Josh Kaul

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.

Legislators Want to Protect ACA Coverage

Laws needed to assure health coverage continues if courts overrule it, Democrats say.

Norbertine Release of Credibly Accused Priest Sex Offenders Raises More Questions than Answers

The release from the Norbertines includes the names of 22 priests that church officials, including the current Abbot and several former Abbots of the religious order, knew had sexually assaulted children in the Green Bay diocese.

AG Kaul Announces Transparency Reforms to Opinion Process

“With the changes announced today, we are making the AG opinion process transparent and open to input from the public.”

State Legislature Must Take Action to Protect Health Coverage

Wisconsinites with pre-existing conditions, marketplace health insurance, at grave risk of having coverage taken away by conservative federal judges

Planned Parenthood Lacks Capitol Clout

Millions spent on campaign donations and lobbying since 2010, but many laws it opposed passed.

Ag Kaul Urges Federal Government to Ensure Equal Access to Shelters

In addition to allowing discrimination, the coalition said the rule change will also make shelter access nationwide inconsistent.

Treasurer Godlewski and BCPL loan over $14 million to Wisconsin communities

The largest of the eleven loans approved today is to finance referendum projects for the Verona Area School District that is worth over $6 million.

Kaul Embraces Opens Records Policy

State Attorney General settles lawsuit, changes predecessor's policy of withholding emails.

DNA Evidence Backlog Greatly Reduced

Effort to reduce backlog yields results. Evers and Kaul want more funding for crime lab.

State Supreme Court Upholds Lame-Duck Laws

The conservative majority not persuaded by arguments that extraordinary session was unconstitutional.

Statement of Attorney General Kaul on Death of Two Police Officers

"The loss of two police officers—two people who worked to keep communities safe—is a tragedy."

AG Kaul Gets More than $5.5 Million in Debt Relief for Former ITT Tech Students in Wisconsin

Students with questions about their rights under the agreement will receive information in the notices that are sent.

AG Kaul Seeks Preliminary Injunction Against Trump Administration to Stop Health Care Discrimination

This motion is part of an ongoing lawsuit that the coalition of 23 cities and states filed against HHS in May 2019.

Accused Polluter a Big Campaign Donor

Johnson Controls International’s subsidiary accused of releasing hazardous chemicals, contaminating drinking water.

Jury Convicts New Richmond Man for Killing Son

The evidence presented at trial established that on April 14, 2018, Kayle Fleischauer killed Chase Fleischauer.

Gov. Evers Announces Pardon Advisory Board, Establishes Pardon Process

The Governor’s Pardon Advisory Board will review eligible applications and make recommendations to Gov. Evers on who to grant a pardon to.

AG Kaul Joins Amicus Brief Opposing the Federal Government’s Request for Emergency Stay of Preliminary Injunction in Sierra Club v. Trump

Wisconsin is part of a coalition of 20 states in a related lawsuit and has a direct interest in seeing the preliminary injunction maintained.

High Court Reinstates Lame Duck Laws

State Supreme Court will keep most of the laws in effect while it decides on appeals to them.

AG Kaul & Coalition Advise FTC on Consumer Protection on Digital Platforms

"Federal and state authorities must work together to protect competition while ensuring that consumer data and privacy are not left by the wayside."

Wisconsin Joins Multi-State Coalition to Block T-Mobile and Sprint Megamerger

States allege merger is anticompetitive and will drive-up prices for consumers throughout the country

Attorney General Kaul Reacts to Joint Finance Committee Vote on Wisconsin Department of Justice Budget

"...I look forward to working together with members of the Legislature and with Governor Evers as the budget process moves forward."

Rep. Sargent’s Lonely Pro-Pot Campaign

Democrat has pushed for full legalization for years, with few politicians joining her. Until now.

AG Kaul Statement Following Sentencing Hearing in Barron County

"The defendant in this case received the appropriate sentence: life imprisonment."

Jury Convicts Two Ashland County Men of First-Degree Intentional Homicide

Sentencing has not been scheduled.

AG Kaul and 50 AGs Call on Trump Administration to Discharge Student Loans for Disabled Veterans

"Discharging the student loans of veterans who are permanently disabled is the right thing to do—and it’s what the law requires."

Kaukauna Man Sentenced to Lengthy Prison Sentence for Role in Four Heroin and Fentanyl Overdoses

"As this case shows, the Wisconsin criminal justice system will not go easy on drug dealers preying on those struggling with addiction."

Attorney General Kaul Joins Coalition of 23 Cities And States Suing Trump Administration To Stop Rule Allowing Discrimination in Providing Health Care

"The federal government shouldn’t be making it more difficult for patients to get needed health-care services."

Republicans Intend to Intervene and Stop Liberal Groups from Undermining Act 10

"We aren’t picking this fight – once again a liberal group is trying to change laws that have been passed by the Legislature and previously upheld by the courts."

State Filing Suit Against Opioid Manufacturer

AG Josh Kaul alleges Purdue Pharma ignited the epidemic of drug overdoses, deaths related to Oxycontin use.

Attorney General Kaul Files Lawsuit to Hold Purdue Pharma Accountable for Role in Opioid Crisis

After years of inaction by previous administration, Kaul and Evers take decisive steps

Conservatives Argue Against Lame-Duck Lawsuit

Right-leaning members of Wisconsin Supreme Court skeptical in oral arguments on lawsuit challenging lame-duck session before Evers took office.

AG Kaul Announces Wisconsin, Four Other States, File Lawsuits Against Purdue Pharma

Wisconsin’s lawsuit, filed in Dane County Circuit Court, seeks a permanent injunction, abatement of the public nuisance, and civil penalties.

AG Kaul Joins 44-State Coalition in Antitrust Lawsuit Against 20 Generic Drug Manufacturers for Conspiracy to Fix Prices and Allocate Markets for More Than 100 Different Generic Drugs

"The complaint in this case alleges wide-ranging anti-competitive conduct that resulted in inflated prices for prescription drugs."

Bipartisan Coalition of 38 AGs Urge Congress to Pass Legislation Allowing Marijuana-related Business to Access the Banking System

“Ensuring that businesses that are operating lawfully under state law have access to the banking system will improve public safety.”

Woodruff Man Pleads Guilty for Aiding in Murder of Lac du Flambeau Man

“DOJ and other agencies continue to seek justice in this important case.”

Kaul Sides With Environmentalists in Cases

Attorney General reverses DOJ position on lawsuits over dairy farm expansion, high-capacity wells.

Federal Court Grants Wisconsin’s Withdrawal from Case Challenging WOTUS Rule

“By withdrawing from this lawsuit, we’ve ended the State of Wisconsin’s involvement in an effort to weaken the protection of our water.”