An Act to renumber 704.16 (1) (b) 5.; to amend 125.07 (5) (a) 1. and 2., 125.07 (5) (b), 125.07 (5) (c), 704.16 (1) (b) 3. and 939.74 (2) (ar); to create 704.16 (1m), 704.16 (2m) and 961.444 of the statutes; Relating to: immunity from prosecution for certain crimes based on assisting a victim of sexual assault, extending the time limit for prosecution of second-degree sexual assault, and the standard for terminating residential residency when tenant is the victim of sexual assault.
Sponsored By: Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democratic), Jesse James (Republican), Howard Marklein (Republican), Melissa Ratcliff (Democratic), Mark Spreitzer (Democratic)
Became Law
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Stronger housing protections for assault victims
Renters who have a certified court order protecting them or their child from sexual assault or stalking can end their lease. They must give the landlord proper written notice and a certified copy of the order. They do not owe rent after the end of the month following their notice or move-out, whichever is later. Landlords must try to re-rent to reduce losses. Landlords must also change locks when a tenant shows a certified qualifying document, even if the tenant is not ending the lease. The law makes clear that orders telling the abuser to avoid the home count as qualifying documents.
Immunity when seeking help after assault
Victims or people who help them and call 911, meet police at a hospital, or disclose the assault to get help are immune from certain drug-possession and paraphernalia charges when evidence comes from those actions. They must give their name and requested information unless they lack capacity, and their release or supervision cannot be revoked for that incident. Underage victims or bystanders who seek emergency help or meet police at a medical facility are also immune from underage alcohol citation or conviction if they stay and cooperate, unless they lack capacity. Knowingly false reports are not protected. The law defines who counts as a bystander and which sexual offenses qualify for these protections.
More time to prosecute sexual assaults
Prosecutors have more time to start certain sexual-assault cases. Second-degree sexual assault can be charged within 20 years of the crime. Third-degree sexual assault can be charged within 10 years. This applies only if the old time limit had not already run on the law’s effective date.
Unreported sexual assault kits kept 20 years
State crime labs must securely store a sexual assault kit for 20 years when the victim does not report to Wisconsin law enforcement. This replaces the old 10-year rule. It gives victims more time to decide to report later.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim
Democratic • Senate
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Melissa Ratcliff
Democratic • Senate
Mark Spreitzer
Democratic • Senate
Cosponsors
Elijah Behnke
Republican • House
Barbara Dittrich
Republican • House
Russell Goodwin
Democratic • House
Karen Hurd
Republican • House
Jenna Jacobson
Democratic • House
André Jacque
Republican • Senate
Alex Joers
Democratic • House
Dean Kaufert
Republican • House
Rob Kreibich
Republican • House
Vincent Miresse
Democratic • House
Jeffrey Mursau
Republican • House
Todd Novak
Republican • House
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez
Democratic • House
Lori Palmeri
Democratic • House
William Penterman
Republican • House
Joe Sheehan
Democratic • House
Patrick Snyder
Republican • House
David Steffen
Republican • House
Lisa Subeck
Democratic • House
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Published 3-7-2026
3/9/2026SenateReport approved by the Governor on 3-6-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 90
3/9/2026SenatePresented to the Governor on 3-5-2026
3/5/2026SenateReport correctly enrolled
2/24/2026SenateReceived from Assembly concurred in
2/18/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
2/17/2026HouseRead a third time and concurred in
2/17/2026HouseRules suspended
2/17/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
2/17/2026HouseRead a second time
2/17/2026HouseRules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up
2/17/2026HouseRepresentative Miresse added as a cosponsor
2/16/2026HouseWithdrawn from Committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 2-17-2026
2/13/2026HouseRead first time and referred to committee on Rules
1/16/2026HouseRepresentative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
1/9/2026HouseReceived from Senate
11/19/2025HouseOrdered immediately messaged
11/18/2025SenateRead a third time and passed
11/18/2025SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
11/18/2025SenateOrdered to a third reading
11/18/2025SenateSenate Substitute Amendment 1 adopted
11/18/2025SenateSenate Amendment 1 to Senate Substitute Amendment 1 adopted
11/18/2025SenateRead a second time
11/18/2025SenateSenators Roys and Smith added as coauthors
11/18/2025SenateSenator Jacque added as a coauthor
11/17/2025Senate
Bill Text
Senate Amendment 1
11/11/2025
Senate Substitute Amendment 1
11/11/2025
Bill Text
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