Madison, WI— Today, State Representative David Steffen (R-Howard) and State Senator Eric Wimberger (R-Oconto) testified at a public hearing on a bill that will reduce case delays in the criminal justice system. Under the proposals, the state will increase staffing levels of assistant district attorneys, assistant state public defenders, public defender support staff, and circuit court judges across the state.
“The state has an obligation to address critical staffing needs in our criminal justice system. Delays in processing cases can lead to public safety concerns, jail overcrowding, and potential civil rights violations. Furthermore, expenses to county property taxpayers are rising to sustain the system. Our current biennial budget took initial steps to alleviate backlogs in our justice system, but this legislation is necessary to continue resolving the issue,” 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 four circuit court judge positions over the next biennium.
“The Justice for All Act provides the framework to begin cutting through the case backlog facing our courts so we can tackle crime and deliver swifter justice,” said Sen. Wimberger. “Ensuring everyone gets their day in court is an essential state duty, and this bill builds on the Legislature’s work to support public safety and local financial security across Wisconsin.”
The proposal is now available for a committee vote before moving ahead in the legislative process.
