The new bill authored by State Rep. Scott Allen seeks to refine venue criteria in civil actions, focusing on residency and business location for courts in Wisconsin, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “determination of where a defendant resides or does substantial business for purposes of venue”.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, the bill aims to amend existing statutes regarding venue determination in civil actions in Wisconsin. It specifies that a court cannot consider the participation of parties joined to a civil case or special proceeding, whether necessary or permissive, when determining proper venue based on where a defendant resides or conducts substantial business. Additionally, the bill clarifies that business entities are considered to reside in their place of incorporation or organization and are deemed to conduct substantial business only in the county of their principal place of business. These changes are intended to refine the criteria used to establish venue in legal proceedings involving business entities and joined parties.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), Representative Robert Brooks (Republican-59th District), Representative Rob Kreibich (Republican-28th District), Representative Dave Maxey (Republican-83rd District), and Representative Jerry L. O’Connor (Republican-60th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Howard L. Marklein (Republican-17th District) and Senator Romaine Robert Quinn (Republican-25th District).
Scott Allen has co-authored or authored another 50 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Allen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in 1989 with a BA.
Allen, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state’s 82nd Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Chuck Wichgers.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB225 | 04/23/2025 | Determination of where a defendant resides or does substantial business for purposes of venue |
| AB216 | 04/23/2025 | The amount and distribution of the real estate transfer fee, grants under the land information program, real property recording notification systems, and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB183 | 04/15/2025 | Standard industrial classification codes for linen supply and industrial launderers and modifying the manufacturing and agriculture tax credit. (FE) |
| AB148 | 03/17/2025 | Interpreter action by telephone or live audiovisual means in civil or criminal proceedings |
| AB104 | 03/05/2025 | Prohibiting gender transition medical intervention for individuals under 18 years of age |
| AB89 | 02/28/2025 | Theft crimes and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| AB86 | 02/28/2025 | Imposing the penalty of life imprisonment for the crime of child trafficking and providing a penalty. (FE) |
| AB84 | 02/28/2025 | Prostitution crime surcharge and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB81 | 02/28/2025 | Excluding expenditures funded by referenda from shared costs for the purpose of determining equalization aid for school districts. (FE) |
| AB69 | 02/24/2025 | The sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use. (FE) |
| AB67 | 02/24/2025 | Venue for actions in which there is a governmental party |
| AB65 | 02/24/2025 | Entering certain places with intent to commit battery and providing a penalty |
| AB60 | 02/24/2025 | Referendum questions for certain referenda that affect property taxes. (FE) |
| AB55 | 02/24/2025 | Possession of a firearm on school grounds by school employees and fees for licenses to carry a concealed weapon. (FE) |
| AB40 | 02/17/2025 | School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB39 | 02/17/2025 | Requiring state employees to perform their work at the offices of their employer |
| AB37 | 02/17/2025 | Personalized registration plate fees for gold star family special registration plates. (FE) |
| AB20 | 02/06/2025 | Allowing certain married persons to claim the earned income tax credit when filing a separate return. (FE) |
| AB19 | 02/06/2025 | Increased penalties for crimes against adults at risk; restraining orders for adults at risk; freezing assets of a defendant charged with financial exploitation of an adult at risk; sexual assault of an adult at risk; and providing a penalty |
