Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB805

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/8/23
• Refer: 12/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

In-person visiting periods for inmates of state correctional institutions and county jails or houses of correction. (FE)

Impact

AB805 is a significant change to how visitation rights are managed within the correctional system in Wisconsin. By legislating the minimum number of visitation periods, the bill seeks to promote the mental well-being of inmates, recognizing the importance of familial connections during incarceration. The requirement for physical embraces at the beginning and end of visits signifies a step towards allowing more humane treatment within correctional facilities. Such changes may also influence reentry outcomes, as stronger family bonds can support successful reintegration into society post-release.

Summary

Assembly Bill 805 aims to enhance the in-person visitation rights of inmates in state correctional institutions and county jails. It mandates that each inmate is allowed at least two visiting periods per week, barring lockdown or solitary confinement situations. The bill requires that inmates can designate up to 25 individuals as registered visitors, who must be officially recognized to visit. This structured process aims to foster emotional ties between inmates and their families while ensuring that institutional security is maintained during visitations.

Contention

Despite these positive intentions, the bill does not come without concerns. Critics worry that the provision allowing physical contact, specifically the requirement for a 20-second embrace, could pose security challenges in correctional facilities. Additionally, the limitation on registered visitors could lead to emotional distress for those left unregistered, potentially impacting dynamics within families of inmates. Opponents fear that such regulations might not account for the complexities of individual inmate situations and could complicate the already delicate balance of security and rehabilitation within the state's correctional systems.