MADISON, WI — Legislation co-authored by Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) that brings additional transparency to the state’s criminal justice system was signed into law on Friday. The new law will help the public track decisions that result in dangerous offenders being set free.
Assembly Bill 75 is now 2025 Wisconsin Act 45. It requires the Department of Justice to collect and publicly report detailed information about how criminal cases are handled. Act 45 empowers citizens, lawmakers, and public safety officials with a clearer understanding of decisions made at various points in the criminal justice process, including who is making those decisions and how outcomes vary across jurisdictions.
“The judicial system can be confusing and opaque for many citizens, which is frustrating for those who want to know why the system sometimes is too lenient and who is responsible for those decisions,” said Hutton. “This new law gives the public access to important information in a searchable format. The enhanced transparency will add accountability throughout the process.”
Under Act 45, DOJ will be required to publish an annual report and maintain a searchable online database of key criminal case data. The information will include the county in which the case was filed and the prosecutor assigned to the case; the name of the court official assigned to the case; the charging recommendation from the referring law enforcement agency; criminal charges filed; whether any charges were dismissed; and whether the case resulted in conviction.
That data must be preserved for 10 years, giving the public and policymakers the ability to analyze trends in charging decisions, plea deals, and convictions. This is essential to maintaining public trust in Wisconsin’s judicial process, deterring unwarranted leniency for repeat offenders, and slowing down the revolving door of crime.
“Wisconsinites deserve to know how justice is being administered and, in some cases, who is responsible for decisions that empower repeat offenders. Act 45 ultimately empowers citizens to better understand this critical function of government,” Hutton said.
Hutton thanked his colleagues for supporting this common-sense measure and the Department of Justice for their cooperation in crafting a bill that ultimately earned bipartisan support.
