Several other Jacque proposals also sent to Evers for signature
MADISON, WI…A number of bi-partisan bills authored by Sen. André Jacque (New Franken) passed the floor of the State Senate Tuesday and now advance to the governor’s desk for a signature. Among them is a proposal to toughen the penalties for violent criminals entering someone’s residence with an intent to commit battery.
The legislation, Senate Bill 77/Assembly Bill 65, raises the penalty for entering a residential dwelling or certain other buildings without consent with an intent to inflict bodily harm. Current law imposes a harsher punishment for breaking and entering with an intent to steal, which is now a Class F felony. Assembly Bill 65 will make entering with an intent to commit battery a felony offense.
“It is currently a felony to break into someone’s garage and an attempt to steal an item, while only a misdemeanor to break into a house or apartment with an intent to physically harm someone,” said Jacque. “This common-sense legislation corrects the discrepancy in current law and addresses growing concerns about the increase of domestic violence and gang related crimes in our communities.”
The bill was requested by prosecutors, and has the support of numerous law enforcement groups, such as the Badger State Sheriffs Association, Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association, Wisconsin Professional Police Association, Wisconsin Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs Association and the Wisconsin State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.
Among the other bills passing the Senate Tuesday include:
Calculating 100 miles Senate Bill 131/Assembly Bill 123–legislation authored by Jacque clarifies existing law in determining how 100 miles are calculated in family action cases. Under current law, a custodial parent may not move a child more than 100 miles from a non-custodial parent without court approval. This legislation clarifies existing law to define 100 miles to be “driving” miles rather than a straight line, or “as the crow flies.”
“Passing this legislation is an important way to eliminate confusion in state law, and to avoid generating unnecessary expenses and wasting the time of family courts,” said Jacque.
Protecting Ballot Access to Third Party Candidates (Senate Bill 143/Assembly Bill 149) – This legislation was introduced to ensure that a third-party candidate cannot be excluded from appearing on the ballot simply because their party does not have a current statewide office holder.
“As the home of fighting Bob La Follette, Wisconsin has a strong history of respecting the contributions of third-party candidates, and this legislation aims to reduce frivolous litigation being launched to keep third-party candidates from appearing on the ballot,” said Jacque.
All three of these legislative proposals authored by Senator Jacque have passed both the Senate and Assembly unanimously on voice votes, and will now all be sent to the governor’s desk for final consideration before becoming law.
Child Abuse Notification (Senate Bill 259) – At the request of the Department of Defense (DoD) state liaison office, this legislation was introduced to protect victims of domestic abuse or neglect among military family members by ensuring county human and social service agencies immediately bring cases of alleged domestic abuse to the attention of the DoD.
“To support potential domestic abuse victims, it is essential we get information to the appropriate authorities as quickly as possible, to ensure their safety and to give them access to the protection, care and support they need,” said Jacque.
Senate Bill 259 also passed the Senate unanimously, and will now be considered by the State Assembly.
Honoring the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk (Senate Joint Resolution 88) – On the National Day of Remembrance for Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk and on what would have been his 32nd birthday, the Wisconsin Senate also passed a joint resolution authored by Jacque to honor his life and legacy. Kirk was tragically assassinated at Utah Valley University on September 10, 2025.
“Kirk was an inspiration to so many students and young adults and lost his life doing what he loved most, engaging in good natured public dialogue on America’s college campuses,” said Jacque. “His commitment to free speech and his willingness to engage in discussion with those with whom he disagreed serves as a model for all of us.”
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door, Kewaunee and Calumet Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
