Rotunda Report | State Bar of Wisconsinhttps://www.wisbar.org/Pages/RSS.aspx60Introducing Yourself to Lawmakershttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31570https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31570Devin MartinThe end of the legislative session doesn’t mean it’s too late to introduce—or reintroduce--yourself as a constituent.2026-04-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolSpringTulips350x234.jpgIntroducing Yourself to Lawmakershttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31570ABA Day 2026: Connecting Leaders in the Law with Congresshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31559https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31559Cale BattlesABA and State Bar leaders met with Senators Baldwin and Johnson along with Representatives from the Wisconsin Congressional delegation in Washington, DC for the annual ABA Day. 2026-04-13 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CherryBlossomDCCapitol1200x630.jpgABA Day 2026: Connecting Leaders in the Law with Congresshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31559Looking Back – and Forward on Grassroots!https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31518https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31518Devin MartinA brief look back and ahead at grassroots outreach for the 2025-2026 legislative session (2 min read).2026-03-23 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/Lookout350x234.jpgLooking Back – and Forward on Grassroots!https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31518End of Session Doesn't Mean End of Legislative Workhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31491https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31491Lynne DavisEver wonder what the State Bar's lobbyists do after the Legislature adjourns? This article shares what they are up to when the senators and representatives return home.2026-03-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolFromTerraceInSpring1200x630.jpgEnd of Session Doesn't Mean End of Legislative Workhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31491Exoneree Compensation Left on the Table as Session Winds to Closehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31465https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31465Devin MartinA bill that would have increased statutory limits to compensation for exonerees didn't get a floor vote as the Assembly finished most of its business last week.2026-02-23 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/AssemblyChamber2_1200x630.jpgExoneree Compensation Left on the Table as Session Winds to Closehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31465Legislature Closes Out 2025-26 Session With Flurry of Actionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31451https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31451Cale BattlesThe legislature is rapidly drawing to a close for the 2025-26 session. Here's a quick overview of legislation of interest to State Bar members.2026-02-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolSnowy350x234.jpgLegislature Closes Out 2025-26 Session With Flurry of Actionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31451Family Law Income Change Notification Bill Becomes Lawhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31416https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31416Lynne DavisA new law signed by Gov. Evers will require both parties in a child support or maintenance order to exchange information on substantial changes in income.2026-01-26 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/IncomeExchange1200x630.jpgFamily Law Income Change Notification Bill Becomes Lawhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31416Helpful Tips to Keep Up With the 2026 Spring Legislative Sessionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31402https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31402Devin MartinFollowing the legislature can get overwhelming. Here's a list of helpful tips to keep up with the Capitol in the busy spring legislative session.2026-01-12 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolForwardStatue350x234.jpgHelpful Tips to Keep Up With the 2026 Spring Legislative Sessionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31402Divorce by Affidavit Bill Signed as WI Act 40https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31356https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31356Lynne DavisA new law drafted by the State Bar's Family Law Section will allow for some parties who have legal representation to complete a divorce by affidavit, saving time and money and lowering stress for those involved.2025-12-08 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/DivorceByAffidavit1200x630.jpgDivorce by Affidavit Bill Signed as WI Act 40https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31356Nominations Open for the 2026 Jurist Awards!https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31358https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31358Nominations for the 2026 Jurist Awards are now open! Send in your nominations for Judge of the Year and Lifetime Jurist before January 31, 2026. 2025-12-08 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/LadyJusticeCloseup350x234.jpgNominations Open for the 2026 Jurist Awards!https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31358Legislators Introduce Bill to Increase Exoneree Compensationhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31303https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31303Lynne DavisWisconsin currently has some of the lowest statutory caps for compensation for exonerees in the nation. Legislators have introduced a bill to increase these limits and bring justice to those wrongfully convicted.2025-11-10 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/ExonereeLeaving350x234.jpgLegislators Introduce Bill to Increase Exoneree Compensationhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31303State Bar Issues Receive Renewed Interest in Fall Sessionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31278https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31278Cale BattlesSeveral issues important to the practice of law are being considered by the legislature, including an increase to the number of courts and criminal justice positions, an increase in court fees, and an increase in limits for exoneree compensation.2025-10-27 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolStateStreetFall350x234.jpgState Bar Issues Receive Renewed Interest in Fall Sessionhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31278Rural Wisconsin Needs a New Crop of Attorneyshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31267https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31267Devin MartinWith two thirds of all Wisconsin attorneys living in urban areas, rural Wisconsinites can sometimes struggle to find legal help. The State Bar is working to help get lawyers to rural areas, and lawmakers can help by creating incentives. 2025-10-13 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CornHarvest2_1200x630.jpgRural Wisconsin Needs a New Crop of Attorneyshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31267Renewed Hope for 'Raise the Age' Effortshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31230https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31230Lynne DavisWisconsin is one of only three states in the country that still treat 17-year-olds as adults for criminal prosecution. The State Bar's Board of Governors hopes to change that.2025-09-22 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/JuvyJustice1200x630.jpgRenewed Hope for 'Raise the Age' Effortshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31230Turning 18: A Legal Guidehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31214https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31214Devin MartinA new chapter of life brings new legal rights and responsibilities. A brief legal guide and resources can help parents and new legal adults navigate this exciting new phase of life. 2025-09-08 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/18%20Birthday%20350x234.jpgTurning 18: A Legal Guidehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31214Any Given Session Dayhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31179https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=311792025-08-11 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolAerial_350x234.jpgAny Given Session Dayhttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31179Governor and Legislative Leaders Reach Compromise, Pass Budgethttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31129https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31129Cale Battles & Lynne DavisNegotiations between Gov. Evers and legislative leaders led to compromises over the final budget, which was signed into law July 3.2025-07-14 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapSkylineSunset1200x630.jpgGovernor and Legislative Leaders Reach Compromise, Pass Budgethttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31129Governor and Legislative Leaders Find Compromise to Finish Biennial Budget Impassehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31117https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31117Cale BattlesLegislative leaders and Governor Evers were able to work out a bipartisan agreement on the biennial budget after a deadline passed on June 30. Here's where issues that affect State Bar members stand. 2025-07-01 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolFromHamilton1200x630.jpgGovernor and Legislative Leaders Find Compromise to Finish Biennial Budget Impassehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31117Summer Budget Updatehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31102https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31102Devin MartinThe Joint Finance Committee voted to recommend funding for pay progression and new positions for criminal justice staff. A decision on civil legal aid funding was postponed.2025-06-23 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/CapitolSummerTerrace350x234.jpgSummer Budget Updatehttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31102Lawmakers Recognize Need for New Criminal Justice Positionshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31072https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31072Devin MartinOngoing, sustainable investment is needed in Wisconsin's criminal justice system. The best way to ensure that happens this budget cycle is for lawmakers to hear from you.2025-06-09 00:00:00https://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/PublishingImages/Article%20Images/EmptyCourt1200x630.jpgLawmakers Recognize Need for New Criminal Justice Positionshttps://www.wisbar.org/NewsPublications/RotundaReport/Pages/Article.aspx?ArticleID=31072