Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB183

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/20/23
• Refer: 4/20/23
• Report Pass: 10/19/23
• Refer: 10/19/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Establishing and operating community reentry centers and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB183 will introduce significant changes to how individuals reintegrate into society after incarceration. Community reentry centers are designed to provide comprehensive support services that aim to reduce recidivism and assist individuals in transitioning to a productive life. The centers are mandatory to operate in regions with high rates of incarceration releases, ensuring that the most affected areas receive necessary support.

Summary

Assembly Bill 183 aims to establish and operate community reentry centers in Wisconsin to support individuals being released from state correctional institutions. The bill mandates the Department of Corrections to contract with at least one nonprofit organization, for-profit entity, or public agency to create these centers, which will serve as initial points of contact for various essential services including health, housing, financial, employment, education, and supervision. The bill outlines the criteria for selecting organizations to run these centers and emphasizes the importance of accessibility for the target population.

Contention

While the bill is widely supported as a step towards improving the reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals, there may be concerns regarding funding and resource allocation. Although the bill creates appropriations for community reentry centers, it does not specify funding amounts, which could lead to challenges in implementation. Furthermore, the success of these centers will heavily depend on the ability of contracted organizations to collaborate effectively and provide the required services comprehensively.