Wisconsin Senate Bill SB191

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/14/25
• Refer: 4/14/25
• Report Pass: 5/8/25
• Engrossed: 5/15/25
• Refer: 5/27/25

Caption

Requiring a subpoena to a law enforcement officer or tribal law enforcement officer served in official capacity to be served at the officer’s work address.

Impact

By requiring subpoenas to be served only at the workplace, SB191 aims to improve the operational integrity and reduce personal disruptions for law enforcement officers. This bill recognizes the sensitive nature of law enforcement duties, suggesting that service of legal documents should be handled in a manner that respects officers' official capacities. As a result, this could streamline the legal process involving law enforcement officers, potentially expediting the handling of subpoenas related to their duties.

Summary

Senate Bill 191 mandates that subpoenas directed at law enforcement officers and tribal law enforcement officers in their official capacities must be served exclusively at their workplace addresses. This change alters the previous provisions where subpoenas could be served at either the officer's home or workplace. The bill intends to provide a more formalized process for serving subpoenas to law enforcement personnel, thereby likely emphasizing the dignity and professional environment of law enforcement roles.

Contention

The legislative discussions surrounding SB191 highlighted varying opinions regarding the implications of limiting subpoena service locations. Supporters argue that the bill will provide necessary protections for law enforcement officers, while critics may raise concerns about accessibility of legal processes for officers compared to other citizens. The bill's intent to isolate the service of subpoenas at work addresses also invites discussion on the balance between the needs of the law enforcement community and the rights of individuals seeking legal redress from them.