Wisconsin considering domestic violence safety measures

Wisconsin currently has no “red-flag” law, meaning there’s no way to temporarily remove guns from a person showing clear signs of violence or self-harm unless they’ve already been convicted of a disqualifying crime or are under a domestic-abuse or harassment injunction.

In 2025, state lawmakers introduced bipartisan bills (AB 319 / SB 329) to create ERPOs—temporary court orders allowing gun removal when someone poses an imminent threat—and AB 414, a broader package that would both strengthen firearm-surrender enforcement after restraining orders and expand legal protections for sexual-assault survivors, including longer time limits for prosecution and safer-housing provisions. Together, these measures target gaps in Wisconsin’s violence-prevention laws.

Why it Matters

Firearms are used in nearly 9 in 10 domestic-violence murder-suicides in Wisconsin, where 99 people died in 2024. ERPOs could allow families or police to act before violence occurs, while AB 414 would make sure weapons are actually surrendered and that survivors of sexual assault have more time, safety, and legal support to seek justice. The combined goal is to prevent predictable tragedies and strengthen accountability.

Background

Governor Evers and legislative Democrats have proposed ERPO laws repeatedly since 2019, but none have passed. The 2025 version (AB 319 / SB 329) would let law enforcement—and potentially family members—petition a judge for a short-term firearm removal order, followed by a prompt hearing and due-process safeguards. Supporters—including domestic-violence prevention groups and several law-enforcement associations—say the measure balances public safety with individual rights. Opponents, including gun-rights organizations, argue it could be misused or duplicate existing restraining-order laws.

AB 414, introduced in September 2025, expands that framework. It:

• Doubles the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault from 10 to 20 years.
• Grants limited immunity for minor alcohol or drug violations that occur in the context of a reported sexual assault, to encourage victims to come forward.
• Requires landlords to change locks or allow survivors to end leases early for safety reasons.
• Strengthens firearm-surrender compliance after domestic-violence injunctions by mandating court verification and closer coordination with sheriffs.

Domestic-violence and survivor-advocacy organizations in Wisconsin have endorsed the package as a comprehensive public-safety reform. Opposition from some lawmakers and gun-rights groups centers on cost and perceived overreach.

Both bills continue to gain bipartisan discussion heading into late 2025.

Resources

Rand - The Effects of Extreme-Risk Protection Orders
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel - Wisconsin set record for domestic violence deaths in 2024, report finds