Ongoing Projects of the Judicial Council

Study and propose revisions to the rules of evidence, Wis. Stats. §§ 901-911 (excluding Wis. Stat. § 905), to modernize language, align with comparative Federal Rules, and codify necessary case law. A supreme court rule petition will likely be filed in Fall 2026. The proposed revisions are now open for comment.
Review the newly enacted Wis. Stat. § 809.109, a statute drafted by the Council and approved by Supreme Court Order 23-05, which creates an expedited appeals procedure from orders entered pursuant to Wis. Stat. § 971.14, which governs competency proceedings in criminal cases.
Research and consider potential amendment of Wis. Stat. Ch. 809 rules for requesting oral argument and publication that are outdated or unnecessarily cumbersome.
Study the utility Wis. Stat. Ch. 975, a statute that likely no longer applies to any individual and could be removed or amended.
Study the mandatory DNA surcharge statute, Wis. Stat. § 973.047, to determine if the collection amount and scheme should be modernized.
Research and recommend solutions regarding the need for interpreters for Limited English Proficient (LEP) individuals in municipal court hearings.
Study the rules related to Injunctions, Wis. Stat. Ch. 813, and consider potential amendment to improve notice requirements.

Updated May 2026