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WI AB170
WI AB170Prohibiting the Department of Justice from using the legal services of nongovernmental employees. (FE)
summary
Introduced
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
In Committee
04/09/2025
04/09/2025
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 or using legal services from non-government employees to help investigate or prosecute civil or criminal cases, with two specific exceptions. The first exception allows the DOJ to use legal services from a legal intern who earns no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. The second exception appears to reference another statute (section 20.9305(2)), which likely provides an additional narrow circumstance where outside legal services might be permitted. The bill aims to limit the DOJ's ability to contract with private attorneys or legal professionals who are not state or federal employees, potentially to control legal costs, maintain direct oversight of legal proceedings, or ensure that only government-employed lawyers handle sensitive legal matters. By creating a new section (165.252) in the Wisconsin statutes, the bill establishes a clear legal framework for restricting the DOJ's use of non-governmental legal services.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (20)
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)*,
Dan Feyen (R),
Steve Nass (R),
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Eric Wimberger (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary (on 04/09/2025)
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/asm/bill/ab170 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB170.pdf |
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