July 22, 2024 – The Joint Legislative Council Committee has recently begun the 2024 study committee review process. These study committees provide a unique opportunity for legislators and members of the public to collaborate on complex, topical issues and provide guidance and solutions to the Wisconsin Legislature. Legislative proposals or supreme court rule proposals are often the final work product of these committees.

Study committees cover a wide range of topics, including some that may be of interest to members of the State Bar of Wisconsin, notably detention and commitment of minors, as well as a recodification of battery statutes. These committees are staffed by Legislative Council attorneys and provide expert testimony and presentations throughout the committee meetings. Materials, often including research memos and presentations, are available to the public on the respective committee’s website.

The 2024 study committee topics and scopes include:

Study Committee on Emergency Detention and Civil Commitment of Minors

The study committee is directed to study the appropriateness of current emergency detention and civil commitment laws as applied to minors. The committee shall review whether special emergency detention procedures should be established for minors, including whether persons other than law enforcement either be permitted or required to take a minor into custody for the purpose of emergency detention. The committee shall also review current civil commitment placement options for minors, with an emphasis on examining the appropriateness of placements outside Wisconsin and feasibility of creating psychiatric residential treatment facilities for minors in Wisconsin. After these reviews, the committee shall recommend legislation that creates child-appropriate emergency detention and civil commitment procedures and maximizes civil commitment placement options for minors in Wisconsin.

Study Committee on Recodification of Battery Statutes

The study committee is directed to conduct a recodification of ss. 940.19 to 940.208, Stats., relating to the crime of battery, to include reorganizing the sections in a logical manner, renumbering and retitling sections, consolidating related provisions, modernizing language, resolving ambiguities in language, making other necessary organizational changes, and making minor substantive changes.

Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin

The study committee is directed to review current uses of artificial intelligence technology and make recommendations for legislation regarding the use and development of artificial intelligence technology. The committee may review the use of artificial intelligence in disinformation and artificial imagery and the feasibility of establishing a process to ensure continued state monitoring of high-risk use of artificial intelligence.

Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System

The study committee is directed to examine demographic trends affecting the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) and evaluate institutional infrastructure needs based on geographic access, workforce planning, and student demand for specific areas of study. The committee is also directed to review the administrative staff needs and governance structure of the UWS, including the Board of Regents. In response to its findings, the committee shall recommend legislation to modify current statutes to address future plans for the UWS.

Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes

The study committee is directed to review and recommend options for legislation relating to the management of Wisconsin’s sandhill crane population. The committee shall examine population trends, and determine whether any changes to state law would effectively address the incidence and consequences of crop damage caused by sandhill cranes in this state. As part of a comprehensive review of policy options, the committee may consider whether the Department of Natural Resources should seek federal approval to establish a hunting season for sandhill cranes. The committee shall recommend legislation to manage the population of sandhill cranes and address the agricultural impact of sandhill cranes.

Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations

The special committee is directed to study issues relating to American Indians and the American Indian tribes and bands in this state and develop specific recommendations and legislative proposals relating to these issues. [s. 13.83 (3), Stats.]

For more information on the various committees, and to follow their work throughout the process, please visit the Legislature’s website.

If you have questions about the study committees, contact the State Bar’s Government Relations team – Cale Battles, cbattles@wisbar.org or Lynne Davis, ldavis@wisbar.org.