Quick Links
Striving for Judicial Integrity
This week, Senator James and I reintroduced legislation to restore fairness and impartiality in Wisconsin circuit court cases involving various government officials and entities. This proposal establishes a voluntary process, wherein a party to cases involving state or federal officials or entities may request and receive a random case venue re-assignment, selected from the pool of Wisconsin circuit courts. Currently, these types of cases are frequently heard at the Dane County Circuit Court, resulting in predictable outcomes.
The officials and entities who make up our branches of government represent the broad array of values and viewpoints across Wisconsin. Due to our capital’s location in Madison, however, court decisions involving these parties typically represent just one viewpoint, that of the Dane County Circuit Court. These decisions often have statewide impacts, and every circuit court venue in Wisconsin should have an opportunity to hear these cases—Dane County isn’t uniquely qualified to do so.
This bill ensures that cases with statewide implications are heard in circuit courts across Wisconsin, creating a legal process that reflects the diverse communities and perspectives of our state. Randomized venue selection is a practical solution to promote fairness, restore balance, and build confidence in the integrity of our courts.
The proposal is currently out for co-sponsorship support, and I’ll keep you updated as it progresses through the legislature.
Beyond Vision Legislative Day
I was honored to speak at the Beyond Vision Legislative Day this week!
Beyond Vision is a Wisconsin based organization who has been passionately looking out for the needs of the visually impaired for over a century.
Their services recognize the dignity of work, and their programs in the labor sector have not only been an immeasurable benefit to their members, but also to their many business partners.
I was proud to collaborate with them on legislation during the last session, where we successfully got the transportation tax credit for the legally blind signed into law. It is always a pleasure to meet with their members and leadership, and I look forward to continuing our partnership in this session.
Follow Along on Facebook
Want to hear more about what’s going on in Madison and the district? Follow my Facebook page for weekly updates and to learn more about bills, events, and efforts I’m involved in. Find my Facebook page here: facebook.com/RepSteffen/.
Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at [email protected].
