An Act to amend 941.40 (1), 941.40 (2), 941.40 (3) and 941.40 (4) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: tampering with telecommunication or electric wires and providing a penalty.
Sponsored By: Elijah Behnke (Republican), Calvin Callahan (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Steve Doyle (Democratic), Chanz Green (Republican), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Paul Melotik (Republican), Clint Moses (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), William Penterman (Republican), David Steffen (Republican), Lisa Subeck (Democratic), Rob Summerfield (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Broader utility protections and tougher penalties
Wisconsin adds video and broadband lines and property to its wire-tampering protections. These protections also cover telegraph, telecommunications, electric light and power companies, including cooperatives. Intentional damage, removal, or interference is now a Class I felony, up from a Class B misdemeanor. Intentionally making or causing a physical electrical connection to covered property is also a Class I felony, previously a Class A misdemeanor. Each felony carries up to $10,000 in fines, 3 years and 6 months in custody, or both. People with the right to alter a structure or timber must give at least 24 hours’ notice before an intentional alteration that damages covered property; notice goes to the company’s nearest office. The damage/interference and electrical-connection offenses do not apply when the property’s owning company gives permission.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Elijah Behnke
Republican • House
Calvin Callahan
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Steve Doyle
Democratic • House
Chanz Green
Republican • House
Rick Gundrum
Republican • House
Paul Melotik
Republican • House
Clint Moses
Republican • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
William Penterman
Republican • House
David Steffen
Republican • House
Lisa Subeck
Democratic • House
Rob Summerfield
Republican • House
Cosponsors
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Steve Nass
Republican • Senate
Jerry O'Connor
Republican • House
Brad Pfaff
Democratic • Senate
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 8-9-2025
8/11/2025HouseReport approved by the Governor on 8-8-2025. 2025 Wisconsin Act 30
8/11/2025HousePresented to the Governor on 8-7-2025
8/7/2025HouseReport correctly enrolled on 6-23-2025
6/23/2025HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
6/19/2025HouseOrdered immediately messaged
6/18/2025SenateRead a third time and concurred in
6/18/2025SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
6/18/2025SenateOrdered to a third reading
6/18/2025SenateRead a second time
6/18/2025SenateRules suspended and taken up
6/18/2025SenateReceived from Assembly
6/18/2025SenateOrdered immediately messaged
6/18/2025HouseRead a third time and passed
6/18/2025HouseRules suspended
6/18/2025HouseOrdered to a third reading
6/18/2025HouseAssembly Amendment 1 adopted
6/18/2025HouseRead a second time
6/18/2025HouseRepresentative O'Connor added as a coauthor
6/17/2025HouseWithdrawn from committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 6-18-2025
6/16/2025HouseReferred to committee on Rules
5/29/2025HouseReport passage as amended recommended by Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Ayes 12, Noes 1
5/29/2025HouseReport Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety, Ayes 12, Noes 1
5/29/2025HouseExecutive action taken
5/21/2025HouseAssembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative Summerfield
5/15/2025House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
6/18/2025
Bill Text
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