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WI SB55
WI SB55Prohibiting the Department of Justice from using the legal services of nongovernmental employees. (FE)
summary
Introduced
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the Department of Justice from using the legal services of any person who is not a state employee or federal employee or agent to assist in the investigation or prosecution of any civil or criminal cause or matter unless DOJ uses a specific process under current law for contracting for legal services on a contingent fee basis or that person is a legal intern who earns no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the Wisconsin Department of Justice (DOJ) from hiring non-government legal professionals to assist with investigations or prosecutions, with two specific exceptions. First, the DOJ may use legal services through existing contingent fee contracting processes outlined in current law. Second, the DOJ can employ legal interns who earn no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. The legislation aims to restrict the DOJ's ability to engage outside legal counsel by ensuring that legal work is primarily conducted by state or federal employees. By creating section 165.252 in the Wisconsin statutes, the bill establishes clear limitations on the DOJ's ability to hire non-governmental legal professionals, potentially reducing external legal costs and maintaining more direct control over legal proceedings within the department.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (20)
Dan Feyen (R)*,
Steve Nass (R)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
Eric Wimberger (R)*,
Scott Allen (R),
Elijah Behnke (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Robert Donovan (R),
Benjamin Franklin (R),
Brent Jacobson (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Paul Melotik (R),
Clint Moses (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
William Penterman (R),
Ron Tusler (R),
Last Action
Senate Judiciary and Public Safety Public Hearing (11:01:00 10/22/2025 411 South) (on 10/22/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb55 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB55.pdf |
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