2022 WI Supreme Court Decision: Jeffrey Becker et al. v. Dane County et al.

The case addresses the authority of local health officers to issue and enforce public health orders to control communicable diseases, such as COVID-19. The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that state law (Wis. Stat. § 252.03) allows local health officers to take necessary actions, including issuing enforceable public health orders. The court upheld Dane County's ordinance authorizing civil penalties for violations, finding no constitutional conflict. The decision reinforces local governments' ability to act swiftly during public health emergencies while maintaining procedural safeguards to ensure accountability.