Bill
Bill > AB401
summary
Introduced
08/29/2025
08/29/2025
In Committee
08/29/2025
08/29/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, it is a Class I felony to damage or graffiti certain vehicles, highways, common carrier property, grand juror property, and state-owned historical property. This bill makes it a Class I felony to damage or graffiti any structure, plaque, statue, painting, or other monument of commemorative or historical significance that is on public property or is maintained by the state or any county or municipality. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.
AI Summary
This bill expands legal protections for historical and commemorative property by modifying existing Wisconsin statutes to broaden the definition of protected property that cannot be damaged or vandalized. Currently, damaging state-owned historical property is a Class I felony, but this bill extends that protection to include any publicly owned property or property maintained by state, county, or municipal entities that is either listed on a specific registry or considered a monument of commemorative or historical significance. This means structures, plaques, statues, paintings, and other historical monuments will now receive enhanced legal protection, regardless of their specific ownership status. The bill changes language from "state-owned" to "publicly owned" and adds more comprehensive language about what constitutes historically significant property. By doing so, the legislation aims to provide stronger legal deterrents against vandalism and damage to historical and commemorative sites, recognizing their cultural and historical importance. The penalty for such vandalism remains a Class I felony, which typically involves potential fines and imprisonment.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (16)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Lindee Brill (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Joy Goeben (R)*,
Rick Gundrum (R)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Chuck Wichgers (R)*,
Rachael Cabral-Guevara (R),
André Jacque (R),
Steve Nass (R),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Representative Donovan added as a coauthor (on 10/01/2025)
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/asm/bill/ab401 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB401.pdf |
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