Series of Bipartisan Bills Aimed at Protecting Wisconsin Judges and Supreme Court Justices Heads to the Assembly

Monday, February 19th, 2024 -- 1:01 PM

(Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) A series of bipartisan bills aimed at protecting Wisconsin judges and Supreme Court justices also passed the Assembly Thursday.

According to Rich Kremer with Wisconsin Public Radio, the legislation would increase privacy protections and shield some of a judge’s personal information, like the floor plans of their home, from the state’s public records law.

The package would also make it illegal to demonstrate at a judge’s or justice’s residence with intent to affect a court case. Backers said the bills come in response to the 2022 murder of retired Juneau County Circuit Court Judge John Roemer and an increase in threats against judges around Wisconsin.

State Rep. Supreme Moore Okomunde, D-Milwaukee, voted against the bill. He said most judges are elected and citizens should have the right to protest their decisions. Okomunde said he believes protesting outside a public official’s home usually doesn’t open a dialogue.

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