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WI AB251

WI AB251
Jurisdiction over juveniles on federal enclaves. (FE)


summary

Introduced
05/08/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, land ceded by Wisconsin to the U.S. government for federal use is subject to concurrent jurisdiction to the extent that all legal and military process issued under the authority of the state may be served anywhere on such land. In general, federal officials exercise jurisdiction over matters arising on federal lands within the state, and the governor may accept an offer from an appropriate federal authority to resume state jurisdiction over such lands. Such an offer is called retrocession of jurisdiction. This bill provides that the state retains concurrent jurisdiction over matters involving juveniles on land ceded by Wisconsin to the U.S. government for federal use. The bill requires the governor to accept retrocession of jurisdiction over any matter involving a juvenile if it is offered by an appropriate federal authority. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Wisconsin's jurisdiction over juveniles on federal enclaves by creating new provisions that ensure the state retains concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile matters. Specifically, the bill establishes that Wisconsin shall permanently maintain concurrent jurisdiction for any matter involving a juvenile 10 years of age or older who is alleged to be delinquent or in need of protection or services. The bill requires the governor to accept retrocession (transfer) of jurisdiction from federal authorities for any such juvenile matters occurring within federal lands in the state. This means that when a juvenile-related incident occurs on federal property in Wisconsin, both state and federal authorities can potentially handle the case. The bill amends existing statutes to reference this new concurrent jurisdiction provision, ensuring that state courts can maintain involvement in juvenile cases even when they occur on federal enclaves. This change aims to provide more comprehensive legal oversight and potentially more responsive intervention for juvenile-related incidents on federal lands within Wisconsin.

Committee Categories

Government Affairs

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Assembly State and Federal Relations Executive Session (09:00:00 2/17/2026 328 Northwest) (on 02/17/2026)

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