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WI AB1132

Bill

Status

Introduced

3/13/2026

Primary Sponsor

Elijah Behnke

Click for details

Origin

State Assembly

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes the death penalty in Wisconsin for first degree sexual assault of a child, specifically for sexual contact or intercourse with a child under 13 resulting in great bodily harm, or sexual intercourse with a child under 12.

  • Requires DNA evidence linking the defendant to the crime for a death sentence to be imposed; prohibits death sentences for defendants who are intellectually disabled or were under 18 at the time of the offense.

  • Mandates a separate sentencing hearing before a jury after conviction, where parties may present evidence on the offense, defendant's background, and mitigating circumstances; jury must unanimously recommend death for it to be imposed.

  • Creates automatic appellate review by the Wisconsin Supreme Court within 60 days for all death sentences; only the governor or an appeal can stay an execution.

  • Requires the Department of Corrections to promulgate emergency rules establishing execution procedures, including method of execution, within 6 months of enactment; Secretary of Corrections designates the executioner and 12 citizen witnesses.

Legislative Description

Creating the penalty of death or life imprisonment for persons who are convicted of certain child sex offenses, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, and providing a penalty. (FE)

Last Action

Read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety

3/13/2026

Committee Referrals

Criminal Justice and Public Safety3/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available