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Bill

AB 1094

Relating to: dissemination of personally identifying information of an officer and providing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Behnke and 9 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill that would criminalize publicly sharing identifying information of police officers intended to facilitate harassment or harm, balancing officer safety against transparency and free speech concerns.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 1094

Legislative bill overview

AB 1094 proposed to criminalize the public dissemination of personally identifying information (such as names, addresses, phone numbers, or images) of law enforcement officers with intent to facilitate harassment, intimidation, or harm. The bill would have established criminal penalties for individuals who share such information in ways that endanger officer safety or privacy.

Why is this important

Officer safety and privacy concerns have intensified amid increased public scrutiny of policing. The bill reflects ongoing tensions between transparency advocates who argue the public has a right to know about police conduct, and law enforcement who cite legitimate safety risks from doxxing. This debate directly affects how much information about officers remains accessible to the public.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition ambiguity: "Intent to facilitate" harassment could be interpreted broadly, potentially chilling legitimate criticism or accountability journalism that names officers involved in controversial incidents
  • First Amendment concerns: Free speech advocates argue restrictions on sharing public information about government employees may violate constitutional protections, particularly when reporting on official conduct
  • Unequal protection: Critics question why officers receive legal protection from information dissemination while other public servants (politicians, judges, social workers) typically do not, and whether this creates a protected class

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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