An Act to repeal 59.34 (1) (b), 59.34 (1) (c), 59.34 (2) (b) 2. and 83.016; to renumber 59.34 (2) (b) 1.; to amend 20.505 (1) (ic), 48.06 (2) (a), 59.27 (9), 59.34 (1) (a), 59.38 (5), 59.40 (2) (o), 59.52 (8) (b) 7., 59.54 (5), 63.03 (3) (b), 63.08 (1) (a), 102.29 (11), 118.162 (1) (c), 118.162 (1) (d), 165.92 (4), 341.65 (2) (g), 342.40 (3) (c), 346.505 (1), 346.70 (1), 895.46 (1) (dm), 938.06 (2) (am) 1., 938.06 (2) (am) 2., 938.06 (2) (b) 1. and 969.07; to repeal and recreate 59.26; to create 59.23 (2) (sm) and 59.265 of the statutes; Relating to: the administration of the office of county sheriff and the appointment of county medical examiners. (FE)
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.
Deputies gain protections but face repayment
Deputies in counties without the listed countywide civil service systems receive just-cause discipline protections and a county grievance process. They must request a hearing from the county clerk within 2 weeks after receiving notice of charges. Otherwise, the grievance committee may decide without a hearing; its orders can be appealed to circuit court. Deputies suspended, demoted, or discharged before a final decision must receive reinstatement and backpay if charges are withdrawn or rejected. After an adverse decision, counties may request repayment of pay and benefits received during the covered period. This applies once the appeal deadline passes without an appeal or the deputy loses the appeal.
Undersheriffs keep return rights, face classification limits
Deputies who become undersheriff gain protection when their appointment ends. In civil service counties, they take leave and return without losing civil service rights, unless otherwise disciplined under the law. In counties without civil service, they generally return with salary, tenure, and seniority preserved; the sheriff may grant leave. These pay and service protections also cover chief deputies serving on the law's effective date. That transition protection requires the chief deputy position to be defined by county ordinance or a collective bargaining agreement. Counties cannot use their general reclassification power to move the undersheriff into classified service.
Counties get rules for sheriff leadership
Sheriffs must appoint an undersheriff within 10 days of taking office or an undersheriff vacancy. The appointee must live in the county and hold required law enforcement or jail officer certification. Appointments and removals must be written and recorded with the county clerk. County boards cannot eliminate the office or give someone else appointment power. The undersheriff acts as sheriff during a vacancy or incapacity. Without an undersheriff, the county clerk submits vacancy proof to the presiding circuit court judge. After confirming the vacancy, the judge appoints a county resident until it is filled; an official bond is due within 10 days after notice. The sheriff or district chief judge can determine incapacity; a petition to that judge requires two-thirds of all authorized county board seats.
County clerks handle sheriff-related court papers
The county clerk serves and carries out court papers when the sheriff is a party to the case. This replaces service that the coroner otherwise performs. Papers can also go to the clerk after a party, agent, or lawyer files a sworn statement questioning the sheriff's performance. The clerk handles the sheriff's related service duties when the circuit court clerk addresses papers to the county clerk. The clerk and the clerk's bond guarantors have the same bond liability as the sheriff and the sheriff's guarantors.
Military security officers gain limited deputy authority
Sheriffs or undersheriffs can deputize Department of Military Affairs security officers for routine external checks around military installations. The adjutant general or a designee must approve, and written authority must state where the officer can act. Checks must serve only to protect the installation's state and federal personnel, assets, and equipment. The authority can be revoked at any time. Deputized officers remain state employees for all purposes, including workers' compensation.
Counties change medical examiner staffing rules
Medical examiners exclusively hold their duties and powers in counties with 750,000 or more people, or using a medical examiner system. County clerks perform coroner duties not assigned to a medical examiner. County executives or administrators appoint examiners with county board confirmation, or contract with qualified people with board approval. Where neither official exists, the county board makes the appointment or contract. The appointing authority may dismiss an examiner at any time. County boards provide compensation without the former ordinance requirement, and coroner or examiner positions may be full-time or part-time.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 4-4-2026
4/3/2026HouseReport approved by the Governor on 4-3-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 196
4/3/2026HousePresented to the Governor on 4-2-2026
4/2/2026HouseReport correctly enrolled on 3-23-2026
3/23/2026HouseLRB correction
3/23/2026HouseRepresentative Emerson added as a coauthor
3/19/2026HouseReceived from Senate concurred in
3/18/2026HouseOrdered immediately messaged
3/17/2026SenateSenator Smith added as a cosponsor
3/17/2026SenateRead a third time and concurred in
3/17/2026SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
3/17/2026SenateOrdered to a third reading
3/17/2026SenateRead a second time
3/17/2026SenatePlaced on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
3/16/2026SenatePublic hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
3/16/2026SenateRepresentative Brown added as a coauthor
3/6/2026SenateAvailable for scheduling
3/2/2026SenateReport concurrence recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 5, Noes 0
3/2/2026SenateExecutive action taken
3/2/2026SenateRead first time and referred to committee on Transportation and Local Government
2/25/2026SenateReceived from Assembly
2/23/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/19/2026HouseRead a third time and passed
2/19/2026HouseRules suspended
2/19/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/19/2026House
Bill Text
Assembly Amendment 1
2/19/2026
Bill Text
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