SB1094: Bill Text

3. Interfering, by threat or force, with the exercise of rights or performance of duties pursuant to a court order.

4. Obstructing or otherwise interfering with the communication to a criminal investigator of information relating to a crime.

5. Altering or destroying a record, document, or other object in order to interfere with a governmental investigation or administration of any other matter in the jurisdiction of the state government.

6. Accepting a bribe to influence, obstruct, or impede a legal or governmental proceeding.

Any of these activities is a Class H felony under the bill.

Battery or threat of a juror or a family member of a juror

Under current law, the crime of battery is defined as intentionally causing another person bodily harm and is a Class A misdemeanor. Under current law, if the battery is a special circumstance battery—for example, the battery is committed against an individual because of the individual’s status as a law enforcement officer, witness in a trial, or juror—the penalty is increased to a Class H felony. Under the bill, a threat of battery against a juror or battery or a threat of battery against a family member of a juror is also a Class H felony.

DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE AND DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS

Treatment alternatives and diversion grant program

Under current law, DOJ, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health Services, awards grants to counties or tribes that have established qualifying treatment alternatives and diversion (TAD) programs that offer substance abuse or mental health treatment services as alternatives to prosecution or incarceration in order to reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and reduce prison and jail populations.

Under current law, in order to qualify for a TAD grant, a county’s or tribe’s program is required to match 25 percent of the grant, and a program is required to charge participants a fee to participate. A county or tribe that receives a TAD grant must create an oversight committee to administer and evaluate its program. DOJ is required to make grants available to any county or tribe on a competitive basis every five years. At the end of the five-year grant cycle, DOJ is required to prepare a comprehensive report on the grant program based on annual reports and other data it collects from the counties and tribes.

The bill makes several changes to the TAD grant program. Under the bill, a program funded by a TAD grant need not focus solely on alcohol and other drug treatment but must employ evidence-based practices targeted to the population served by the program. The bill changes the match requirement from 25 percent to 10 percent and changes the competitive grant process to a four-year cycle. The bill allows, but does not require, an eligible program to charge participants a fee for their treatment. The bill also eliminates certain requirements pertaining to exposure of genitals during drug testing.

Under current law, when a person pleads or is found guilty of certain drug offenses, the court is required to order a substance use assessment. Under current law, the court does not have to order an assessment if the person is already covered by such an order, has recently completed an assessment under such an order, or is participating in a TAD program. The bill specifies that if a person is participating in any evidence-based substance use disorder treatment program as determined by DOJ, regardless of its status relating to the TAD program, the court does not need to order an assessment.

The bill provides an additional $15,522,000 of funding for TAD programs in the 2023-25 fiscal biennium.

Community policing and community prosecution grant program

The bill provides $20,000,000 in grant funding in the 2023-25 fiscal biennium through DOJ to support community policing and community prosecution. In awarding the grants, DOJ may consider the use of hot-spot policing practices to address the needs of the community.

Violence prevention grants

The bill provides $10,000,000 in grant funding in the 2023-25 fiscal biennium through DOJ for violence prevention programs. Under the bill, DOJ must consult with DHS to determine grant awards.

Becky Young recidivism reduction

The bill increases by $5,000,000 in each fiscal year of the 2023-25 biennium the funding for community services established by DOC that have the goals of increasing public safety, reducing the risk that offenders on community supervision will reoffend, and reducing recidivism among people who are on probation, parole, or extended supervision.

Increasing position authorizations for Department of Justice programs

The bill authorizes DOJ to create the following positions:

1. Five additional positions for the alternatives to prosecution and incarceration grant program.

2. Two additional positions for law enforcement officer training and wellness initiatives.

3. Four additional positions for law enforcement toxicology services.

4. Two new investigators in the Division of Criminal Investigation.

5. Two additional assistant attorney general positions to prosecute violent crimes.

6. Two positions for the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.

MISCELLANEOUS

Mental health and substance use services

Currently, DHS must award crisis program enhancement grants to counties or multicounty regions to establish crisis programs to serve individuals having crises in rural areas or counties, municipalities, or regions composed of multiple counties or municipalities to establish and enhance law enforcement and behavioral health services emergency response collaboration programs. Grant recipients must match at least 25 percent of the grant awarded. The bill eliminates the matching requirement and increases the amount of funding for the program from $250,000 per fiscal biennium of general purpose revenue to $15,000,000 per fiscal biennium. Additionally, the bill increases general purpose revenue funding for grants for mental health and substance use services grants and programs, including peer-run respite centers and opioid and methamphetamine treatment programs.

Hate crimes reporting portal

This bill requires DOJ to develop an Internet-based reporting system and a telephone hotline for the reporting of hate crimes. Under the bill, DOJ must conduct a public education campaign on hate crimes and where to report them and must collect data relating to the reporting of hate crimes. Under the bill, DOJ is required to submit a biennial report to the legislature on the reporting of hate crimes.

Higher education and special education funding; maintenance of effort

The bill provides additional funding for higher education and for special education aid the Department of Public Instruction pays to school districts, independent charter schools, cooperative educational service agencies, and county children with disabilities education boards, for purposes of maintaining compliance with maintenance of effort requirements of the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act and the federal American Rescue Plan Act.

Statute of limitations after discovery of DNA evidence

The bill changes the applicable time limits on prosecution when DNA evidence implicates an individual in the commission of a felony.

Under current law, prosecution for a felony generally must be commenced within six years of the commission of the felony, and prosecution of a misdemeanor must be commenced within three years of the commission of the misdemeanor. Certain crimes have a longer time limit on prosecutions, and prosecution for certain crimes, such as homicide, may be commenced at any time.

Under current law, if, within the applicable time limit on prosecution or, if there is no time limit on prosecution, within six years of the commission of a felony, a DNA sample is collected that implicates a person in the commission of a felony, the state may commence prosecution of the person who is the source of the biological material for the felony or a crime that is related to the felony within 12 months after the DNA analysis results in a probable identification of the person or within the applicable time limit on prosecution, whichever is latest.

Under the bill, the statute of limitations is reset at the time a person is implicated in the commission of a felony by DNA evidence. Under the bill, the state may commence prosecution of the person for the felony or a crime related to the felony within the applicable statute of limitations beginning on the day that the person is implicated in the crime by DNA evidence.

Fraud scheme

The bill creates a new crime of fraud scheme. Under current law, obtaining title to property of another person by intentionally deceiving the person is a type of theft. Under current law, multiple thefts may be charged as one offense if they are part of a single deceptive scheme. The bill creates a new crime that combines these concepts for circumstances when a single deceptive scheme results in theft by fraud.

Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.

For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

SB1094,,4 The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows:

SB1094,1 Section 1. 6.47 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,6 6.47 (1) (b) “Offense relating to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking” means an offense specified in s. 940.19, 940.20 (1m), 940.201, 940.22, 940.225, 940.235, 940.32, 940.43 (2m) (a) to (c) or (3m), 940.44 (2m) (a) to (c), 947.013, 948.02, 948.025, 948.06, 948.085, 948.09, or 948.095.

SB1094,2 Section 2. 20.005 (3) (schedule) of the statutes: at the appropriate place, insert the following amounts for the purposes indicated:

SB1094,3 Section 3. 20.455 (2) (cs) of the statutes is created to read:

SB1094,,9 20.455 (2) (cs) Community policing and community prosecution grant program. The amounts in the schedule for the community policing and community prosecution grant program under 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), section 165 (3).

SB1094,4 Section 4. 20.455 (2) (cs) of the statutes, as created by 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed.

SB1094,5 Section 5. 20.455 (2) (ct) of the statutes is created to read:

SB1094,,12 20.455 (2) (ct) Officer recruitment, retention, and wellness grant program. The amounts in the schedule for the officer recruitment, retention, and wellness grant program under 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), section 165 (4).

SB1094,6 Section 6. 20.455 (2) (ct) of the statutes, as created by 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed.

SB1094,7 Section 7. 20.455 (2) (dm) of the statutes is created to read:

SB1094,,15 20.455 (2) (dm) Violence prevention grants. The amounts in the schedule for the violence prevention grant program under 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), section 165 (2).

SB1094,8 Section 8. 20.455 (2) (dm) of the statutes, as created by 2023 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is repealed.

SB1094,9 Section 9. 20.455 (2) (em) (title) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,18 20.455 (2) (em) (title) Alternatives Grants for alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for persons who use alcohol or other drugs; presentencing assessments.

SB1094,10 Section 10. 20.455 (2) (gr) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,20 20.455 (2) (gr) Handgun Firearm purchaser record check; checks for licenses or certifications to carry concealed weapons. All moneys received as fee payments under ss. 175.35 (2i) (a), 175.49 (5m), and 175.60 (7) (c) and (d), (13), and (15) (b) 4. a. and b. to provide services under ss. 175.35, 175.49, and 175.60.

SB1094,11 Section 11. 20.455 (5) (dm) of the statutes is created to read:

SB1094,,22 20.455 (5) (dm) Address confidentiality program. The amounts in the schedule for the address confidentiality program under s. 165.68.

SB1094,12 Section 12. 46.48 (31) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,24 46.48 (31) Peer run respite centers. The department may distribute not more than $1,200,000 in each fiscal year, beginning in fiscal year 2014-15, grants to regional peer run respite centers for individuals with mental health and substance abuse concerns.

SB1094,13 Section 13. 46.536 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,26 46.536 (1) From the appropriation under s. 20.435 (5) (cf), the department shall award grants in the total amount of $250,000 $15,000,000 in each fiscal biennium to counties or regions comprised of multiple counties to establish or enhance crisis programs to serve individuals having crises in rural areas or counties, municipalities, or regions comprised of multiple counties or municipalities to establish and enhance law enforcement and behavioral health services emergency response collaboration programs. Grant recipients under this section shall match at least 25 percent of the grant amount awarded for the purpose that the grant is received. The department may not award any single grant in an amount greater than $100,000.

SB1094,14 Section 14. 48.685 (2) (bb) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,28 48.685 (2) (bb) If information obtained under par. (am), (b), or (ba) indicates a charge of a serious crime, but does not completely and clearly indicate the final disposition of the charge, the department, county department, child welfare agency, or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to determine the final disposition of the charge. If a background information form under sub. (6) (a) or (am) indicates a charge or a conviction of a serious crime, but information obtained under par. (am), (b), or (ba) does not indicate such a charge or conviction, the department, county department, child welfare agency, or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and the final disposition of the complaint. If information obtained under par. (am), (b), or (ba), a background information form under sub. (6) (a) or (am), or any other information indicates a conviction of a violation of s. 940.19 (1), 940.195, 940.20, 940.202, 940.204, 941.30, 942.08, 947.01 (1), or 947.013 obtained not more than 5 years before the date on which that information was obtained, the department, county department, child welfare agency, or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and judgment of conviction relating to that violation.

SB1094,15 Section 15. 48.685 (5) (bm) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,30 48.685 (5) (bm) 4. A violation of s. 940.19 (3), 1999 stats., or of s. 125.075 (1), 125.085 (3) (a) 2., 125.105 (2) (b), 125.66 (3), 125.68 (12), 940.09, 940.19 (2), (4), (5), or (6), 940.20, 940.202, 940.203, 940.204, 940.205, 940.207, or 940.25, 940.43 (2m) (a) or (3m), or 940.44 (2m) (a), a violation of s. 346.63 (1), (2), (5), or (6) that is a felony under s. 346.65 (2) (am) 4. to 7., or (f), (2j) (d), or (3m), or an offense under ch. 961 that is a felony, if committed not more than 5 years before the date of the investigation under sub. (2) (am).

SB1094,16 Section 16. 48.686 (1) (c) 9. of the statutes, as affected by 2023 Wisconsin Act 10, is amended to read:

SB1094,,32 48.686 (1) (c) 9. A violation of s. 125.075 (1), 125.085 (3) (a) 2., 125.105 (2) (b), 125.66 (3), 125.68 (12), 940.09, 940.19 (2), (4), (5), or (6), 940.20, 940.202, 940.203, 940.204, 940.205, 940.207, 940.25, or 943.231 (1), a violation of s. 346.63 (1), (2), (5), or (6) that is a felony under s. 346.65 (2) (am) 4., 5., 6., or 7. or (f), (2j) (d), or (3m), or an offense under ch. 961 that is a felony.

SB1094,17 Section 17. 48.686 (1) (c) 12. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,34 48.686 (1) (c) 12. A violation of the laws of another state or United States jurisdiction that if committed in this state would constitute felony battery under s. 940.19 (2), (4), (5), or (6), 940.20, 940.202, or 940.204, a felony offense of domestic abuse, as defined in s. 813.12 (1) (am), a sex offense or a violent crime under ch. 948, or a violation of s. 940.225 if the victim was a child.

SB1094,18 Section 18. 48.686 (2) (bb) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,36 48.686 (2) (bb) If information obtained under par. (am) indicates a charge of a serious crime, but does not completely and clearly indicate the final disposition of the charge, the department shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to determine the final disposition of the charge. If information submitted to the department under par. (ag) indicates a charge or a conviction of a serious crime, but information obtained under par. (am) does not indicate such a charge or conviction, the department shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and the final disposition of the complaint. If information obtained under par. (am), information submitted under par. (ag), or any other information indicates a conviction of a violation of s. 940.19 (1), 940.195, 940.20, 940.202, 940.204, 941.30, 942.08, 947.01 (1), or 947.013 obtained not more than 5 years before the date on which that information was obtained, the department shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and judgment of conviction relating to that violation.

SB1094,19 Section 19. 50.065 (2) (bb) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,38 50.065 (2) (bb) If information obtained under par. (am) or (b) indicates a charge of a serious crime, but does not completely and clearly indicate the final disposition of the charge, the department or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to determine the final disposition of the charge. If a background information form under sub. (6) (a) or (am), or any disclosure made pursuant to a disclosure policy described under sub. (6) (am), indicates a charge or a conviction of a serious crime, but information obtained under par. (am) or (b) does not indicate such a charge or conviction, the department or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and the final disposition of the complaint. If information obtained under par. (am) or (b), a background information form under sub. (6) (a) or (am), any disclosure made pursuant to a disclosure policy described under sub. (6) (am), or any other information indicates a conviction of a violation of s. 940.19 (1), 940.195, 940.20, 940.202, 940.204, 941.30, 942.08, 947.01 (1), or 947.013 obtained not more than 5 years before the date on which that information was obtained, the department or entity shall make every reasonable effort to contact the clerk of courts to obtain a copy of the criminal complaint and judgment of conviction relating to that violation.

SB1094,20 Section 20. 165.63 (3) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,40 165.63 (3) Requests from courts. In making a determination required under s. 813.124 (7) (a), 813.1285 (7) (a), or 968.20 (1m) (d) 1., a judge or court commissioner shall request information under sub. (2) from the department or from a law enforcement agency or law enforcement officer as provided in sub. (4) (d).

SB1094,21 Section 21. 165.63 (4) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,42 165.63 (4) (d) Aid the court in making a determination required under s. 813.124 (7) (a), 813.1285 (7) (a), or 968.20 (1m) (d) 1. or aid an entity in making a determination required under s. 968.20 (1m) (d) 2.

SB1094,22 Section 22. 165.70 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB1094,,44 165.70 (1) (b) Except as provided in sub. (1m), enforce chs. 945 and 961 and ss. 940.20 (3), 940.201, 940.202, 940.43 (3m), 941.25, 941.26, 943.01 (2) (c), 943.011, 943.27, 943.28, 943.30, 944.30 (1m), 944.31, 944.32, 944.33, 944.34, 946.65, 947.02 (3) and (4), 948.075, 948.08, and 948.081.

SB1094,23 Section 23. 165.73 of the statutes is created to read:

SB1094,,46 165.73 Hate crimes reporting. (1) In this section, “hate crime” means an act described under s. 939.645 (1).