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WI AB519
WI AB519The appointment of a guardian ad litem in a proceeding to grant reasonable visitation rights to a nonparent. (FE)
summary
Introduced
10/15/2025
10/15/2025
In Committee
10/15/2025
10/15/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026
03/23/2026
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires a court to appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) for a minor child in an action affecting the family where a petition for visitation rights has been filed by a grandparent, great-grandparent, stepparent, or person who has maintained a relationship similar to a parent-child relationship with the child and the petitioner has established standing to file the petition. Under current law, a court is required to appoint a GAL for a minor child in an action affecting the family if the court has reason for special concern as to the welfare of the minor child or, with certain exceptions, if legal custody or physical placement of the child is contested. Current law also allows appointment of a GAL for a minor child if legal custody or physical placement is stipulated to be with any person or agency other than a parent of the child or, if at the time of the action, the child is in the legal custody of or physically placed with a person or agency other than the child[s parent. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new requirement for Wisconsin courts to appoint a guardian ad litem (a legal representative appointed to protect the best interests of a minor child during legal proceedings) in cases where a non-parent seeks visitation rights with a child. Specifically, when a petition for reasonable visitation rights is filed under section 767.43 and the petitioner has established legal standing to do so, the court must assign a guardian ad litem to represent the child's interests. The bill will apply to all petitions for visitation rights filed on or after the effective date of the legislation. A guardian ad litem's role is typically to investigate the circumstances, make recommendations to the court, and ensure that the child's welfare is the primary consideration in the legal proceeding, which in this case involves determining whether a non-parent should be granted visitation rights.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (10)
David Armstrong (R)*,
Robert Brooks (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Chuck Wichgers (R)*,
André Jacque (R),
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Last Action
Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)
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/ab519 |
| AB519 ROCP for Committee on Children and Families | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/children_and_families/1985951.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - AB519: Fiscal Estimate From DCF | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab519/ab519_dcf.pdf |
| Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB519-ASA1.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB519.pdf |
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