Josh Kaul

Sexual Assault Bill Becomes Partisan Issue

Bipartisan bill ready to pass but gets hijacked by Republicans adding provisions on school choice, ICE.

Redistricting Fight Is One Year Away

So why are Evers and Democrats putting spotlight on it now?

Cheese Factory in Wood County Allegedly Steals More Than $20,000 from 83 Farmers

AG Kaul Joins Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration for Gutting Safety Protections for Chemical Accidents

Evers Signs Order for Redistricting Commission

Nonpartisan effort to avoid gerrymandering, but Republicans vow to do their own maps.

AG Calls Out GOP Lawmaker

Kaul urges legislator to work on sexual assault kit bill.

AG Kaul, State Patrol, & DCF Announce Partnership with Convenience Store Industry to Combat Human Trafficking

Federal Probe Charges 37 Drug Traffickers

Search warrants executed in Milwaukee, Puerto Rico result in seizure of larges stashes of drugs, guns and money.

AG Kaul Announces DCI Investigation Leads to Cocaine, Heroin and Fentanyl Trafficking Charges Against 26 People

State Reaches Settlement with PayPal Charitable Giving Fund, Inc. to Ensure Donors Have Adequate Information When Making Charitable Donations

Assembly Health Committee Fails to Act on Sexual Assault Kit Legislation

What’s Going on With Voting List Purge?

A scramble in the courts and an uncertain future.

The Return of Texas v. U.S.

Case could kill ACA, leave 18 million without health insurance. Which states would be hurt most?

Judge Asked to Hold State in Contempt

Conservative group wants 200,000 names purged from voting list, but Elections Commission awaits higher court rulings.

Elections Panel Deadlocks Again on Voting List Purge

While court decision ordering purge appealed, state elections commission’s members evenly divided by party.

Top 10 Political Stories of 2019

Lots of drama in last year of the decade. Which were the biggest stories?

AG Kaul Issues Victim Restitution for 267 Wisconsin Consumers

What Is State Doing About School Security?

$96.2 million for security upgrades and training. Has that addressed the problem?

Evers Orders National Guard Leader to Resign

Governor calls for sweeping changes in how sexual assault and harassment is reported, investigated.

AG Kaul Statement on National Guard Report and Reforms

"I support Governor Evers’ swift response to the National Guard Bureau Office of Complex Investigations report, with his issuance of Executive Order #62."

State Must Address Sexual Assault Issue

Will Legislature pass bipartisan bill to assure backlog of rape kits doesn’t recur?

Another Conviction After Testing of Backlogged Sexual Assault Kits; Minocqua Man Imprisoned for Child Sexual Assault

This crime carries a potential maximum sentence of up to 60 years consisting of 40 years initial confinement and 20 years extended supervision.

Kaul Pushes Assembly for Rape Kit Bill

AG wants legislation to ensure no more backlog of untested sexual assault kits.

School Shootings Raise Safety Concerns

Evers and Kaul lament problem. “Kids shouldn’t fear for their life at school.”

AG Kaul Urges Assembly Health Committee to Hold Public Hearing on Legislation to Prevent Future Backlog of Untested Sexual Assault Kits

"This legislation will help prevent another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Sexual Assault

Leroy Whittenberger is a serial sexual offender and has three prior sexual assault convictions from Lincoln and Marathon counties. Law enforcement and local advocacy service providers from those counties were instrumental in bringing about these new convictions.

Sawyer County Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Multiple Arsons on Reservation

“Thanks to the investigators and prosecution team whose work resulted in a conviction on every count charged.”

Stevens Point Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Wife’s Death

"This sentence ensures that the defendant who committed this horrible crime will be incarcerated for a long time, if not for the rest of his life."

Lawsuit Targets State’s Student Voter ID Laws

National advocacy organization argues unconstitutional age-based discrimination creates barriers for young voters.

Attorney General Kaul Joins Amicus Brief in Support of Promised Student Loan Debt Forgiveness for Public Servants

According to these public servant borrowers and federal government reports, the U.S. Department of Education has committed pervasive errors in administering the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

AG Kaul Announces Testing Complete for All Kits Designated for Testing and New SAKI Grant Awarded

As of November 20, 2019, testing is complete for all kits designated for testing in the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative.

Kaul Opposes Enbridge Oil Pipeline

Wisconsin attorney general backs Michigan against oil pipeline through Great Lakes waters.

High Court Candidates Argue Role of Politics

Incumbent Supreme Court Justice Dan Kelly spars with opponents Jill Karofsky, Ed Fallone.

AG Kaul Announces 3 Counties and 1 Tribe to Establish Treatment Courts; 7 Counties to Expand Current Treatment Alternatives and Diversion Programs

Clergy Sexual Abuse Cases Still Rising

170 to date in state, but some dioceses and religious orders still won’t confront problem.

Attorney General Kaul Joins Lawsuit against EPA for Attacking Advanced Clean Car Standards

“Today’s filing is part of the multi-state effort to protect the ability of states to keep leading the fight against climate change.”

Legislature Passing Few Bills

Assembly and Senate seldom in session. Just 21 bills passed in 2019 while typical average is more than 300.

Legislators Can’t Intervene in Abortion Case, Court Says

Leaves Attorney General Kaul to defend state in Planned Parenthood challenge to GOP-passed abortion law.

Republicans Dismiss Governor’s Special Session

Two houses immediately adjourn session on guns. They lack “the courage” to take on issue, Evers says.

State Collects 30 Tons of Unused Drugs

Attorney General Josh Kaul, 277 police agencies in state worked on 2019 Drug Take Back Day.

Wisconsin Collects More Than 30 Tons of Unused Medications During Drug Take Back Day; Ranks Second in Nation

Statewide 280 law enforcement agencies hosted Drug Take Back events and collected disposed drugs from 476 permanent drug disposal boxes at law enforcement agencies across the state.

Legislators May Hike Public Defenders Pay

Plan would more closely align state public defenders’ pay with that of state prosecutors.

AG Kaul Hosts Policy Summit on Emergency Detention and Mental Health

Barrett, Moore to Lead Growing DNC Team

19 honorary chairs round out Milwaukee 2020 leadership.

State Supreme Court Reviews Lame Duck Laws

Justices question both sides in challenge to laws reducing powers of governor, attorney general.

AG Kaul Joins Lawsuit Challenging Rollback of Endangered Species Act Regulations

"The Trump administration’s decision to adopt rules weakening the Endangered Species Act is unwarranted and unlawful."

AG Kaul Joins 29-State Coalition Requesting Secretary DeVos Discharge Student Loans for Closed Schools

“People who had the misfortunate of attending a school that was mismanaged shouldn’t be saddled with debt for their unfinished degree.”

Rep. Anderson Votes Against His Own Accommodation. Why?

Republicans pass controversial rule changes, and accommodation for quadriplegic lawmaker, on party line votes.

AG Kaul Praises Passage of Sexual Assault Kit in Senate Committee, Calls for Assembly Action

"Thank you to the state senators who have moved Wisconsin closer to passing legislation that is designed to help prevent another backlog of untested sexual assault kits."

Wisconsin Not Settling With OxyContin Manufacturer

Attorney General continuing suit against Purdue Pharma, as other states opt for settlement.

Evers’ Requests AG Opinion on State Agency Rule making

This is the first request made public on the DOJ's website that allows for public opinion.

Legislature May Debate Few Fall-Session Issues

Short fall legislative session doesn't leave a lot of room for action on major issues.

AG Kaul Opens Public Comment Period for Request for an Attorney General Opinion on Agency Rulemaking Authority

The public comment period will be open for 30 days.

Kaul Slams Food Assistance Cuts

Attorney General joins counterparts from 23 states to oppose the cuts.

AG Kaul Joins 24-State Coalition Opposing Trump Rule that Would Take Food Assistance Away from Millions of People

"This proposed rule is nothing short of cruel."

Rep. Anderson in Support of Extreme Risk Protection Orders

"We are long overdue for common-sense measures like Extreme Risk Protection Orders."

Republican Inaction Ignores Urgency of Gun Violence Crisis

Extreme risk laws are proven to have saved lives in other states

Rep. Robyn Vining Backs Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation

"I stand with Governor Evers, Attorney General Kaul, and my colleagues in support of extreme risk laws, as we continue to work towards a safer Wisconsin, one with less tragedies caused by gun violence."

Democrats Announce Extreme Risk Protection Order Legislation to Prevent Suicide and Gun Violence

Gov. Evers, Attorney General Kaul join Rep. Sargent and Sen. Taylor in supporting extreme risk protection orders

AG Kaul Supports Legislation to Provide Benefits to Survivors of Fallen Officers

"Thank you to the members of the legislature who are working to advance this legislation."

Kaul Rejects Settlement with Oxycontin

Attorney General says estimated $12 billion settlement with 23 states doesn’t go far enough.

Conflicts of Interest Abound as Wisconsin Republicans Play Politics With State Settling Lawsuits

More Fallout From Wisconsin Republicans’ Post 2018 Election Loss Tantrum as Billions At Stake in Opioid Lawsuits

Kaul Says Lame Duck Law Costs Taxpayers

AG says legislative oversight stalls cases, makes lower settlements for taxpayers likely.

Attorney General Kaul Joins 49 Attorneys General in Google Multistate Bipartisan Antitrust Investigation

“We must ensure that competition over technological innovation and privacy protections isn’t stifled.”

Democrats’ Bill Repeals Lame Duck Law

Would end new requirement that Attorney General get Legislature’s approval for lawsuits.

GOP Bungling Could Cost Wisconsin Taxpayers Millions

Republican Lame Duck Laws Continue to Obstruct State A.G.

Lame Duck Laws Hurting the State

Tying hands of Attorney General stalls 15 lawsuits, could cost taxpayers millions.

Questions Swirl Around State Budget Committee Republicans’ Hiring of Lawyer/Lobbyist at Taxpayer Expense

Republicans’ Proposed Solution to the Mess They Made is a Farce

Lame Duck Laws Opposed Overwhelmingly

Records show Legislature fielded nearly 48,000 contacts from people and 98% opposed lame duck laws.

Guilty Verdicts in Two Violent Firearms Cases in Milwaukee County

“Vigorously prosecuting violent offenders like the defendants in these cases makes communities safer.”

Unanimous Senate Committee Vote on Hemp Bill

Bipartisan bill would make pilot program for growing hemp in the state permanent.

Evers Tours UWM, Touts Freshwater Goals

The governor lauds freshwater programs, promises state funding for them.

GOP Legislators Hire Private Attorney In Clash With AG

15 state lawsuits have been stalled by legislators' dispute with Kaul over confidentiality agreement.

First Conviction Issued After Testing of Backlogged Sexual Assault Kits

Leroy Whittenberger is a serial sexual offender and has three prior sexual assault convictions from Lincoln and Marathon counties.

Sen. Alberta Darling’s Corrupt Lame Duck Law Puts Settlement Funds At Risk

Attorney General Kaul blocked by Joint Finance Republicans from settling lawsuit

Serious Flaws in Republican Lame Duck Laws on Display in Joint Finance Committee

"Today, we witnessed the real life consequences of legislating solely with the intent to retain power at any cost."

State Treasurer Backs Climate-Friendly Investing

“We believe in science” and “investment in renewable energy," Godlewski declares.

Gov. Evers Signs Executive Order #41 Recreating the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council

AG Kaul Joins 51 Attorneys General and 12 Companies in Fight Against Illegal Robocalls

“The volume of robocalls that people receive needs to be reduced dramatically.”

Polk County Man Sentenced to 5 Years in Prison, 5 Years of Extended Supervision for Methamphetamine Possession with Intent to Deliver

The conviction was obtained with assistance from the St. Croix Falls Police Department and Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Sawyer County Man Receives Maximum Sentence for Threatening Local Criminal Justice Officials and Family

“This case sends a clear message that people who threaten the safety of others face severe consequences.”

Wisconsin finally joins the fight against climate change

State government demonstrates its commitment to clean energy

Rep. Gordon Hintz: Statement on Universal Background Checks

"The public has an expectation that government should do everything possible to reduce the likelihood of gun violence, which has become far too common across the country."

The Time for Universal Background Checks is Now

"81% of voters support background checks."

Representative Lisa Subeck Joins Governor Evers, Democratic Colleagues Introducing Universal Background Check Legislation

"No family should have to worry that they or their children will be harmed by gun violence."

Wisconsin Democrats Announce Universal Background Checks Bill, Call on Republicans to Act

Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Barnes, Attorney General Kaul join Rep. Sargent and Sen. Johnson in supporting universal background checks.

State Officials Concerned About Spy Balloons

Pentagon surveillance of Wisconsin, other midwestern states, raises issues for Kaul, Sargent.

Pentagon Spy Balloons Watching State

Program tested in six midwestern states, may provide “perfect surveillance”.

6 Questions for Legislators on Guns

How many state residents have guns? How many favor background checks, other laws?

America Needs “Red Flag Laws”

Laws would allow judges to prohibit a person from having or buying firearms in certain circumstances.

Attorney General Kaul Joins Bipartisan Coalition of 43 Attorneys General Urging Video Streaming Industry to Protect Young Viewers from Tobacco

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of middle and high school students using e-cigarettes rose from 2.1 million in 2017 to 3.6 million in 2018.

Rep. Hintz: Statement on Gun Violence Prevention

"The United States is the only country that experiences mass shootings at this level. It’s not even close."

AG Kaul Launches Abuse in Later Life Program

“This program aims to improve coordination and to enhance the ability of communities to prevent and to respond to elder abuse.”

State Teachers’ Union Still Has Clout

Its membership more than cut in half, but still one of biggest donors to Democratic candidates.

GOP Suit Slaps Kaul on Lame Duck Laws

AG contests lawsuit, calling it “attempt to undermine public safety in Wisconsin.”

Legislature Asks Wisconsin Supreme Court to Require Attorney General Kaul to Comply With Law

Kaul refusing to follow previous ruling in SEIU vs. Vos

AG Kaul Announces New Data from the Wisconsin Sexual Assault Kit Initiative

As of July 31, 2019, 1,016 kits with foreign DNA identified have been added to a national database of DNA profiles, out of 4,471 tested sexual assault kits.

AGs Argue that Federal Legislation is Urgently Needed to Fight Widespread “PFAS” Contamination

"Drinking water contamination can result in serious public health problems."

Will Wisconsin Decide the 2020 Election?

All signs suggest this state could determine whether Trump wins reelection.

50 Attorneys General Secure $600 Million from Equifax in Largest Data Breach Agreement in History

On September 7, 2017, Equifax, one of the largest consumer reporting agencies in the world, announced a data breach affecting more than 147 million consumers— nearly half of the U.S. population.