summary
Introduced
09/15/2025
09/15/2025
In Committee
10/16/2025
10/16/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, with certain exceptions, a prosecution for a felony generally must be commenced within six years of the date the crime was committed. This includes the crime of hiding or burying a corpse with intent to conceal a crime or avoid apprehension, prosecution, or conviction for a crime. This bill provides that, for the crime of hiding or burying a corpse with intent to conceal a crime or avoid apprehension, prosecution, or conviction for a crime, the prosecution may be commenced within six years of the commission of the crime or within six years of the discovery or identification of the corpse, whichever is later.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin state law regarding the time limitation for prosecuting the crime of hiding or burying a corpse (specifically referenced under section 940.11 (2)). Currently, prosecutions for such crimes must typically be commenced within six years of the crime's occurrence. The bill extends this time limitation, allowing prosecutors to initiate a case either within the standard six-year window or within six years of discovering or identifying the corpse, whichever timeframe ends later. This change provides law enforcement and prosecutors with additional flexibility in cases where a corpse might be hidden for an extended period, potentially making it easier to pursue criminal charges even if significant time has passed since the original act of hiding the body. The bill will apply to cases where the existing time limitation for prosecution has not already expired, ensuring that the new provision can be applied to both ongoing and future investigations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (16)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Dean Kaufert (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Ron Tusler (R)*,
Chuck Wichgers (R)*,
André Jacque (R),
Howard Marklein (R),
Steve Nass (R),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Laid on the table (on 11/19/2025)
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/ab422 |
| AB422 ROCP for Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/criminal_justice_and_public_safety/1945654.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB422.pdf |
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