Christopher J. Larson, Wisconsin State Senator for 7th District | Facebook
Christopher J. Larson, Wisconsin State Senator for 7th District | Facebook
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), and 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 with 23 other co-sponsors.
Chris Larson has authored or co-authored another 70 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.
Larson graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee in 2007 with a BA.
Larson, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2011 to represent the state's 7th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Jeffrey Plale.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB355 | 06/27/2025 | Establishing a civil cause of action for civil rights violations |
| SB354 | 06/27/2025 | Pursuing liens on federal property if federal aid to the state is withheld under certain circumstances. (FE) |
| SB353 | 06/27/2025 | Withholding state payments to the federal government if federal aid to the state is withheld under certain circumstances. (FE) |
| SB345 | 06/27/2025 | Requiring vehicles to stop for pedestrians at certain intersections and crosswalks |
| SB344 | 06/27/2025 | A refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| SB343 | 06/27/2025 | Requiring bicycle and pedestrian facilities in highway projects and granting rule-making authority. (FE) |
| SB330 | 06/19/2025 | Waiting period for purchase of handguns |
| SB329 | 06/19/2025 | Extreme risk protection temporary restraining orders and injunctions, making an appropriation, and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| SB319 | 06/12/2025 | Designating the rusty patched bumble bee as the state native insect |
| SB314 | 06/04/2025 | The pupil participation limit in the state parental choice program |
| SB233 | 04/29/2025 | Inducements to sign or refrain from signing nomination papers, recall petitions, and certain other petitions |
| SB165 | 03/27/2025 | Eliminating daylight saving time in Wisconsin |
| SB150 | 03/21/2025 | Passing legislation to reduce carbon emissions |
| SB149 | 03/21/2025 | Requiring the legislature to convene an extraordinary session if an executive order of the president of the United States freezes federal aid to the state |
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