On Tuesday, January 13, 2026, WisPolitics reported that the Wisconsin State Assembly passed Assembly Bill (AB) 380, a bill that proposes withholding pay from judges who are temporarily suspended due to alleged criminal misconduct. The bill passed with a 57-42 vote, with three Democrats joining the Republican majority.

The three Democrats who voted in favor of the bill were Rep. Steve Doyle of Onalaska, Rep. Jenna Jacobson of Oregon, and Rep. Tara Johnson of Shelby. AB 380 now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

According to the bill’s language, judges who are suspended by the state Supreme Court due to alleged criminal actions would have their pay withheld during the suspension period. However, the bill stipulates that if the Supreme Court ultimately decides not to discipline the judge, the withheld pay would be retroactively disbursed to the judge.

Rep. Shae Sortwell, a Republican from Two Rivers and the bill’s sponsor, held a press conference before the vote, stating that the bill was motivated by the case of former Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan. Dugan was arrested and charged with impeding federal immigration officers in the courthouse.

Dugan later resigned after being convicted of felony obstruction. Sortwell argued that Dugan had essentially received a paid “extended vacation” between her suspension and resignation and that AB 380 would prevent similar situations in the future, protecting taxpayer money.

Sortwell stated on the Assembly floor that the bill would prevent judges from collecting their salaries, potentially hundreds of thousands of dollars, while their cases are pending.

However, Rep. Andrew Hysell, a Democrat from Sun Prairie, criticized the bill, pointing out that the Supreme Court had not used the specific statute mentioned in AB 380 to suspend Judge Dugan. Hysell argued that the bill would not have affected Dugan’s situation.

Sortwell acknowledged Hysell’s point. Hysell further stated that even if the bill was meant to send a message, it should still have a connection to the problem it intends to address.

 

 

Source: WisPolitics