Madison – In a significant series of legislative actions, the Wisconsin State Legislature has advanced a wide range of public safety, emergency services, criminal justice and transportation reforms aimed at improving community protections, supporting law enforcement and emergency responders, and enhancing legal processes statewide. In response, State Representative Adam Neylon (R-Pewaukee) issued the following statements on some of the key pieces of legislation:
AB 34: Limits judicial reviews in officer-involved deaths unless new or unused evidence emerges, supporting the authority of elected District Attorneys and preventing repeated investigations of cleared officers.
“Once a case is closed, it should stay closed, unless new evidence says otherwise. This bill respects the rule of law and role of our elected prosecutors.”
AB 136: Elevates the penalty for impersonating emergency personnel from a misdemeanor to a Class I felony, with up to 3.5 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
“Pretending to be a first responder is a serious threat to public safety. We’re making sure imposters face real consequences.”
AB 199: Strengthens EMS support by increasing Medicaid reimbursements for care without transport, improving planning for training changes and removing financial disincentives for shared services.
“EMS care shouldn’t go unpaid just because there’s no transport; this bill funds the work, not just the ride.”
AB 239: Provides legal protections for search and rescue dogs by criminalizing harassment, injury or the use of weapons against them.
“K9s save lives and it’s time we afford them increased protections as first responders.”
AB 265: Extends the statute of limitations for human trafficking from 6 to 10 years and imposes stricter penalties, including mandatory minimum sentences and felony reclassifications.
“Traffickers shouldn’t outrun justice, and with these changes, we’re ensuring more time to prosecute and stronger penalties for the monsters who engage in these crimes.”
SB 76: Requires court approval to dismiss or amend charges in serious criminal cases, including domestic abuse and sexual assault, and prohibits deferred prosecution agreements for those crimes.
“Victims deserve to know their cases won’t be quietly dropped behind closed doors. This bill ensures that serious crimes face serious scrutiny, and that justice includes a voice for victims.”
