Governor Tony Evers signed 29 crime-related bills into law in Wisconsin, most of which had bipartisan support. The bills were initiated in response to threats of violence against judges, following the killing of retired judge John Roemer. One law makes it a crime to picket, parade, or demonstrate near a judge’s home with the intent to interfere with their work. Another bill provides privacy protections for judges to prevent publication of personal information. A third bill exempts a judicial security profile form from public records disclosure. These laws were introduced after 142 threats were made against Wisconsin judges in the past year.
Wisconsin Supreme Court Justice Annette Ziegler praised the new laws as a much-needed step in providing safety and security to judicial officers. The legislation was enacted following an increase in violence against judges across the country, exemplified by Roemer’s tragic killing. Additionally, Evers signed a package of bills to combat human trafficking. One of the laws creates a human trafficking council within the state Department of Justice to collect information, develop training, and create a strategic plan. Another requires training in identifying and preventing human trafficking for employees likely to come into contact with vulnerable individuals.
Evers also signed a measure that makes $10 million available in grants for services supporting crime victims, such as survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence abuse. Additionally, a bipartisan bill will ensure full staffing in an office that assists schools in addressing safety concerns. Other bills signed by Evers will increase penalties for fleeing from police officers, create a new crime for possessing child sexual abuse material created with Artificial Intelligence, and establish a new crime for possessing sex dolls resembling minors. The legislation is aimed at addressing various aspects of crime prevention and victim support in Wisconsin.
The Wisconsin Supreme Court had recommended three of the bills signed by Evers to better protect judges. These laws were a response to the killing of retired judge John Roemer, who was shot and killed in his home by a man he had sentenced to prison years earlier. The laws aim to prevent future acts of violence against judges, including making it illegal to protest near a judge’s home with the intention of influencing their work, issuing privacy protections for judges, and exempting a judicial security profile form from public records disclosure.
Overall, the bipartisan legislation signed by Evers addresses a range of crime-related issues, including protecting judges, combating human trafficking, supporting crime victims, and ensuring school safety. The new laws represent a significant step in providing safety and security to the judicial system and addressing various criminal activities in the state. By enacting these measures, Wisconsin aims to strengthen its law enforcement efforts and support systems for victims of crime.
