Wisconsin lawmakers deny funds for enhanced security at state Supreme Court

Amid rising threats against the judiciary, a proposal aimed at bolstering security for the Wisconsin Supreme Court was turned down by Republican legislators.

This marks the second time the Republican-led Joint Finance Committee has rejected the initiative for enhanced court security, which garnered support from Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, as Wisconsin Public Radio reports.

The proposal, which was intended to establish the Office of the Marshals of the Supreme Court, involved the creation of a 10-member security force. This team of eight law enforcement officers aimed to enhance the safety of Wisconsin’s highest court.

Political divide emerges

Advocacy for the proposal came from various stakeholders, including Evers, who supported the security force with an estimated annual budget of $1 million. However, the financial allocation faced opposition from Republican committee members, who voted against it for the second consecutive session.

During a committee session, the proposal was defeated by a 4-12 vote, with unanimous Democratic support unable to overcome Republican resistance. Sen. Kelda Roys, a vocal advocate during the committee vote, highlighted the increasing threats against judges as a pressing concern.

Statistics from the Supreme Court reveal a worrisome trend: 30 threats were substantiated in 2022, 46 in 2023, and 29 in 2024. Alarmingly, 22 credible threats have been identified within just the first quarter of the current year.

Security concerns follow tragic events

A key moment prompting the security funding request was the tragic murder of retired Judge John Roemer in 2023. This incident spurred the request initiated by former Chief Justice Annette Ziegler, underscoring the urgency of safety enhancements for the judiciary.

In response to the pressing security needs, the Wisconsin Capitol Police have been tasked with court protection duties. They currently operate with the aid of federal funding, which is anticipated to expire in August 2026.

Despite the proposal’s rejection, there remains an active dialogue concerning judicial safety. Justice Jill Karofsky stressed the importance of secure courts in maintaining effective judicial operations.

Lawmaker perspectives emerge

Voicing skepticism, Sen. Howard Marklein expressed opposition to establishing “a new police force just for the Supreme Court.” This sentiment highlights a broader reluctance within the party to endorse the specified security force.

Contrarily, Rep. Mark Born praised the current efforts of the Capitol Police in ensuring security at the Capitol. He conveyed confidence in their ability to continue safeguarding the court environment without additional force.

While the rejection was a setback, stakeholders emphasized their commitment to judicial safety. Karofsky reiterated efforts to collaborate on solutions that meet the needs of judges, staff, and the public.

What comes next?

The advocacy for increased security funding reflects ongoing concerns about judicial well-being within Wisconsin. These efforts point to a larger national conversation about protecting judicial figures amid rising threats.

With safety funding in the spotlight, Democrats remain hopeful for future legislative support. Their continued advocacy aligns with Gov. Evers’ commitment to prioritize court protection measures in the state’s financial plans.

As the situation evolves, all eyes remain on legislative developments and whether increased court protection will be realized in subsequent budget sessions. The debate highlights the crucial balance between fiscal responsibility and security enhancements for Wisconsin’s judiciary system.