On Thursday, July 10, 2025, The Center Square reported that a new bill aimed at halting salaries for suspended judges is currently being considered in Wisconsin. This legislative action follows the suspension of Milwaukee Judge Hannah Dugan by the state Supreme Court. Dugan’s suspension occurred amid allegations that she assisted an illegal immigrant in evading U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents.
Co-author of the bill, Representative Shae Sortwell, R-Gibson, highlighted concerns regarding the financial implications of suspended judges continuing to receive their salaries. He noted that while Judge Dugan faces serious criminal charges, she is still being compensated, which he described as an unjust burden on taxpayers who also fund reserve judges to fill her position.
Sortwell pointed to another case involving Dane County Circuit Court Judge Ellen K. Berz, who was suspended for seven days due to judicial misconduct after attempting to personally retrieve a defendant from a hospital.
Between 1978 and 2024, the Wisconsin Supreme Court has suspended only 15 judges, according to data from the Wisconsin Judicial Commission.
Senator Cory Tomczyk, R-Mosinee, another co-author of the bill, stated that the legislation is essential for maintaining public trust in the judiciary, especially during ongoing criminal proceedings against judges. The proposed bill aims to ensure that judges do not receive what he termed “unjust rewards” while facing serious allegations.
Circuit court judges in Wisconsin, including Dugan and Berz, can earn annual salaries of up to $174,512. Dugan has pleaded not guilty to two federal charges and could potentially face up to six years in prison if convicted. The bill is intended to address these financial concerns and reinforce accountability within the judicial system.
Source: The Center Square
