Wisconsin Legislators Propose Tough on Crime Bill for Repeat Offenders

Newly proposed bill strips some leniency away from people who violate terms of their parole

Published August 11, 2025

A newly sponsored bill in the Wisconsin legislature could have a significant impact on the criminal justice system as legislators weigh how to deal with rising crime in cities such as Milwaukee.

The bill would require the Wisconsin Department of Corrections to recommend that someone serve out the rest of their sentence if they violate the terms of their probation.

Criminal justice reform groups have decried the bill as being excessively punitive, but Wisconsin legislators have said that the bill is a commonsense measure to clamp down on repeat offenders.

“It’s valuable, one — because of the message that it sends that we’re not just going to continue to have repeat offenders out on the streets,” State Representative Brent Jacobson, R-Mosinee, said. “We’ve given them a second chance but why should we give them the guarantee of a third chance?”

The bill was proposed during a time where crime in cities like Milwaukee has skyrocketed, leading legislators to call for increased police patrols. (RELATED: DOGE Member Beaten After Defending Woman in Attempted Carjacking in D.C. )

MPD have been without a contract for nearly 3 years while patrolling one of the country's most challenging urban environments.

My colleagues and I in the Legislature believe Milwaukee's leaders must act immediately to combat the increased violence.

Read the full letter: pic.twitter.com/GBciYrISX1
— Rep. Bob Donovan (@RepDonovan) August 6, 2025

While many people are able to successfully complete their parole, parole violations remain a pervasive issue in the criminal justice system. A CSG Justice Center study found that 44 percent of all prison admissions in 2021 resulted from parole or probation violations.

Still, criminal justice reform advocates have claimed that the bill is excessively punitive.

“I wouldn’t have the life that I have today if this bill was enacted five years ago,” said Segdrick Farley, with Brighter than Sunshine, LLC.

Assembly Bill 85, was passed by both chambers of the legislature and presented to Democratic Governor Tony Evers on Thursday, where its fate remains uncertain. (RELATED: Statehouse Democrats Pitch Limits on Legislative Legal Bills)