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WI SB381
WI SB381Suspension without pay in cases of judicial misconduct or pending final determination in proceedings involving alleged judicial misconduct or permanent disability.
summary
Introduced
07/28/2025
07/28/2025
In Committee
11/12/2025
11/12/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The Wisconsin Constitution authorizes the supreme court to reprimand, censure, suspend, or remove for cause or for disability any judge or justice pursuant to procedures established by the legislature by law. Under current law, the supreme court[s disciplinary authority also extends to court commissioners. The Judicial Commission currently is charged with investigating alleged misconduct or permanent disability of a judge, justice, or court commissioner (judge). Under current law, if the Judicial Commission finds probable cause that a judge has engaged or is engaging in misconduct, it files a formal complaint with the supreme court, and, if the Judicial Commission finds probable cause that a judge has a permanent disability, it files a petition with the supreme court. Under current law, after a formal complaint or petition is filed, the supreme court may temporarily suspend a judge pending final determination of the proceedings. The supreme court ultimately determines the appropriate discipline or action in each proceeding. This bill specifies that, if the supreme court imposes a temporary suspension pending final determination of proceedings or imposes a suspension as a disciplinary sanction in a case of misconduct, the suspension must be without pay. LRB-4090/1 KRP:cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 381
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin's judicial disciplinary procedures by explicitly mandating that any suspension of a judge or court commissioner—whether temporary or as a disciplinary sanction—must be without pay. Currently, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has the authority to investigate and discipline judges through the Judicial Commission for misconduct or permanent disability, with the power to reprimand, censure, suspend, or remove judges. The bill amends two statutes (757.91 and 757.95) to clarify that in cases where the Supreme Court imposes a suspension following a formal complaint or petition by the Judicial Commission, the judge or court commissioner will not receive their regular salary during the suspension period. This change provides a clear financial consequence for judges facing disciplinary proceedings, potentially serving as an additional deterrent to misconduct and ensuring that judges under investigation do not continue to be compensated while their professional conduct is being scrutinized.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (20)
Julian Bradley (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R)*,
Steve Nass (R)*,
Romaine Quinn (R)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
Scott Allen (R),
Tyler August (R),
Elijah Behnke (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Robert Donovan (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Chanz Green (R),
Brent Jacobson (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
William Penterman (R),
Shae Sortwell (R),
Last Action
Available for scheduling (on 11/12/2025)
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/sb381 |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/SB381.pdf |
| SB381 ROCP for Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/judiciary_and_public_safety/1954110.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 2 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB381-SA2.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB381-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB381.pdf |
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