Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Meeting — Agenda Packet

Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Agenda February 3, 2026 4:00 PM St. Croix County Government Center - Room 1400 Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin Call to Order Roll Call Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting — January 8, 2026 Business 1. Resolution in Support of a Fifth Circuit Court Branch in St. Croix County 2. Resolution Supporting 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386 Relating to the Regulation of Virtual Currency Kiosks Request for Future Agenda Items Announcements Date of Next Meeting 1. Date of Meeting — March 5, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. Adjournment Reasonable efforts will be made to provide special accommodations for access to public meetings. To request a special accommodation, please contact the County Clerk’s Office at (715) 386-4600 at least two business days prior to the time of the meeting. For more information on St. Croix County's public meetings visit: sccwi.gov/meetings Page 1 of 26 Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Minutes January 8, 2026 8:00 AM St. Croix County Government Center - Room 1400 Government Center - 1101 Carmichael Road, Hudson, Wisconsin Call to Order Chair Feidler called the meeting to order at 8:00 AM Roll Call PRESENT: Paul Adams, Bob Feidler, Tim Ramberg ABSENT: Mark Carlson, Cathy Leaf Approval of Minutes 1. Minutes of Previous Meeting - December 4, 2025 Minutes were accepted as presented. Public Comment No public comment Business 1. Financial Report for November 2025 Administrator Witt reviewed the financial report (in the agenda packet). Discussion on possible containment of interpretator expenses. Clerk of Court Kristi Severson spoke on the challenge of finding certified interpretators for rare languages. Request for Future Agenda Items Present information on how AI could be utilized in the Emergency Communications world. Would like more information. Announcements None. Date of Next Meeting March 5, 2026 1. Date of Meeting - March 5, 2026 at 8:00 a.m. Adjournment Meeting adjourned at 8:13 AM 1. Walk-through of the Justice Support Services Department 2. Walk through of Sheriff's Office Page 2 of 26 Page 3 of 26 Resolution in Support of a Fifth Circuit Court Branch in St. Croix County Cover Memo To: Public Protection and Judiciary Committee From: Ken Witt, County Administrator Heather Amos, Corporation Counsel Date: February 3, 2026 Agenda Item: Resolution in Support of a Fifth Circuit Court Branch in St. Croix County Background Information: There is legislation currently pending in Wisconsin, 2025 Assembly Bill 514 and 2025 Senate Bill 546, which adds circuit court branches to specific counties over the next several years. However, St. Croix County is not included in the list of counties to receive an additional circuit court branch. This resolution supports the Legislature in modifying the current pending legislation to add St. Croix County to the list. St. Croix County has experienced sustained and significant population growth and is among the fastest-growing counties in Wisconsin. In anticipation of increased judicial demand, the County has invested tens of millions of dollars to expand the courthouse from four to eight courtrooms, specifically to accommodate additional judges in the future. This investment reflects long-term planning and fiscal responsibility. In addition, St. Croix County voters approved a public safety referendum that increased law enforcement staffing as well as circuit court staffing to manage a very heavy and growing caseload. This demonstrates strong local public support for ensuring that the justice system can operate efficiently and effectively. Within the 10th Judicial District, which consists of 14 counties and 31 judges, three of the judges in St. Croix County are ranked as one, three, and four for pending (open and active) caseloads in the District. This data confirms the extraordinary workload currently borne by our judiciary. Population-based comparisons further underscore the imbalance. St. Croix County currently has one circuit court branch per 25,007 residents, compared to a district-wide average of one branch per 16,746 residents. By comparison, Eau Claire County, with a population of 112,246—only modestly higher than St. Croix County’s 100,028—has six circuit court branches, while St. Croix County has only four. The data clearly demonstrate that St. Croix County is in need of an additional circuit court branch now. The County Board has recognized this need for several years and has planned accordingly. Waiting another five to seven years for the next opportunity to authorize additional branches would significantly impair the administration of justice in St. Croix County. Page 4 of 26 Resolution No. 1 (2026) RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT BRANCH IN ST. CROIX COUNTY 1 WHEREAS, St. Croix County has experienced and continues to experience exceptional 2 population growth since 2008, the year that this county received its fourth circuit court branch, 3 pursuant to 2007 Wisconsin Act 28; and 4 5 WHEREAS, St. Croix County currently has a population of 100,028 and leads the State 6 of Wisconsin with an estimated population growth rate of 20% from 2008 through 2025; and 7 8 WHEREAS, St. Croix County is ranked as one of the top five fastest growing counties in 9 Wisconsin; and 10 11 WHEREAS, St. Croix County currently has one circuit court branch per 25,007 12 residents, compared to a district-wide average of one branch per 16,746 residents; and 13 14 WHEREAS, within the 10th Judicial District, which consists of 14 counties and 31 15 judges, three of the judges in St. Croix County are ranked as one, three, and four for pending 16 (open and active) caseloads in the District; and 17 18 WHEREAS, caseloads in St. Croix County in the area of felony and misdemeanor 19 criminal, major civil, family, and other time-intensive subject areas have increased; and 20 21 WHEREAS, these increased caseloads have resulted in substantial delays in scheduling 22 and timely resolution of cases; and 23 24 WHEREAS, despite utilizing court commissioners and creative scheduling procedures 25 and practices, St. Croix County has a critical need for an additional circuit court branch; and 26 27 WHEREAS, the projected increased population growth of the county will cause 28 significant increases in future caseloads of the courts of this county; and 29 30 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors is committed to providing the 31 necessary court facilities and support staff should an additional circuit court branch be created 32 and the State declines to supply sufficient funding for those facilities and support staff; and 33 34 WHEREAS, in anticipation of increased judicial demand, St. Croix County has invested 35 tens of millions of dollars to expand the courthouse from four to eight courtrooms, specifically to 36 accommodate additional judges in the future; and 37 38 WHEREAS, currently the St. Croix County Government Center has the prerequisite fifth 39 courtroom available for a fifth circuit court branch, together with sufficient room for necessary 40 accompanying support personnel, such as a judicial assistant and court reporter; and Page 5 of 26 Resolution No. 1 (2026) RESOLUTION IN SUPPORT OF A FIFTH CIRCUIT COURT BRANCH IN ST. CROIX COUNTY 41 WHEREAS, 2025 Assembly Bill 514 and 2025 Senate Bill 546 relating to authorizing 42 additional circuit court positions does not currently include St. Croix County in the list of 43 counties to receive another circuit court branch in the near future. 44 45 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of 46 Supervisors urges the Wisconsin Legislature and the Governor of Wisconsin to create a fifth 47 branch of circuit court for St. Croix County. 48 49 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Clerk is hereby directed to 50 transmit a copy of this resolution to the Governor, all members of the Wisconsin State Senate 51 and Assembly representing districts within St. Croix County, and the Director of State Courts 52 Office. Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Recommended MOVER: SECONDER: AYES: EXCUSED: None St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action: This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on February 3, 2026: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk Page 6 of 26 2025 - 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc CORRECTED COPY 2025 ASSEMBLY BILL 514 October 15, 2025 - Introduced by Representatives STEFFEN, KURTZ, ALLEN, BEHNKE, DITTRICH, DONOVAN, FRANKLIN, GOEBEN, GUNDRUM, B. JACOBSON, KITCHENS, KREIBICH, MELOTIK, MURPHY, MURSAU, NEYLON, O'CONNOR and KNODL, cosponsored by Senator WIMBERGER. Referred to Committee on Judiciary. AN ACT to amend 753.06 (2) (a), 753.06 (8) (a) and 753.06 (9) (h) of the statutes; relating to: authorizing additional circuit court and criminal justice system positions. Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau Under current law, Kenosha County has eight circuit court branches, Brown County has eight circuit court branches, and Menominee and Shawano Counties have two circuit court branches. This bill adds four circuit court branches: one in Brown County beginning August 1, 2027, one in Menominee and Shawano Counties beginning August 1, 2027, one in Brown County beginning August 1, 2028, and one in Kenosha County beginning August 1, 2028. This bill provides position authority for many court and criminal justice system employees in the 2027-29 biennium, as follows: 1. Beginning August 1, 2027, two judges. 2. Beginning August 1, 2028, two judges. 3. Beginning August 1, 2027, two court reporters. 4. Beginning August 1, 2028, two court reporters. 5. Beginning July 1, 2027, 30.5 assistant district attorneys. 6. Beginning July 1, 2028, 34 assistant district attorneys. 7. Beginning July 1, 2027, 13 assistant state public defenders. 8. Beginning July 1, 2028, nine assistant state public defenders. 9. Beginning July 1, 2027, 23 state public defender support staff positions. 1 2 3 Page 7 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 2 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 1 10. Beginning July 1, 2028, 18 state public defender support staff positions. The bill requires the director of state courts, the district attorneys, and the public defender board to include a request for funding for the positions authorized under this bill in their 2027-29 biennial budget requests. This bill also requires the director of state courts, the public defender board, and the district attorneys to submit to the legislature by December 31, 2032 a report that analyzes the workload and assesses the personnel needs for their operations. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: SECTION 1. 753.06 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read: 753.06 (2) (a) Kenosha County. The circuit has 8 branches. Commencing August 1, 2028, the circuit has 9 branches. SECTION 2. 753.06 (2) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 2025 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is amended to read: 753.06 (2) (a) Kenosha County. The circuit has 8 branches. Commencing August 1, 2028, the circuit has 9 branches. SECTION 3. 753.06 (8) (a) of the statutes is amended to read: 753.06 (8) (a) Brown County. The circuit has 8 branches. Commencing August 1, 2027, the circuit has 9 branches. SECTION 4. 753.06 (8) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 2025 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), section 3, is amended to read: 753.06 (8) (a) Brown County. The circuit has 8 9 branches. Commencing August 1, 2027, 2028, the circuit has 9 10 branches. SECTION 5. 753.06 (8) (a) of the statutes, as affected by 2025 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), section 4, is amended to read: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 Page 8 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 3 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 5 753.06 (8) (a) Brown County. The circuit has 9 branches. Commencing August 1, 2028, the circuit has 10 branches. SECTION 6. 753.06 (9) (h) of the statutes is amended to read: 753.06 (9) (h) Menominee and Shawano counties Counties. The circuit has 2 branches. Commencing August 1, 2027, the circuit has 3 branches. SECTION 7. 753.06 (9) (h) of the statutes, as affected by 2025 Wisconsin Act .... (this act), is amended to read: 753.06 (9) (h) Menominee and Shawano Counties. The circuit has 2 branches. Commencing August 1, 2027, the circuit has 3 branches. SECTION 8. Nonstatutory provisions. (1) ELECTION OF CIRCUIT JUDGES. (a) Brown County. The initial election of the circuit judge for branch 9 of the circuit court for Brown County shall be at the spring election of 2027 for a term commencing August 1, 2027, and ending July 31, 2033. The initial election of the circuit judge for branch 10 of the circuit court for Brown County shall be at the spring election of 2028 for a term commencing August 1, 2028, and ending July 31, 2034. (b) Menominee and Shawano Counties. The initial election of the circuit judge for branch 3 of the circuit court for Menominee and Shawano Counties shall be at the spring election of 2027 for a term commencing August 1, 2027, and ending July 31, 2033. (c) Kenosha County. The initial election of the circuit judge for branch 9 of the circuit court for Kenosha County shall be at the spring election of 2028 for a term commencing August 1, 2028, and ending July 31, 2034. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 9 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 4 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 (2) CIRCUIT JUDGE POSITIONS. (a) Brown County branch 9. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR circuit judge position on August 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one circuit judge in branch 9 in Brown County. (b) Brown County branch 10. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR circuit judge position on August 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one circuit judge in branch 10 in Brown County. (c) Menominee and Shawano Counties. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR circuit judge position on August 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one circuit judge in branch 3 in Menominee and Shawano Counties. (d) Kenosha County. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR circuit judge position on August 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one circuit judge in branch 9 in Kenosha County. (3) COURT REPORTER POSITIONS. (a) Brown County branch 9. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR court reporter positions on August 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one court reporter in branch 9 in Brown County. (b) Brown County branch 10. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR court reporter positions on August 1, 2028, to be 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 10 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 5 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one court reporter in branch 10 in Brown County. (c) Menominee and Shawano Counties. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR court reporter positions on August 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one court reporter in branch 3 in Menominee and Shawano Counties. (d) Kenosha County. The authorized FTE positions for the circuit courts are increased by 1.0 GPR court reporter positions on August 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.625 (1) (a), to provide one court reporter in branch 9 in Kenosha County. (4) COURT SYSTEM BIENNIAL BUDGET REQUEST. The 2027-29 biennial budget request to the department of administration from the director of state courts for the court system shall include funding for the 4 circuit judge positions and 4 circuit court reporter positions authorized under subs. (2) and (3). (5) ASSISTANT DISTRICT ATTORNEYS POSITIONS. (a) Assistant district attorneys in 2027. The authorized FTE positions for the department of administration are increased by 30.5 GPR positions on July 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.475 (1) (d), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE assistant district attorney positions to be apportioned as follows to the prosecutorial units for the following counties: 1. Adams County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 2. Bayfield County shall receive 0.3 assistant district attorney position. 3. Brown County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 4. Columbia County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 11 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 6 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 5. Dane County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 6. Douglas County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 7. Eau Claire County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 8. Fond du Lac County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 9. Grant County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 10. Green County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 11. Jefferson County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 12. Kenosha County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 13. La Crosse County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 14. Lincoln County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 15. Manitowoc County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 16. Marathon County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 17. Milwaukee County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 18. Outagamie County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 19. Ozaukee County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 20. Racine County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 21. Richland County shall receive 0.2 assistant district attorney position. 22. Rock County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 23. St. Croix County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 24. Sauk County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 25. Walworth County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 26. Washington County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 27. Waukesha County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 28. Winnebago County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 12 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 7 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 (b) Assistant district attorneys in 2028. The authorized FTE positions for the department of administration are increased by 34.0 GPR positions on July 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.475 (1) (d), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE assistant district attorney positions to be apportioned as follows to the prosecutorial units for the following counties: 1. Bayfield County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 2. Brown County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney position. 3. Dane County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 4. Dodge County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 5. Eau Claire County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 6. Fond du Lac County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 7. Grant County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 8. Juneau County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 9. Kenosha County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 10. La Crosse County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney position. 11. Manitowoc County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 12. Marathon County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 13. Marinette County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 14. Menominee and Shawano Counties shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 15. Milwaukee County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 16. Monroe County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 17. Oneida County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 18. Outagamie County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 13 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 8 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 19. Portage County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 20. Racine County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 21. Rock County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 22. St. Croix County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 23. Sauk County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. 24. Washington County shall receive 1.6 assistant district attorney positions. 25. Waukesha County shall receive 2.0 assistant district attorney positions. 26. Waushara County shall receive 0.4 assistant district attorney position. 27. Winnebago County shall receive 1.0 assistant district attorney position. (c) Biennial budget request. The 2027-29 biennial budget request to the department of administration from the district attorneys shall include funding for the assistant district attorney positions authorized under pars. (a) and (b). (6) ASSISTANT STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER POSITIONS. (a) State public defender positions in 2027. The authorized FTE positions for the public defender board are increased by 13.0 GPR positions on July 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.550 (1) (a), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE assistant state public defender positions to be apportioned as follows to the regional offices for the following counties: 1. Adams County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 2. Brown County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 3. Chippewa County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 4. Dodge County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 5. Eau Claire County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 6. Kenosha County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 14 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 9 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 7. Milwaukee County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 8. Outagamie County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 9. Portage County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 10. Rock County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 11. St. Croix County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 12. Walworth County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 13. Washington County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. (b) State public defender positions in 2028. The authorized FTE positions for the public defender board are increased by 9.0 GPR positions on July 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.550 (1) (a), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE assistant state public defender positions, to be apportioned as follows to the regional offices for the following counties: 1. Brown County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 2. Dane County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 3. Fond du Lac County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 4. Jefferson County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 5. Milwaukee County shall receive 3.0 assistant state public defender positions. 6. Sauk County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 15 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 10 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 7. Waukesha County shall receive 1.0 assistant state public defender position. (c) Biennial budget request. The 2027-29 biennial budget request to the department of administration from the state public defender shall include funding for the assistant state public defender positions authorized under pars. (a) and (b). (7) STATE PUBLIC DEFENDER SUPPORT STAFF POSITIONS. (a) State public defender support staff positions in 2027. The authorized FTE positions for the public defender board are increased by 23.0 GPR positions on July 1, 2027, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.550 (1) (a), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE support staff positions to be apportioned as follows to the regional offices for the following counties: 1. Adams County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 2. Brown County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 3. Columbia County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 4. Dane County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 5. Dodge County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 6. Fond du Lac County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 7. Grant County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 8. Jefferson County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 9. Kenosha County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 10. La Crosse County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 11. Lincoln County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 12. Manitowoc County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 13. Marathon County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 14. Marinette County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 16 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 11 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 15. Menominee and Shawano Counties shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 16. Milwaukee County shall receive 2.0 support staff positions. 17. Monroe County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 18. Oneida County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 19. Racine County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 20. Sauk County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 21. Sheboygan County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 22. Waukesha County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. (b) State public defender support staff positions in 2028. The authorized FTE positions for the public defender board are increased by 18.0 GPR positions on July 1, 2028, to be funded from the appropriation under s. 20.550 (1) (a), for the purpose of increasing the authorized FTE support staff positions to be apportioned as follows to the regional offices for the following counties: 1. Bayfield County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 2. Brown County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 3. Chippewa County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 4. Douglas County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 5. Eau Claire County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 6. Green County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 7. Milwaukee County shall receive 4.0 support staff positions. 8. Outagamie County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 9. Portage County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 10. Rock County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 11. St. Croix County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 17 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 514 - 12 - LRB-4616/1 MJW:cdc SECTION 8 12. Sawyer County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 13. Walworth County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 14. Washington County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. 15. Waukesha County shall receive 1.0 support staff position. (c) Biennial budget request. The 2027-29 biennial budget request to the department of administration from the state public defender shall include funding for the support staff positions authorized under pars. (a) and (b). (8) W ORKLOAD ANALYSIS. No later than December 31, 2032, the director of state courts, the public defender board, and the district attorneys shall submit to the legislature under s. 13.172 (2) a report that analyzes the workload and assesses the personnel needs for their operations. SECTION 9 . Effective dates. This act takes effect on the day after publication, except as follows: (1) The treatment of s. 753.06 (2) (a) (by SECTION 2) and (8) (a) (by SECTION 5) takes effect on August 1, 2028. (2) The treatment of s. 753.06 (8) (a) (by SECTION 4) and (9) (h) (by SECTION 7) takes effect on August 1, 2027. (END) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 Page 18 of 26 Resolution Supporting 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386 Relating to the Regulation of Virtual Currency Kiosks Cover Memo To: Public Protection and Judiciary Committee From: Ken Witt, County Administrator Heather Amos, Corporation Counsel Date: February 3, 2026 Agenda Item: Resolution Supporting 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386 Relating to the Regulation of Virtual Currency Kiosks Background Information: Virtual currency kiosks, also known as cryptocurrency ATMs, present significant concerns because they are frequently used in fraud and scam schemes, particularly targeting elderly and vulnerable individuals. These kiosks allow for rapid, irreversible transactions with limited identity verification, making it difficult to trace funds or recover losses once a transaction is completed. Scammers often exploit this anonymity by directing victims to deposit cash into kiosks under false pretenses, such as fake law enforcement demands, tech support scams, or investment opportunities. The lack of consistent regulation, clear disclosures, and transaction safeguards increases the risk of financial loss and undermines public confidence in legitimate financial services. This resolution supports the passage of 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386, which increase the regulations surrounding virtual currency kiosks. Page 19 of 26 Resolution No. 2 (2026) RESOLUTION SUPPORTING 2025 ASSEMBLY BILL 384 AND 2025 SENATE BILL 386 RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS 1 WHEREAS, virtual currency kiosks, commonly referred to as cryptocurrency or digital 2 asset ATMs, have become increasingly prevalent throughout Wisconsin, including in local 3 communities; and 4 5 WHEREAS, these kiosks are frequently used by members of the public with limited 6 familiarity with virtual currency transactions, creating an increased risk of fraud, financial 7 exploitation, and consumer harm; and 8 9 WHEREAS, law enforcement agencies and consumer protection entities have identified 10 virtual currency kiosks as a common mechanism used in scams targeting elderly individuals and 11 other vulnerable populations; and 12 13 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County District Attorney’s Office has had an increase in 14 referrals involving fraudulent transactions utilizing virtual currency kiosks; and 15 16 WHEREAS, counties have a strong interest in protecting residents from financial 17 exploitation and reducing the public safety and investigatory burdens associated with fraud 18 facilitated through unregulated or minimally regulated financial technologies; and 19 20 WHEREAS, 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386 propose to establish 21 statewide regulatory standards for virtual currency kiosks, including consumer protection 22 measures, operational requirements, and enforcement mechanisms; and 23 24 WHEREAS, a uniform statewide regulatory framework would provide clarity to 25 operators, enhance consumer confidence, and assist local governments and law enforcement in 26 addressing fraud and misuse associated with virtual currency kiosks; and 27 28 WHEREAS, the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors supports reasonable regulation 29 that balances technological innovation with consumer protection and public safety. 30 31 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of 32 Supervisors hereby expresses its support for 2025 Assembly Bill 384 and 2025 Senate Bill 386 33 relating to the regulation of virtual currency kiosks. 34 35 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors urges 36 the Wisconsin Legislature to enact legislation that provides clear, enforceable standards for 37 virtual currency kiosk operations and appropriate safeguards for consumers. 38 39 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the County Clerk is directed to transmit a copy of 40 this resolution to the bills’ authors, the St. Croix County legislative delegation, the Speaker of the 41 Assembly, the Senate Majority Leader, and the Wisconsin Counties Association. Page 20 of 26 Resolution No. 2 (2026) RESOLUTION SUPPORTING 2025 ASSEMBLY BILL 384 AND 2025 SENATE BILL 386 RELATING TO THE REGULATION OF VIRTUAL CURRENCY KIOSKS Public Protection and Judiciary Committee Recommended MOVER: SECONDER: AYES: EXCUSED: St. Croix County Board of Supervisors Action: This Resolution was ADOPTED by the St. Croix County Board of Supervisors on February 3, 2026: ___________________________________ ___________________________________ Bob Long, County Board Chair Christine Hines, County Clerk Page 21 of 26 2025 - 2026 LEGISLATURE LRB-4118/1 ARG:wlj&emw 2025 ASSEMBLY BILL 384 July 31, 2025 - Introduced by Representatives SPAUDE, MIRESSE, ANDERSON, DESMIDT, GOODWIN, HYSELL, JOERS, ROE, SNODGRASS, UDELL and CLANCY, cosponsored by Senators ROYS, DASSLER-ALFHEIM, DRAKE, HESSELBEIN, KEYESKI, RATCLIFF and WALL. Referred to Committee on Financial Institutions. AN ACT to create 217.12 of the statutes; relating to: virtual currency kiosks. Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau This bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to be licensed as a money transmitter and imposes certain regulatory requirements on virtual currency kiosk operators in addition to those that apply to money transmitters. Under current law, the Division of Banking (division) in the Department of Financial Institutions regulates money transmitters. With exceptions, a person may not engage in the business of money transmission unless the person is licensed by the division. “Money transmission” means selling or issuing payment instruments or stored value, such as checks, money orders, or prepaid cards, to a person located in this state or receiving money for transmission from a person located in this state. “Money” is not defined to include virtual currency such as cryptocurrency. Under the bill, a person may not engage in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state unless the person is licensed by the division as a money transmitter. A “virtual currency kiosk” is defined as an electronic terminal or retail location, in this state, from which a person may exchange fiat currency (money) for virtual currency or virtual currency for money or other virtual currency. The bill requires a virtual currency kiosk operator to affix a specified printed warning to the front of each virtual currency kiosk and to electronically display this warning on the kiosk’s screen, which the customer must acknowledge to proceed with the transaction. The bill also includes customer identification requirements. Before entering 1 Page 22 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 384 - 2 - LRB-4118/1 ARG:wlj&emw SECTION 1 into an initial transaction with an individual, a virtual currency kiosk operator must verify the individual’s identity by collecting certain information, including the individual’s full legal name, date of birth, and contact information, and obtaining a copy of the individual’s driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification document. In each transaction, the virtual currency kiosk operator must verify the customer’s identity before accepting payment from or dispensing funds to the customer and take a photograph of the customer at the virtual currency kiosk. The bill limits virtual currency kiosk transactions to $1,000 per customer per day. The bill also limits the fees a virtual currency kiosk operator may charge a customer per transaction to the greater of $5 or 3 percent of the transaction amount. A virtual currency kiosk operator must issue a refund to a customer, upon the customer’s request, for the full amount of a transaction if 1) the customer was fraudulently induced to engage in the transaction and 2) within 30 days after the transaction, the customer contacted the virtual currency kiosk operator and a government or law enforcement agency to inform them of the fraudulent nature of the transaction. The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: SECTION 1. 217.12 of the statutes is created to read: 217.12 Virtual currency kiosks. (1) DEFINITIONS. In this section: (a) “Fiat currency” means a medium of exchange that is authorized or adopted by the federal government as part of its currency and is not backed by a commodity. (b) “Transaction” means a transaction conducted by means of a virtual currency kiosk. (c) “Virtual currency” has the meaning given in s. 177.01 (16). (d) “Virtual currency kiosk" means an electronic terminal or retail location, in this state, from which a person may exchange fiat currency for virtual currency or virtual currency for fiat currency or other virtual currency, including by connecting to a separate virtual currency exchange. (e) “Virtual currency kiosk operator" means a person engaged in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 Page 23 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 384 - 3 - LRB-4118/1 ARG:wlj&emw SECTION 1 (2) L ICENSE REQUIRED. No person may engage in the business of operating virtual currency kiosks in this state unless the person is licensed under this chapter. (3) WARNING. (a) A virtual currency kiosk operator shall affix to the front of each virtual currency kiosk, within the customer’s field of vision, the following printed warning, capitalized as indicated: “FRAUD ALERT! Criminals seek to defraud virtual currency customers by impersonating loved ones, government officials, law enforcement officers, or charities; threatening jail time; stating that your identity was stolen or your accounts frozen; or claiming your computer was hacked. IF SOMEONE YOU DON’T KNOW IS ASKING YOU TO SEND VIRTUAL CURRENCY FROM THIS MACHINE, DO NOT PROCEED WITH THE TRANSACTION. LOSSES DUE TO FRAUDULENT OR ACCIDENTAL TRANSACTIONS MAY NOT BE RECOVERABLE.” (b) A virtual currency kiosk operator shall ensure that, as part of each virtual currency kiosk transaction, the warning under par. (a) is also displayed electronically on the virtual currency kiosk screen before any other disclosure appears on the screen and that the customer affirmatively acknowledges the warning before the customer may proceed with the transaction. (c) The warning affixed to the front of a virtual currency kiosk under par. (a) shall be printed in type size no smaller than 20 point. (4) CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION. (a) Collection of information. Before entering into an initial transaction with an individual, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall verify the individual’s identity by doing all of the following: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 Page 24 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 384 - 4 - LRB-4118/1 ARG:wlj&emw SECTION 1 1. Collecting all of the following information pertaining to the individual: a. Full legal name. b. Date of birth. c. Telephone number. d. Residence address. e. Email address. 2. Obtaining a copy of the individual’s driver’s license, passport, or other government-issued identification document that identifies the individual. (b) Identity verification for each transaction. In each transaction with a customer, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall do all of the following: 1. Verify the customer’s identity before accepting payment from or dispensing funds to the customer. 2. Take a photograph of the customer in a retainable format at the virtual currency kiosk. (c) False or multiple identities. 1. A virtual currency kiosk operator may not complete a transaction with a customer unless the virtual currency kiosk operator has verified the customer’s identity as provided in par. (b) 1. 2. A virtual currency kiosk operator may not allow a customer to engage in a transaction under any name or identity other than the customer's own true name and identity, or under any account other than an account associated with the customer’s true name and identity. (5) TRANSACTION RESTRICTIONS AND REFUNDS. (a) Daily transaction limit. A virtual currency kiosk operator may not accept from or dispense to a customer, by 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Page 25 of 26 2025 - 2026 Legislature ASSEMBLY BILL 384 - 5 - LRB-4118/1 ARG:wlj&emw SECTION 1 means of any virtual currency kiosk, more than a total of $1,000 in fiat currency in the same day. (b) Fee limit. A virtual currency kiosk operator may not collect fees or other charges from a customer in connection with a transaction that exceed the greater of $5 or 3 percent of the transaction amount. For purposes of this paragraph, “fees or other charges” includes any difference between the price charged to a customer to buy, sell, exchange, or convert virtual currency and the prevailing market value of the virtual currency at the time of the transaction. (c) Refund in certain circumstances. Upon request of a customer, a virtual currency kiosk operator shall issue a refund to the customer for the full amount of any transaction if all of the following apply with respect to the transaction: 1. The customer was fraudulently induced to engage in the transaction. 2. Not later than 30 days after the transaction, the customer contacted the virtual currency kiosk operator and a government or law enforcement agency to inform them of the fraudulent nature of the transaction. SECTION 2. Initial applicability. (1) CUSTOMER IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS. The treatment of s. 217.12 (4) first applies to transactions occurring on the 60th day after the effective date of this subsection. (END) 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Page 26 of 26