summary
Introduced
04/25/2025
04/25/2025
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, crime victims are provided certain rights under Wisconsin[s Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses, which generally relates to ensuring that all crime victims and witnesses are treated with dignity, respect, courtesy, and sensitivity throughout the criminal justice process. This bill adds to the bill of rights for crime victims to provide that if a victim of sexual assault has provided a sexual assault kit as evidence of the crime, he or she has all of the following rights: 1. To have his or her kit tested in accordance with statutory timelines. 2. Upon request, to be informed of the location, testing date, and testing results of the sexual assault kit. 3. Upon request, to be informed whether a deoxyribonucleic acid analysis has been performed on the kit and, if an analysis has, whether or not a deoxyribonucleic acid profile has been developed and whether a comparison of the profile to profiles of known persons has identified a person. 4. Upon request, to be informed of the estimated destruction date of the sexual assault kit. 5. To be informed of any change in the status of his or her case, including if the case has been closed or reopened. LRB-0060/1 MJW:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 224
AI Summary
This bill enhances the rights of sexual assault victims by amending Wisconsin's Bill of Rights for Victims and Witnesses. Specifically, the legislation provides new protections for individuals who have submitted a sexual assault kit (forensic evidence collected during a medical examination after a sexual assault). The bill gives victims the right to: have their sexual assault kit tested within established timelines; request information about the kit's location, testing date, and results; inquire about DNA analysis, including whether a DNA profile was developed and if it matched any known profiles; learn the estimated destruction date of their kit; and be informed about any changes in their case status, such as if the case is closed or reopened. These provisions aim to provide sexual assault victims with more transparency, control, and information throughout the forensic evidence collection and investigation process, ultimately supporting their rights and potential healing journey by keeping them informed and engaged in the legal proceedings related to their assault.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (14)
André Jacque (R)*,
Elijah Behnke (R),
Lindee Brill (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Benjamin Franklin (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Brent Jacobson (R),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Received from Senate (on 02/12/2026)
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/sb224 |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/SB224.pdf |
| SB224 ROCP for Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/judiciary_and_public_safety/1963913.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB224-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB224.pdf |
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