MADISON, Wis – Today, all twenty-three first-term Wisconsin Assembly Democrats joined together to introduce legislation establishing an explicit individual right to privacy in Wisconsin’s Constitution. Courts at both the federal and state level have long recognized that privacy protects an individual’s freedom to make personal decisions about themselves and their family without unconstitutional government interference.
A constitutional right to privacy would serve as a critical boundary—needed now more than ever—against government overreach, including coercive actions by the federal government, while reinforcing Wisconsin’s long tradition of individual freedom.
The proposed amendment provides: “As a necessary part of a free society, the people have an individual and fundamental right to privacy.”
Bill author and First-Term Assembly Democrat Representative Andrew Hysell (Sun Prairie) released the following statement:
“Adding an explicit right to privacy to the Wisconsin Constitution will protect freedom and help keep people safe. Across the country, we are seeing federal actions that push beyond traditional judicial safeguards, with little meaningful oversight from Congress or the Supreme
“When federal agents operate outside the limits set by the United States Constitution, state constitutions become the last meaningful line of defense for individual liberty. Elevating an individual right to privacy in Wisconsin would place clear constitutional limits on government intrusion, including: (1) administrative warrants issued by enforcement agencies rather than judges; (2) civil detentions that function as criminal restraints without criminal process; (3) pretextual entry into homes; and (4) the collection or use of personal data and location information without individualized judicial review.
“This is not a partisan issue. It is about ensuring that all Wisconsinites are safe, free, and secure in their communities.”
Chair of the Wisconsin First-Term Assembly Democrats, Representative Karen DeSanto (Baraboo) and Vice-Chair Renuka Mayadev (Madison) released the following statement:
“The right to privacy is fundamental. This amendment secures the rights of an individual to make deeply personal decisions about their body, family, and life without coercive intrusion by the government.
“Wisconsinites must feel safe in their communities and confident that their most personal decisions will not be subject to government interference. This constitutional amendment would provide a backstop against abuses of power and unconstitutional government overreach.
As both the majority of the Democratic Assembly Caucus and the newest members to the Capitol, we feel a great responsibility to be proactive in protecting Wisconsinites. As we continue to serve, we will be focused on building stronger and safer Wisconsin communities.”
