Wisconsin District Attorneys Association

Registered Principal Details

Business Or Interest:
WDAA Prosecutors

Lobbying Interests:
criminal law, juvenile law, children in need of protection and safety.

Title:
President

Contact
LM
Louis Molepske
P.O. Box 1702
Madison, WI 53701
(715) 346-1300
wdaa.director@gmail.com

Authorized Lobbyists

default text
Lobbyist Name Exclusive Duties Authorized On Withdrawn On

Lobbying Interests

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

Assembly Bill 11
Assembly Bill 11
Relating to: obtaining crime victim mental health treatment records. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/16/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 25
Assembly Bill 25
Relating to: allowing district attorneys, deputy district attorneys, and assistant district attorneys to engage in the private practice of law for certain civil purposes.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
3/15/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
Monitoring
Assembly Bill 33
Assembly Bill 33
Relating to: expungement of records of certain crimes. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/29/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA is concerned this bill will add additional court hearings that must be staffed by an ADA. The 71 DA offices statewide are understaffed by 166 prosecutors and cannot take on additional duties while underpaying prosecutors statewide.
Assembly Bill 55
Assembly Bill 55
Relating to: applicability of 2017 Wisconsin Act 184; time frame for reports for sexually violent persons petitioning for supervised release; and placement of sexually violent persons on supervised release.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
3/14/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 206
Assembly Bill 206
Relating to: regulating hemp, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/29/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
Assembly Amendment 1 addresses WDAA's concerns. *WDAA is neutral on the bill as amended.
http://www.thewdaa.org
Assembly Bill 322
Assembly Bill 322
Relating to: the availability of information on crimes through the consolidated court automation programs.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/7/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
Referred charges by police often are not accurately selected thus the benefit to compare the referred charge to the issued charge in CCAP is minimal or in error. The premise of the bill is that prosecutors undercharge defendants. This is false.
Assembly Bill 356
Assembly Bill 356
Relating to: intoxicated operation of all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, and motorboats and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/24/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 501
Assembly Bill 501
Relating to: funding the public defender pay progression and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/28/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 513
Assembly Bill 513
Relating to: creation of a prosecutor board and a state prosecutors office and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/8/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 744
Assembly Bill 744
Relating to: throwing or expelling a bodily substance at a public safety worker or prosecutor. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/21/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 758
Assembly Bill 758
Relating to: battery by a person detained while awaiting trial as a sexually violent person and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/29/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Assembly Bill 802
Assembly Bill 802
Relating to: criteria for the court to consider when determining whether to use videoconferencing at a proceeding.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA is monitoring this bill.
Assembly Bill 803
Assembly Bill 803
Relating to: using testimony taken by deposition in a criminal trial if witness is at risk of being intimidated.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA is monitoring this bill.
Assembly Bill 804
Assembly Bill 804
Relating to: intimidating a victim of domestic abuse and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

2019 Wisconsin Act 112

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA supports increased funding for county-based batters' treatment and addressing the fundamental reasons for intimate partner violence. 940.45(3) is available to prosecutors as a Class G Felony. WDAA will work with the authors/sponsors on this.
Assembly Bill 805
Assembly Bill 805
Relating to: recommendation to revoke parole, probation, and extended supervision if a person is charged with a crime. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA supports using evidence-based decision making before incarcerating a person. This bill will negatively affect county jail budgets without additional funding as offenders are held in jails awaiting revocation hearings. WDAA will help if asked
Assembly Bill 806
Assembly Bill 806
Relating to: acts for which a juvenile may be placed in correctional placement or the Serious Juvenile Offender Program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill moves away from the current bipartisan agreement on County Secure Residential Care Centers for Children and Youth (SRCCCYs). This plan has not been implemented yet leaving the SJOP in limbo. WDAA will help the authors using EBDM in policy.
Assembly Bill 807
Assembly Bill 807
Relating to: mandatory minimum sentence for three or more convictions for retail theft and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA is opposed to removing discretion from prosecutors and judges in determining the appropriate individualized sentence or supervision model. Increased incarceration without funding for county jails must be addressed. The WDAA is ready to help.
Assembly Bill 808
Assembly Bill 808
Relating to: prosecuting a violent felon for the crime of illegal possession of a firearm.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA opposes reducing prosecutorial discretion and the ability to control charging. Prosecutors are bound to do justice equally under the law. This bill moves away from EBDM & criminal justice reform. The WDAA will work with the authors if asked.
Assembly Bill 809
Assembly Bill 809
Relating to: earned release from parole or extended supervision and discharge from probation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
1/30/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill reduces prosecutorial discretion and goes against criminal justice reform. An offender who does what is ordered should be able to transition onto supervision as that is the goal of rehabilitation. WDAA will assist the authors if asked.
Assembly Bill 817
Assembly Bill 817
Relating to: bail for a criminal defendant who is charged with bail jumping.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill reduces discretion by prosecutors and judges and has constitutional concerns. Criminal justice reform is moving away from cash bail towards individual pre-trial risk assessment, GPS, & EBDM. WDAA will help if asked by the authors.
Senate Bill 20
Senate Bill 20
Relating to: obtaining crime victim mental health treatment records. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
9/16/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 60
Senate Bill 60
Relating to: applicability of 2017 Wisconsin Act 184; time frame for reports for sexually violent persons petitioning for supervised release; and placement of sexually violent persons on supervised release.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
11/19/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This is a very important bill to stop sexually violent persons being moved to counties that are not the SVP's home county. The policy change removes set back restrictions that should be managed by counties as described in the enrolled bill.
Senate Bill 188
Senate Bill 188
Relating to: regulating hemp, providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

2019 Wisconsin Act 68

Other
Notification Date
5/29/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
Senate Amendment 1 addresses WDAA's Concerns and WDAA is Neutral on the Bill as Amended.
http://www.thewdaa.org
Senate Bill 211
Senate Bill 211
Relating to: self-defense for victims of sex trafficking.

Bill Text and History

Other
Notification Date
5/29/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
WDAA is monitoring this bill.
Senate Bill 301
Senate Bill 301
Relating to: the availability of information on crimes through the consolidated court automation programs.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/7/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
Referred charges by police often are not accurately selected thus the benefit to compare the referred charge to the issued charge in CCAP is minimal or in error. The premise of the bill is that prosecutors undercharge defendants. This is false.
Senate Bill 331
Senate Bill 331
Relating to: intoxicated operation of all-terrain vehicles, utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, snowmobiles, and motorboats and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/24/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 460
Senate Bill 460
Relating to: creation of a prosecutor board and a state prosecutors office and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/8/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 468
Senate Bill 468
Relating to: funding the public defender pay progression and making an appropriation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
10/28/2019
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 674
Senate Bill 674
Relating to: traffic violations when emergency or roadside response vehicles are present and providing a penalty. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/14/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 687
Senate Bill 687
Relating to: throwing or expelling a bodily substance at a public safety worker or prosecutor. (FE)

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/21/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill makes it clear a person detained at Sand Ridge Secure Detention Facility while a 980 commitment is not yet formalized is subject to the same penalty as those persons committed at the same facility when they batter a person.
Senate Bill 697
Senate Bill 697
Relating to: battery by a person detained while awaiting trial as a sexually violent person and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

For
Notification Date
1/29/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Senate Bill 745
Senate Bill 745
Relating to: prosecuting a violent felon for the crime of illegal possession of a firearm.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA opposes reducing prosecutorial discretion and the ability to control charging. Prosecutors are bound to do justice equally under the law. This bill moves away from EBDM & criminal justice reform. The WDAA will work with the authors if asked.
Senate Bill 749
Senate Bill 749
Relating to: mandatory minimum sentence for three or more convictions for retail theft and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA is opposed to removing discretion from prosecutors and judges in determining the appropriate individualized sentence or supervision model. Increased incarceration without funding for county jails must be addressed. The WDAA is ready to help.
Senate Bill 752
Senate Bill 752
Relating to: recommendation to revoke parole, probation, and extended supervision if a person is charged with a crime. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA supports using evidence-based decision making before incarcerating a person. This bill will negatively affect county jail budgets without additional funding as offenders are held in jails awaiting revocation hearings. WDAA will help if asked
Senate Bill 753
Senate Bill 753
Relating to: acts for which a juvenile may be placed in correctional placement or the Serious Juvenile Offender Program. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill moves away from the current bipartisan agreement on County Secure Residential Care Centers for Children and Youth (SRCCCYs). This plan has not been implemented yet leaving the SJOP in limbo. WDAA will help the authors using EBDM in policy.
Senate Bill 754
Senate Bill 754
Relating to: earned release from parole or extended supervision and discharge from probation. (FE)

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
This bill reduces prosecutorial discretion and goes against criminal justice reform. An offender who does what is ordered should be able to transition onto supervision as that is the goal of rehabilitation. WDAA will assist the authors if asked.
Senate Bill 767
Senate Bill 767
Relating to: intimidating a victim of domestic abuse and providing a penalty.

Bill Text and History

Against
Notification Date
2/6/2020
First Communication Date
N/A
Communication Information
The principal, a lobbyist authorized by the principal, or another individual acting on behalf of the principal do not intend to communicate on this matter.
Comments
The WDAA supports increased funding for county-based batters' treatment and addressing the fundamental reasons for intimate partner violence. 940.45(3) is available to prosecutors as a Class G Felony. WDAA will work with the authors/sponsors on this.

Total Lobbying Effort

No certified reports found.

Percent Allocation of Lobbying Effort

Legislative Bills/Resolutions

No legislative bills/resolutions found.

Budget Bill Subjects

No budget bill subjects found.

Administrative Rulemaking Proceedings

No administrative rulemaking proceedings found.

Topics Not Yet Assigned A Bill Or Rule Number

No topics found.

Minor Efforts

No minor efforts found.

Other Matters

No other matters found.

Filed Statements of Lobbying Activity and Expenditures

This organization is one of fewer than 10 organizations registered with the Wisconsin Ethics Commission that is exempt from semi-annual reporting of its lobbying hours and expenditures. Instead of the semi-annual report the organization has submitted a written pledge not to spend more than $500 per year on lobbying. This organization is obliged to abide by the same standards of conduct as pertain to other organizations that retain lobbyists and to identify each bill or rule on which it has a lobbying communication.