data transparency, it could raise concerns around privacy, particularly with the handling of sensitive case information. Although the legislation stipulates that personally identifiable details of defendants must be omitted from the database, debates may emerge regarding how effectively these protections are implemented. Additionally, there may be questions about the resources necessary for the DOJ to maintain this extensive data collection and reporting system, raising discussions on funding and administrative capacity.