Dean Kaufert, Wisconsin State Representative for 53rd District | Official website
Dean Kaufert, Wisconsin State Representative for 53rd District | Official website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "immunity from prosecution for certain crimes based on assisting a victim of sexual assault, extending the time limit for prosecution of second-degree sexual assault, and the standard for terminating residential residency when tenant is the victim of sexual assault".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill expands legal immunity to individuals assisting victims of sexual assault, protecting them from prosecution for certain drug-related offenses if they seek emergency help or report the assault. It provides similar immunity to assault victims if evidence of drug offenses is gathered during their report or assistance request. Additionally, it prohibits revocation of release conditions based on offenses covered by this immunity. The bill extends the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault from 10 to 20 years and allows residential tenants who are sexual assault victims to terminate tenancy without fiancial liability, provided they offer certified legal notice. It also shields underage persons from alcohol-related penalties when reporting or seeking help for sex offenses.
The bill was co-authored by Sen. Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District), Rep. Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Rep. Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Rep. Russell Goodwin (Democrat-12th District), and Rep. Alex R. Joers (Democrat-81st District). It was co-sponsored by Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Sen. Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), and Sen. Melissa Ratcliff (Democrat-16th District), along with nine other co-sponsors.
Dean Kaufert has co-authored or authored another 63 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with two of them being enacted.
kaufert graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point.
kaufert, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 53rd Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Michael Schraa.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB414 | 08/29/2025 | Immunity from prosecution for certain crimes based on assisting a victim of sexual assault, extending the time limit for prosecution of second-degree sexual assault, and the standard for terminating residential residency when tenant is the victim of sexual assault |
| AB302 | 06/06/2025 | Authorized lights for funeral procession vehicles |
| AB258 | 05/19/2025 | License eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices |
| AB253 | 05/08/2025 | Independence accounts. (FE) |
| AB176 | 04/15/2025 | Financial eligibility for the Alzheimer’s family and caregiver support program. (FE) |
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