summary
Introduced
05/09/2025
05/09/2025
In Committee
01/09/2026
01/09/2026
Crossed Over
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
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. LRB-1855/1 MJW&EHS:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 253
AI Summary
This bill addresses jurisdiction over juveniles on federal lands in Wisconsin by establishing that the state retains concurrent jurisdiction over certain juvenile matters on federal enclaves. Specifically, the bill creates provisions that allow Wisconsin to maintain legal authority over juveniles 10 years of age or older who are either alleged to be delinquent (meaning they have committed a law violation) or are in need of protection or services. The bill requires the governor to accept retrocession (the transfer back) of jurisdiction from federal authorities for any such juvenile matters occurring on federal lands within the state. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes to reference this new concurrent jurisdiction, ensuring that state courts can still exercise legal oversight in these cases. When federal authorities offer to transfer jurisdiction over a juvenile case, the governor must accept the offer, and the related documents must be filed with the secretary of state and recorded in the county register of deeds where the federal lands are located. This legislation aims to clarify and streamline the legal process for handling juvenile cases that occur on federal enclaves in Wisconsin, ensuring that the state can effectively address and manage these situations.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
Received from Senate (on 01/22/2026)
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/sb253 |
| SB253 ROCP for Committee on Licensing, Regulatory Reform, State and Federal Affairs On 1/9/2026 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/licensing_regulatory_reform_state_and_federal_affairs/1963304.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB253: Fiscal Estimate From CTS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb253/sb253_cts.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB253: Fiscal Estimate From DHS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb253/sb253_dhs.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB253: Fiscal Estimate From DA | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb253/sb253_da.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB253: Fiscal Estimate From DCF | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb253/sb253_dcf.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB253.pdf |
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