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WI AB380

WI AB380
Suspension without pay in cases of judicial misconduct or pending final determination in proceedings involving alleged judicial misconduct or permanent disability.


summary

Introduced
07/31/2025
In Committee
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
01/13/2026
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.

AI Summary

This bill modifies Wisconsin state law regarding judicial discipline by specifying that any suspension of a judge, court commissioner, or justice—whether temporary or as a disciplinary sanction—must be without pay. Currently, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has the authority to investigate, reprimand, suspend, or remove judges for misconduct or permanent disability through proceedings initiated by the Judicial Commission. The bill amends two sections of statute (757.91 and 757.95) to explicitly state that when the Supreme Court imposes a suspension following a formal complaint or petition, the suspension will be unpaid. This change applies to both temporary suspensions pending final determination of proceedings and suspensions imposed as a final disciplinary action. The bill ensures that judges who are under investigation or found to have engaged in misconduct will not receive their regular salary during the suspension period, which could serve as an additional deterrent to professional misconduct.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (21)

Last Action

Available for scheduling (on 01/14/2026)

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