Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB181

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Report Pass: 10/19/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Earned release for inmates upon the completion of an employment readiness training program and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

Impact

If passed, AB181 could significantly alter the landscape of incarceration and rehabilitation in Wisconsin. By allowing inmates to earn early release for completing job training programs, the bill is intended to reduce recidivism rates by equipping inmates with skills that increase their employability post-release. This approach aligns with contemporary correctional philosophies that emphasize rehabilitation over punishment, reflecting a shift towards more humane treatment of offenders. Furthermore, the bill mandates biennial reports from the DOC to track enrollment, completion rates, and recidivism statistics, providing a means to assess the bill's effectiveness over time.

Summary

Assembly Bill 181 (AB181) aims to reform Wisconsin's earned release program by expanding eligibility to inmates who complete an employment readiness training program (ERTP), in addition to those who complete a substance abuse treatment program. This modification seeks to enhance inmates' opportunities for reintegration into society, by facilitating early release based on educational and vocational training achievements rather than solely on substance abuse recovery. The bill directs the Department of Corrections (DOC) to create the necessary administrative rules for this expansion and mandates the inclusion of ERTPs as part of the criteria for early release in the existing statutes.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding AB181, particularly regarding its financial implications and the effectiveness of job training programs. Critics may argue about the allocation of state funds towards implementing and monitoring these training programs, questioning whether they will yield tangible benefits in reducing recidivism. Furthermore, the change may face skepticism regarding the capacity of re-entry programs to genuinely prepare inmates for successful employment in the challenging job market post-release. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, these discussions will likely shape the modifications and support it garners from various stakeholders in the correctional and social justice fields.