5-29-13 domestic violence legislation

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A legislative committee has unanimously approved a bill giving Wisconsin judges more power to keep domestic abuse suspects in check.  The proposal introduced by Rep. Andre Jacque, R-De Pere, would add stalking, or threatening to stalk, to actions that qualify as domestic abuse.

The bill also specifies that in cases where there is a change of judge, restraining orders issued by the previous judge will remain in effect until the new judge holds a hearing.  Now, temporary restraining orders are lifted when a person requests a hearing from a new judge.  The measure is part of a package of domestic violence legislation that also would clarify police officers' obligations in responding to domestic abuse calls and allow more evidence to be used in investigations.