Sen. Carpenter authors Wisconsin Senate bill creating civil rights cause of action

The new bill authored by State Sen. Carpenter in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to allow individuals to sue for civil rights violations under state and federal law, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “establishing a civil cause of action for civil rights violations”.

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill creates a civil cause of action for individuals who experience civil rights violations under U.S. and state constitutions and laws by persons acting under the color of law. It enables those whose rights are deprived, interfered with, or subject to threats, intimidation, or coercion to file suit for damages, injunctive relief, or other appropriate remedies against individuals, the state, or its entities. If a plaintiff prevails, the court is mandated to award reasonable attorney fees and costs. Legal actions must be initiated within six years of the alleged violation. Sections 893.80 and 893.82, which typically apply to governmental notice requirements and lawsuit limitations, are excluded from applicability in these cases. The bill takes effect for causes of action accruing on or after the effective date of the act.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Andrew Hysell (Democrat-48th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), Senator Melissa Ratcliff (Democrat-16th District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), and Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), along 23 other co-sponsors.

Tim Carpenter has authored or co-authored another 63 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.

Carpenter graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1982 with a BA.

Carpenter, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2003 to represent the state’s 3rd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Brian Burke.

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.