FrankGoortani/open-us-law huggingface dataset:
Wis. Stat. § 756.06 — WI Code / Chapter 756 / Section 756.06
Jury selection.
Status: in_force

(1) Whenever an issue is to be tried before a jury, the clerk of circuit court shall randomly select names from the jury venire until the desired number is obtained to create the jury panel. The random selection of names may include the provision that jurors reporting for service who have not been considered for assignment to a panel be considered before other jurors are considered for a second panel.

(2)

(a) A jury in a criminal case shall consist of 12 persons unless both parties agree on a lesser number as provided in s. 972.02 .

(b) Except as provided in par. (c) and ss. 980.05 (2) and (2m) (c) , 980.09 (3) , and 980.095 (1) , a jury in a civil case shall consist of 6 persons unless a party requests a greater number, not to exceed 12. The court, on its own motion, may require a greater number, not to exceed 12.

(c) A jury in a case involving an offense for which a forfeiture may be imposed or in an inquest under s. 979.05 shall consist of 6 persons.

(d) This subsection does not apply to cases under ch. 938 .

History: 1977 c. 187 s. 95 ; Stats. 1977 s. 756.06; Sup. Ct. Order No. 96-08 , 207 Wis. 2d xv (1997); 2005 a. 434 ; Sup. Ct. Order No. 08-01 , 2008 WI 104, 307 Wis. 2d xxxv; 2013 a. 164 .
Wis. Stat. § 971.10 — WI Code / Chapter 971 / Section 971.10
Speedy trial.
Status: in_force

(1) In misdemeanor actions trial shall commence within 60 days from the date of the defendant’s initial appearance in court.

(2)

(a) The trial of a defendant charged with a felony shall commence within 90 days from the date trial is demanded by any party in writing or on the record. If the demand is made in writing, a copy shall be served upon the opposing party. The demand may not be made until after the filing of the information or indictment.

(b) If the court is unable to schedule a trial pursuant to par. (a) , the court shall request assignment of another judge pursuant to s. 751.03 .

(3)

(a) A court may grant a continuance in a case, upon its own motion or the motion of any party, if the ends of justice served by taking action outweigh the best interest of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial. A continuance shall not be granted under this paragraph unless the court sets forth, in the record of the case, either orally or in writing, its reasons for finding that the ends of justice served by the granting of the continuance outweigh the best interests of the public and the defendant in a speedy trial.

(b) The factors, among others, which the court shall consider in determining whether to grant a continuance under par. (a) are:

1. Whether the failure to grant the continuance in the proceeding would be likely to make a continuation of the proceeding impossible or result in a miscarriage of justice.

2. Whether the case taken as a whole is so unusual and so complex, due to the number of defendants or the nature of the prosecution or otherwise, that it is unreasonable to expect adequate preparation within the periods of time established by this section.

3. The interests of the victim, as defined in s. 950.02 (4) .

(c) No continuance under par. (a) may be granted because of general congestion of the court’s calendar or the lack of diligent preparation or the failure to obtain available witnesses on the part of the state.

(4) Every defendant not tried in accordance with this section shall be discharged from custody but the obligations of the bond or other conditions of release of a defendant shall continue until modified or until the bond is released or the conditions removed.

History: 1971 c. 40 s. 93 ; 1971 c. 46 , 298 ; 1977 c. 187 s. 135 ; 1979 c. 34 ; 1993 a. 155 ; 1997 a. 181 .
Wis. Stat. § 59.73 — WI Code / Chapter 59 / Section 59.73
Surveys; expressing bearings, subdividing sections.
Status: in_force

(1) How bearings expressed in surveys. In all surveys the bearings shall be expressed with reference to a magnetic, true or other identifiable line of the public land survey, recorded and filed subdivision or to the Wisconsin coordinate system. In all cases the reference selected shall be so noted as set forth in s. 59.45 (1) (a) 2. and if magnetic must be retraceable and identifiable by reference to a monumented line.

(2) Subdividing sections. Whenever a county surveyor or professional land surveyor is required to subdivide a section or smaller subdivision of land established by the United States survey, the county surveyor or professional land surveyor shall proceed according to the statutes of the United States and the rules and regulations made by the secretary of the interior in conformity to the federal statutes. While so engaged a professional land surveyor and the professional land surveyor’s assistants shall not be liable as a trespasser and shall be liable only for any actual damage done to land or property.

History: 1995 a. 201 ss. 393 , 394 , 421 ; 1999 a. 96 ; 2013 a. 358 .
Wis. Stat. § 769.701 — WI Code / Chapter 769 / Section 769.701
Definitions.
Status: in_force

In this subchapter:

(1) “Application” means a request under the convention by an obligee or obligor, or on behalf of a child, made through a central authority for assistance from another central authority.

(2) “Central authority” means the entity designated by the United States or a foreign country described in s. 769.101 (3c) (d) to perform the functions specified in the convention.

(3) “Convention support order” means a support order of a tribunal of a foreign country described in s. 769.101 (3c) (d) .

(3m) “Department” means the department of children and families.

(4) “Direct request” means a petition filed by an individual in a tribunal of this state in a proceeding involving an obligee, obligor, or child residing outside the United States.

(5) “Foreign central authority” means the entity designated by a foreign country described in s. 769.101 (3c) (d) to perform the functions specified in the convention.

(6)

(a) “Foreign support agreement” means an agreement for support in a record to which all of the following apply:

1. It is enforceable as a support order in the country of origin.

2. It has been either of the following:

a. Formally drawn up or registered as an authentic instrument by a foreign tribunal.

b. Authenticated by, or concluded, registered, or filed with a foreign tribunal.

3. It may be reviewed and modified by a foreign tribunal.

(b) “Foreign support agreement” includes a maintenance arrangement or authentic instrument under the convention.

(7) “United States central authority” means the secretary of the federal department of health and human services.

History: 2009 a. 321 ; 2015 a. 82 s. 12 .
Wis. Stat. § 799.209 — WI Code / Chapter 799 / Section 799.209
Procedure.
Status: in_force

At any trial, hearing or other proceeding under this chapter:

(1) The court or circuit court commissioner shall conduct the proceeding informally, allowing each party to present arguments and proofs and to examine witnesses to the extent reasonably required for full and true disclosure of the facts.

(2) The proceedings shall not be governed by the common law or statutory rules of evidence except those relating to privileges under ch. 905 or to admissibility under s. 901.05 . The court or circuit court commissioner shall admit all other evidence having reasonable probative value, but may exclude irrelevant or repetitious evidence or arguments. An essential finding of fact may not be based solely on a declarant’s oral hearsay statement unless it would be admissible under the rules of evidence.

(3) The court or circuit court commissioner may conduct questioning of the witnesses and shall endeavor to ensure that the claims or defenses of all parties are fairly presented to the court or circuit court commissioner.

(4) The court or circuit court commissioner shall establish the order of trial and the procedure to be followed in the presentation of evidence and arguments in an appropriate manner consistent with the ends of justice and the prompt resolution of the dispute on its merits according to the substantive law.

History: 1987 a. 208 ; 1991 a. 269 ; 2001 a. 61 .
Wis. Stat. § 134.81 — WI Code / Chapter 134 / Section 134.81
Water heater thermostat settings.
Status: in_force

No person who manufactures water heaters may sell any new water heater designed for use in a dwelling unit, as defined in s. 101.61 (1) , unless that person does all of the following:

(1) Sets the thermostat of the water heater at no higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit or at the minimum setting of that water heater if the minimum setting is higher than 125 degrees Fahrenheit.

(2) Attaches a plainly visible notice to the water heater warning that any thermostat setting above 125 degrees Fahrenheit may cause severe burns and consume energy unnecessarily.

History: 1987 a. 102 .
Wis. Stat. § 846.101 — WI Code / Chapter 846 / Section 846.101
Foreclosure without deficiency; 20-acre parcels.
Status: in_force

(1) If the mortgagor has agreed in writing at the time of the execution of the mortgage to the provisions of this section, and the foreclosure action involves a one-family to 4-family residence that is owner-occupied at the commencement of the foreclosure action, a farm, a church, or a tax-exempt nonprofit charitable organization, the plaintiff in a foreclosure action of a mortgage on real estate of 20 acres or less, which mortgage is recorded subsequent to January 22, 1960, may elect by express allegation in the complaint to waive judgment for any deficiency which may remain due to the plaintiff after sale of the mortgaged premises against every party who is personally liable for the debt secured by the mortgage, and to consent that the mortgagor, unless he or she abandons the property, may remain in possession of the mortgaged premises and be entitled to all rents, issues, and profits therefrom to the date of confirmation of the sale by the court.

(2)

(a) When the plaintiff so elects, judgment shall be entered as provided in this chapter, except that no judgment for deficiency may be ordered nor separately rendered against any party who is personally liable for the debt secured by the mortgage.

(b) If the mortgage was executed before April 27, 2016, the sale of the mortgaged premises shall be made upon the expiration of 6 months from the date when the judgment is entered. Notice of the time and place of sale shall be given under s. 846.16 (1) and may be given within the 6-month period, except that the first printing of the notice shall not be made less than 4 months after the date when the judgment is entered.

(c) If the mortgage was executed on or after April 27, 2016, the sale of the mortgaged premises shall be made as follows:

1. Except as provided in subd. 2. , upon the expiration of 3 months from the date when the judgment is entered. Notice of the time and place of sale shall be given under s. 846.16 (1) and may be given within the 3-month period, except that the first printing of the notice shall not be made less than one month after the date when the judgment is entered.

2. Upon motion of the mortgagor before judgment is entered, if the court finds that the mortgagor is attempting in good faith to sell the mortgaged premises and has entered into a listing agreement with a real estate broker licensed under ch. 452 to sell the mortgaged premises, upon the expiration of 5 months from the date when the judgment is entered. Notice of the time and place of sale shall be given under s. 846.16 (1) and may be given within the 5-month period, except that the first printing of the notice shall not be made less than 3 months after the date when the judgment is entered.

History: 1973 c. 189 ss. 7 , 20 ; Stats. 1973 s. 816.101; Sup. Ct. Order, 67 Wis. 2d 585, 768, 783 (1975); Stats. 1975 s. 846.101; 1977 c. 304 ; 2009 a. 180 ; 2015 a. 376 ; 2017 a. 104 , 208 .
Wis. Stat. § 221.0635 — WI Code / Chapter 221 / Section 221.0635
Indemnification and insurance against securities law claims.
Status: in_force

(1) In general. It is the public policy of this state to require or permit indemnification, allowance of expenses and insurance for any liability incurred in connection with a proceeding involving securities regulation described under sub. (2) to the extent required or permitted under ss. 221.0626 to 221.0634 .

(2) Applicability. Sections 221.0626 to 221.0634 apply, to the extent applicable to any other proceeding, to any proceeding involving a federal law or regulation or a state law or rule that regulates the offer, sale or purchase of securities, securities brokers or dealers, or investment companies or investment advisors.

History: 1995 a. 336 .
Wis. Stat. § 83.09 — WI Code / Chapter 83 / Section 83.09
Emergency repairs of county trunk highways.
Status: in_force

Whenever a flood or other casualty renders any county trunk highway dangerous for travel, the town chairperson may immediately close it and notify the county highway commissioner thereof, and the commissioner shall promptly make repairs necessary to render the highway safe for travel. If sufficient funds are not available in the county maintenance fund, the commissioner may, with the consent of the chairperson of the county board or of the county highway committee, make the necessary repairs, and the cost thereof shall be paid as soon as funds are available.

History: 1983 a. 192 s. 303 (2) ; 1989 a. 56 s. 258 ; 2003 a. 214 .
Wis. Stat. § 79.039 — WI Code / Chapter 79 / Section 79.039
Certain reductions.
Status: in_force

(1) For the distribution in 2024 and subsequent years, if in any year a county or municipality fails to satisfy the requirements under s. 62.90 (5) (a) or 66.0608 (2m) , the secretary of administration shall reduce the county’s or municipality’s total of payments under ss. 79.036 and 79.037 for the next year by 15 percent.

(1m) For the distribution in 2024 and subsequent years, if in any year a municipality fails to satisfy the requirements under s. 62.90 (5) (bm) , the secretary of administration shall reduce the municipality’s payment under s. 79.037 for the next year by 15 percent.

(2)

(a)

1. If in any year a county that imposes the tax under s. 77.70 (2) fails to make the contribution to its retirement system’s unfunded actuarial accrued liability, as required under s. 77.70 (2) (a) , the department of revenue shall reduce the county’s total of payments under ss. 79.035 , 79.036 , and 79.037 for that year by the amount of the unpaid contribution and direct the department of administration to pay that amount towards the retirement system’s unfunded actuarial accrued liability.

2. If in any year a county that imposes the tax under s. 77.70 (2) uses the revenue from that tax for an expenditure that is not authorized under s. 77.70 (2) , the department of revenue shall reduce the county’s total of payments under ss. 79.035 , 79.036 , and 79.037 for that year by the amount of the unauthorized expenditure and direct the department of administration to pay to the county the reduced amount.

(b)

1. If in any year a municipality that imposes the tax under s. 77.701 fails to make the contribution to its retirement system’s unfunded actuarial accrued liability, as required under s. 77.701 (1) , the department of revenue shall reduce the municipality’s total of payments under ss. 79.035 , 79.036 , and 79.037 for that year by the amount of the unpaid contribution and direct the department of administration to pay that amount towards the retirement system’s unfunded actuarial accrued liability.

2. If in any year a municipality that imposes the tax under s. 77.701 uses the revenue from that tax for an expenditure that is not authorized under s. 77.701 , the department of revenue shall reduce the municipality’s total of payments under ss. 79.035 , 79.036 , and 79.037 for that year by the amount of the unauthorized expenditure and direct the department of administration to pay to the municipality the reduced amount.

History: 2023 a. 12 .
Wis. Stat. § 893.70 — WI Code / Chapter 893 / Section 893.70
Action against certain officials.
Status: in_force

An action against a sheriff, coroner, medical examiner, town clerk, or constable upon a liability incurred by the doing of an act in his or her official capacity and in virtue of his or her office or by the omission of an official duty, including the nonpayment of money collected upon execution, shall be commenced within 3 years after the cause of action accrues or be barred. This section does not apply to an action for an escape.

History: 1979 c. 323 .
Wis. Stat. § 766.001 — WI Code / Chapter 766 / Section 766.001
Liberal construction; intent.
Status: in_force

(1) This chapter is remedial in nature and shall be liberally construed, consistent with s. 766.96 .

(2) It is the intent of the legislature that marital property is a form of community property.

History: 1983 a. 186 ; 1985 a. 37 .
Wis. Stat. § 187.32 — WI Code / Chapter 187 / Section 187.32
Limited liability of directors and officers.
Status: in_force

(1) Except as provided in sub. (2) , a director or officer is not liable to the incorporated Roman Catholic church, its members or creditors, or any person asserting rights on behalf of the incorporated Roman Catholic church, its members or creditors, or any other person, for damages, settlements, fees, fines, penalties or other monetary liabilities arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty resulting solely from his or her status as a director or officer, unless the person asserting liability proves that the breach or failure to perform constitutes any of the following:

(a) A willful failure to deal fairly with the incorporated Roman Catholic church or its members in connection with a matter in which the director or officer has a material conflict of interest.

(b) A violation of criminal law, unless the director or officer had reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was lawful or no reasonable cause to believe his or her conduct was unlawful.

(c) A transaction from which the director or officer derived an improper personal profit.

(d) Willful misconduct.

(2)

(a) Except as provided in par. (b) , this section does not apply to any of the following:

1. A civil or criminal proceeding brought by or on behalf of any governmental unit, authority or agency.

2. A proceeding brought by any person for a violation of state or federal law where the proceeding is brought pursuant to an express private right of action created by state or federal statute.

3. If the incorporated Roman Catholic church operates a cemetery, the liability of a director or officer arising from a breach of, or failure to perform, any duty relating to the receipt, handling, investment or other use of perpetual care funds, maintenance funds or other funds held in trust in connection with the operations of the cemetery.

(b) Paragraph (a) 1. and 2. does not apply to a proceeding brought by a governmental unit, authority or agency in its capacity as a private party or contractor.

History: 1989 a. 306 .
Wis. Stat. § 565.015 — WI Code / Chapter 565 / Section 565.015
Advisory referendum on additional forms of gambling.
Status: in_force

After January 1, 1993, neither house of the legislature may pass any bill that authorizes the conduct of any game specified in s. 565.01 (6m) (b) , 1991 stats., unless, prior to the passage of that bill and during the same legislative session, all of the following occur:

(1) A bill requiring a statewide advisory referendum on the question of whether the legislature should authorize the conduct of such a game has been enacted.

(2) The advisory referendum required under sub. (1) has been held.

History: 1991 a. 321 .
Wis. Stat. § 769.306 — WI Code / Chapter 769 / Section 769.306
Inappropriate tribunal.
Status: in_force

If a petition or comparable pleading is received by an inappropriate tribunal of this state, the tribunal shall forward the pleading and accompanying documents to an appropriate tribunal of this state or another state and notify the petitioner where and when the pleading was sent.

History: 1993 a. 326 ; 1997 a. 27 ; 2009 a. 321 ; 2015 a. 82 s. 12 .
Wis. Stat. § 76.29 — WI Code / Chapter 76 / Section 76.29
License fee for selling electricity at wholesale.
Status: in_force

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Apportionment factor” has the meaning given in s. 76.28 (1) (a) .

(b) “Department” means the department of revenue.

(c) “Electric cooperative” has the meaning given in s. 76.48 (1g) (c) .

(d) “Gross revenues” means total revenues from the sale of electricity for resale by the purchaser of the electricity.

(e) “Light, heat, and power companies” has the meaning given in s. 76.28 (1) (e) .

(f) “Tax period” means each calendar year or portion of a calendar year.

(2) Imposition. There is imposed on every light, heat, and power company and electric cooperative that owns an electric utility plant, an annual license fee to be assessed by the department on or before May 1, 2005, and every May 1 thereafter, measured by the gross revenues of the preceding tax period in an amount equal to the apportionment factor multiplied by gross revenues multiplied by 1.59 percent. The fee shall become delinquent if not paid when due and when delinquent shall be subject to interest at the rate of 1.5 percent per month until paid.

(3) Administration. Section 76.28 (3) (c) and (4) to (11) , as it applies to the fee imposed under s. 76.28 (2) , applies to the fee imposed under this section.

History: 2001 a. 16 ; 2007 a. 20 ; 2015 a. 197 s. 51 .
Wis. Stat. § 941.39 — WI Code / Chapter 941 / Section 941.39
Victim, witness, juror, or co-actor contact.
Status: in_force

Whoever intentionally violates a court order issued under s. 973.049 (2) is guilty of one of the following:

(1) If the court order results from a conviction for a felony, a Class H felony.

(2) If the court order results from a conviction for a misdemeanor, a Class A misdemeanor.

History: 2005 a. 32 ; 2011 a. 267 ; 2025 a. 26 .
Wis. Stat. § 196.61 — WI Code / Chapter 196 / Section 196.61
Facilities in exchange for compensation prohibited.
Status: in_force

A public utility may not demand, charge, collect or receive from any person less compensation for any service rendered or to be rendered by the public utility in return for the furnishing by that person of any part of the facilities incident to the service. This section may not be construed to prohibit any public utility from renting any facility relating to the production, transmission, delivery or furnishing of heat, light, water, telecommunications service or power and from paying a reasonable rental for the facility. This section may not be construed to require any public utility to furnish any part of any appliance which is at the premises of any consumer, except meters and appliances for measurements of any product or service, unless the commission orders otherwise.

History: 1983 a. 53 ; 1985 a. 297 ; 1993 a. 496 .
Wis. Stat. § 409.809 — WI Code / Chapter 409 / Section 409.809
Priority.
Status: in_force

2011 Wisconsin Act 206 determines the priority of conflicting claims to collateral. However, if the relative priorities of the claims were established before July 1, 2013, ch. 409 , 2009 stats., determines priority.

History: 2011 a. 206 .
Wis. Stat. § 635.15 — WI Code / Chapter 635 / Section 635.15
Temporary suspension of rate regulation.
Status: in_force

The commissioner may suspend the operation of all or any part of s. 635.05 with respect to one or more small employers for one or more rating periods upon the written request of a small employer insurer and a finding by the commissioner that the suspension is necessary in light of the financial condition of the small employer insurer or that the suspension would enhance the efficiency and fairness of the small employer health insurance market.

History: 1991 a. 39 , 250 .