Wisconsin Senate Bill SB392

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/25/23
• Refer: 8/25/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Performance grants based on improving employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision. (FE)

Impact

The implementation of SB392 is expected to fundamentally alter the financial incentives for regional probation and parole offices in Wisconsin. These offices will be able to access funds that can only be utilized for enhancing supervision and rehabilitative services. At least 85% of the granted funds must be spent on services intended to improve the capabilities of these offices to implement evidence-based practices, potentially leading to increased employment rates and reduced recidivism. Additionally, the bill requires comprehensive reporting and tracking of employment outcomes, enabling ongoing assessment and adjustments to strategies as needed.

Summary

Senate Bill 392 aims to improve employment rates for individuals on probation, parole, or extended supervision by establishing a performance grant program. The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections award specific grants to adult probation and parole offices based on their success in raising employment rates. The formula for determining grant amounts uses historical employment data, comparing current rates against a baseline established from the years 2019 to 2022, thereby incentivizing regional offices to focus on increasing employment outcomes for these individuals.

Contention

While the bill is largely aimed at fostering positive outcomes through employment, there may be points of contention regarding the allocation of resources and the effectiveness of the methods prescribed. Some stakeholders may argue about the adequacy of funding levels, particularly if performance measures fail to reflect the complexities of individual cases. There may be concerns regarding how strictly the outcomes are defined and measured, as well as the impact of factors outside the offices' control on employment rates. It remains to be seen whether the incentivization model effectively addresses the underlying issues faced by individuals on probation, which require a multi-faceted approach beyond employment alone.