In even-numbered years after the state legislature has adjourned its biennial regular session, the Wisconsin Legislative Council will propose topics that might warrant in-depth study and policy development. Each study committee is typically led by two or more legislators (selected by leadership) and includes members of the public and representatives from relevant stakeholders.

For 2024, lawmakers on the Joint Legislative Council committee voted to approve the following study committees (the committee votes were unanimous except where otherwise noted):

Study Committee on Emergency Detention and Civil Commitment of Minors

• Chair: Sen. Jesse James (R-Altoona)
• Vice Chair: Rep. Pat Snyder (R-Schofield)

Scope: The study committee is directed to study the appropriateness of current emergency detention and civil commitment laws as applied to minors. The committee shall review whether special emergency detention procedures should be established for minors, including whether persons other than law enforcement either be permitted or required to take a minor into custody for the purpose of emergency detention. The committee shall also review current civil commitment placement options for minors, with an emphasis on examining the appropriateness of placements outside Wisconsin and feasibility of creating psychiatric residential treatment facilities for minors in Wisconsin. After these reviews, the committee shall recommend legislation that creates child-appropriate emergency detention and civil commitment procedures and maximizes civil commitment placement options for minors in Wisconsin.

Meeting schedule: As of July 22, this committee had not yet held or scheduled any meetings.

Study Committee on the Future of the University of Wisconsin System

• Chair: Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie)
• Vice Chair: Sen. Cory Tomczyk (R-Mosinee)
• This study committee was approved by a party-line vote (Republicans in favor, Democrats against).

Scope: The study committee is directed to examine demographic trends affecting the University of Wisconsin System (UWS) and evaluate institutional infrastructure needs based on geographic access, workforce planning, and student demand for specific areas of study. The committee is also directed to review the administrative staff needs and governance structure of the UWS, including the Board of Regents. In response to its findings, the committee shall recommend legislation to modify current statutes to address the future plans for the UWS.

Meeting schedule: The committee held its first meeting on July 11. Tentative future meeting dates are August 1, August 29, September 26, and October 24.

Study Committee on Recodification of Battery Statutes

• Chair: Sen. Van Wanggaard (R-Racine)
• Vice Chair: Rep. Ron Tusler (R-Harrison)

Scope: The study committee is directed to conduct a recodification of ss. 940.19 to 940.208, Stats., relating to the crime of battery, to include reorganizing the sections in a logical manner, renumbering and retitling sections, consolidating related provisions, modernizing language, resolving ambiguities in language, making other necessary organizational changes, and making minor substantive changes.

Meeting schedule: As of July 22, this committee had not yet held or scheduled any meetings.

Study Committee on the Regulation of Artificial Intelligence in Wisconsin

• Chair: Sen. Julian Bradley (R-Franklin)
• Vice Chair: Rep. David Armstrong (R-Rice Lake)

Scope: The study committee is directed to review current uses of artificial intelligence technology and make recommendations for legislation regarding the use and development of artificial intelligence technology. The committee may review the use of artificial intelligence in disinformation and artificial imagery and the feasibility of establishing a process to ensure continued state monitoring of high-risk use of artificial intelligence.

Meeting schedule: The committee will hold its first meeting on July 24.

Study Committee on Sandhill Cranes

• Chair: Rep. Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc)
• Vice Chair: Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron)
• Two Democratic senators voted against approving this study committee.

Scope: The study committee is directed to review and recommend options for legislation relating to the management of Wisconsin’s sandhill crane population. The committee shall examine population trends and determine whether any changes to state law would effectively address the incidence and consequences of crop damage caused by sandhill cranes in this state. As part of a comprehensive review of policy options, the committee may consider whether the Department of Natural Resources should seek federal approval to establish a hunting season for sandhill cranes. The committee shall recommend legislation to manage the population of sandhill cranes and address the agricultural impact of sandhill cranes.

Meeting schedule: As of July 22, this committee had not yet held or scheduled any meetings.

Special Committee on State-Tribal Relations

• Chair: Rep. Jeffrey Mursau (R-Crivitz)
• Vice Chair: Sen. Mary Felzkowski (R-Tomahawk)

Scope: The special committee is directed to study issues relating to American Indians and the American Indian tribes and bands in this state and develop specific recommendations and legislative proposals relating to these issues. [s. 13.83 (3), Stats.]

Meeting schedule: As of July 22, this committee had not yet held or scheduled any meetings.