Bill increasing staffing in the justice system moves forward
Madison, WI— Today, the Wisconsin State Assembly passed legislation to address critical staffing needs in the justice system. The bill, authored by State Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) and State Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Gillett), allocates new assistant district attorneys, assistant state public defenders, public defender support staff, and circuit court judges across the state.
“Our criminal justice system is experiencing case backlogs due to staffing levels, which hinder the swift delivery of justice and exacerbate issues related to public safety, property taxes, and our constitutional obligations. Today’s passage moves the state one step closer to building on our initial investments in the budget to alleviate local financial stress and ensure justice for victims and the accused,” said Rep. Steffen.
Assembly Bill 514, the Justice for All Act, utilizes existing workforce assessments to determine areas of need and appropriate allocation of new staff throughout the state. The legislation adds 68.5 assistant district attorneys, 18 state public defenders, 35 public defender support staff, and five circuit court judge positions over the next biennium.
“Staffing issues in our justice system are creating a disservice to victims, the accused, and property taxpayers,” said Sen. Wimberger. “Addressing this serves to benefit public safety, justice, and local financial security. Today’s action moves Wisconsin in the right direction to further invest in our justice system and relieve these pressures statewide.”
The proposal already passed out of committee in the Senate, and is available for a vote on the Senate floor before progressing to the Governor’s desk.
