An Act to renumber 940.198 (1) (a) and 971.109 (1) (a); to renumber and amend 939.623 (1); to amend 343.12 (7) (c) 9j., 813.12 (5b), 813.123 (6g), 813.125 (5b), 911.01 (4) (c), 939.623 (title), 939.623 (2) (intro.), 939.623 (3), 940.198 (title), 940.198 (1) (b), 940.198 (2) (a), 940.198 (2) (b), 940.198 (2) (c), 940.198 (3) (a), 940.198 (3) (b), 940.198 (3) (c), 940.198 (4), 971.109 (title), 971.109 (2) (a) and 971.109 (2) (c); and to create 813.12 (1) (ab), 813.125 (1) (am) 2., 939.623 (1) (b), 940.198 (1) (ag), 940.225 (1) (e) and 971.109 (1) (ac) of the statutes; Relating to: increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty.
Sponsored By: Scott Allen (Republican), Elijah Behnke (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Bob Donovan (Republican), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Rob Kreibich (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Ron Tusler (Republican), Chuck Wichgers (Republican)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Harsher sentences for crimes against elders
If the victim is 60 or older or an adult at risk, judges can raise the maximum jail time for any imprisonable crime. The law defines an elder person as age 60 or older. A defendant cannot argue they did not know the victim’s age or status.
Stronger sexual assault rules for at risk adults
Sexual assault against an adult at risk is charged under the higher‑degree sexual‑assault section. The law uses the state’s definition of “adult at risk.” A defendant’s claim they did not know the victim’s status does not block the charge.
Tougher penalties for elder physical abuse
Physical abuse of an elder person or adult at risk is a felony. Penalties depend on injury and intent, ranging from Class I up to Class C felonies. The law defines “adult at risk” and “recklessly,” and removes the defense of not knowing the victim’s status. A conviction for this abuse can also be used when the state reviews certain licenses.
Freeze assets in elder exploitation cases
Prosecutors can ask a court to freeze a charged person’s money or property when the victim is an elder or adult at risk and the alleged loss is over $2,500. The court can freeze up to 100% of the alleged loss to preserve funds for restitution. The hearing can be held without the defendant present, the usual evidence rules do not apply, and banks and other holders must follow the freeze order.
Remote restraining orders for vulnerable adults
Courts must let elder persons and adults at risk join restraining-order and harassment hearings by phone or video. The law uses the same definition of “adult at risk” used in state protective‑services law. You can take part without going to the courthouse.
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Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Scott Allen
Republican • House
Elijah Behnke
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Bob Donovan
Republican • House
Rick Gundrum
Republican • House
Daniel Knodl
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
David Murphy
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Ron Tusler
Republican • House
Chuck Wichgers
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Tim Carpenter
Democratic • Senate
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Democratic • Senate
André Jacque
Republican • Senate
Lisa Subeck
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 4-3-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 149
4/2/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-1-2026
4/1/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 1-22-2026
1/23/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
1/22/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
1/21/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
1/21/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
1/21/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
1/21/2026SenateRead a second time
1/21/2026SenateSenator Dassler-Alfheim added as a cosponsor
1/21/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 1-21-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
1/16/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
1/16/2026SenateRepresentative Subeck added as a coauthor
1/15/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
1/14/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Senate Organization
1/14/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
1/14/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
1/13/2026HouseRead a third time and passed
1/13/2026HouseRules suspended
1/13/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
1/13/2026HouseAssembly Amendment 1 adopted
1/13/2026HouseRead a second time
1/13/2026HousePlaced on calendar 1-13-2026 by Committee on Rules
1/8/2026HouseReferred to committee on Rules
12/17/2025House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
1/13/2026
Bill Text
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