AB 171

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 alleged in the action could have an effect in

Wisconsin.

2. The petitioner or alleged child victim resides or is living temporarily in

Wisconsin.

3. Jurisdiction is otherwise permissible under the constitution of the United

States or of the state of Wisconsin.

If a court has personal jurisdiction on any of the listed grounds and a

respondent has been served but does not appear or file a response or motion asserting

the defense of lack of personal jurisdiction, the bill requires the court to hear the

action.