Bill > SJR113

This joint resolution proposes a constitutional amendment to formally codify the Wisconsin sheriff's role in county jail management, building upon existing legal precedents from previous court cases. The amendment would establish that the county sheriff has custody of the county jail and its inmates by default, but allows county boards of supervisors the flexibility to delegate this authority to another public officer or entity if they choose to do so. This proposed change must be adopted by two successive legislatures and then ratified by voters to become part of the state constitution. The resolution requires the proposed amendment to be published for three months prior to the next general election, following standard procedures for constitutional amendments in Wisconsin. Notably, this resolution aims to provide constitutional clarity to a longstanding legal principle that sheriffs traditionally have inherent authority over county jails, while also creating a formal mechanism for county boards to potentially modify this custody arrangement.

Justice

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/joint_resolution/sjr113