Signed by Governor Scott Walker

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of the John Doe law in court.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the crimes that may be investigated with a John Doe proceeding are limited to certain felonies, which include murder, rape, armed robbery and numerous other serious crimes (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes a judge to enter a secrecy order upon a showing of good cause by the district attorney (Sec. 6).

• Prohibits a judge from appointing a special prosecutor in John Doe proceedings, unless a complaint is received by the court relating to the conduct of a district attorney to whom the judge would otherwise refer the complaint (Sec. 11).

• Establishes a 6-month time limit for John Doe hearings (Sec. 7).

• Establishes that a court may commence a hearing, on its own initiative, to return property seized with or without a search warrant (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to pass a bill that prohibits the use of the John Doe law in court.

Highlights:

• Specifies that the crimes that may be investigated with a John Doe proceeding are limited to certain felonies, which include murder, rape, armed robbery and numerous other serious crimes (Sec. 4).

• Authorizes a judge to enter a secrecy order upon a showing of good cause by the district attorney (Sec. 6).

• Prohibits a judge from appointing a special prosecutor in John Doe proceedings, unless a complaint is received by the court relating to the conduct of a district attorney to whom the judge would otherwise refer the complaint (Sec. 11).

• Establishes a 6-month time limit for John Doe hearings (Sec. 7).

• Establishes that a court may commence a hearing, on its own initiative, to return property seized with or without a search warrant (Sec. 1).

Full Bill Text