Wisconsin Senate Bill SB839

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/26/23
• Refer: 12/26/23
• Report Pass: 2/6/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Compensation for certain employees of the Department of Corrections who are transferred to the Department of Health Services. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB839 will have a direct impact on the statutes related to employee rights and compensation within state agencies. It consolidates the rights of affected employees, ensuring they are treated equitably in terms of pay, comparable to their counterparts still employed in maximum security facilities within DOC. This legislation promotes financial security for transitioning employees while also facilitating a smoother integration of services between DOC and DHS by managing how compensation is structured for personnel working in similar roles.

Summary

Senate Bill 839 aims to address the compensation rights of specific employees transitioning from the Department of Corrections (DOC) to the Department of Health Services (DHS). The legislation specifically applies to those employees who provide security services at the Wisconsin Resource Center and have been transferred due to a previous budget act. The bill ensures that these employees retain their access to any raises, wage supplements, or enhancements that they would have received had they remained with DOC. This provision continues until they are employed under DHS policies for security operations at the Resource Center.

Contention

Discussions around SB839 may present points of contention regarding the financial implications of this compensation continuity for the state budget, particularly in light of ongoing debates surrounding resource allocation between departments. Supporters argue that it is essential to maintain morale and fairness for employees who are undergoing significant changes in their work environments. However, there may be concerns raised about setting precedents for similar situations in the future, potentially creating a set of expectations around compensation that could have broader budgetary repercussions.