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WI SB470
WI SB470Increasing the maximum fee for court costs collectible in a municipal court action. (FE)
summary
Introduced
10/02/2025
10/02/2025
In Committee
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, with certain exceptions, the municipal judge in a municipal court action must collect a fee of not less than $15 nor more than $38 on each separate matter. The fee is to be imposed whether there is a default of appearance, there is a plea of guilty or no contest, on issuance of a warrant or summons, or the action is tried as a contested matter. Current law requires that the municipal treasurer pay monthly $5 from each fee received to the secretary of administration for deposit in the general fund and retain the balance for the use of the municipality. The bill increases the maximum fee on each separate matter from $38 to $48. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill increases the maximum fee that municipal court judges can collect for court costs from $38 to $48 per separate matter. Under the existing law, municipal court judges collect a fee between $15 and $38 for various types of court actions, such as default appearances, guilty pleas, warrant issuances, or contested trials. Currently, of each fee collected, $5 is paid monthly to the secretary of administration for deposit in the general fund, with the remaining balance retained by the municipal treasurer for the municipality's use. The bill maintains the existing fee distribution structure but allows judges to charge up to $48 instead of the previous $38 maximum, which could potentially increase revenue for municipalities. The change applies to most municipal court actions, with specific exceptions for financial responsibility violations and certain ordinance violations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (17)
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Van Wanggaard (R)*,
Scott Allen (R),
David Armstrong (R),
Lindee Brill (R),
Barbara Dittrich (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Brent Jacobson (R),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Joel Kitchens (R),
Dave Maxey (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Jeff Mursau (R),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
Jim Piwowarczyk (R),
David Steffen (R),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 02/09/2026)
Official Document
bill text
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/sb470 |
| Fiscal Note - SB470: Fiscal Estimate From CTS | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb470/sb470_cts.pdf |
| SB470 ROCP for Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety On 2/2/2026 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/judiciary_and_public_safety/1969596.pdf |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/SB470.pdf |
| Senate Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/SB470-SA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB470.pdf |
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