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Bill

SB 15

Relating to: increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 1 co-sponsor

SB 15 increases criminal penalties for crimes against vulnerable adults, creates restraining orders and asset-freezing authority for financial exploitation cases, and enhances sexual assault penalties for at-risk victims.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 15

Legislative bill overview

SB 15 expands Wisconsin's legal protections for vulnerable adults by increasing criminal penalties for crimes committed against "adults at risk," establishing restraining order mechanisms for these individuals, allowing asset freezing in financial exploitation cases, and creating enhanced penalties specifically for sexual assault of at-risk adults.

Why is this important

Adults at risk—typically those with cognitive disabilities, dementia, or other vulnerabilities—face disproportionate rates of exploitation, abuse, and financial crimes with limited legal recourse. This bill aims to strengthen deterrence through harsher penalties and provide protective tools like restraining orders that may be more accessible than standard mechanisms. Asset freezing could recover funds before defendants dissipate stolen resources from vulnerable victims.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope of "at risk": The bill's effectiveness depends heavily on how "adult at risk" is defined; overly broad definitions could affect sentencing consistency, while narrow definitions might exclude vulnerable populations needing protection
  • Due process concerns: Asset freezing prior to conviction raises constitutional questions about deprivation of property without established guilt, potentially affecting defendants' ability to pay legal counsel
  • Enforcement and implementation costs: Restraining order provisions and expanded prosecution may require additional training, resources, and court capacity to administer effectively across Wisconsin counties

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

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