SB 177

Under current law, a court may entertain a civil action only when the court has

jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action and over the persons who are served

in the action. Jurisdiction is conferred by the U.S. Constitution, the Wisconsin

Constitution, and by statute.

This bill clarifies when a court has subject matter and personal jurisdiction in

certain actions for restraining orders or injunctions in cases of domestic abuse, child

abuse, or harassment. Under the bill, a court has jurisdiction of the subject matter

to entertain those actions regardless of whether the alleged abuse or harassment

occurred within the state. Under the bill, a court has personal jurisdiction over a

person who is in another state if any of the following applies:

1. The abuse or harassment has an effect in Wisconsin.

2. A petition for a restraining order or injunction has been filed in Wisconsin

and the person does not appear, respond, or file a response or motion asserting lack

of jurisdiction as a defense.

3. If the petitioner or the person resides in Wisconsin or the petitioner is

temporarily living in Wisconsin and the abuse or harassment has an effect in

Wisconsin.

4. Jurisdiction is otherwise permitted under the U.S. Constitution or the

Wisconsin Constitution.