Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB230

Introduced
4/14/23  
Refer
4/14/23  
Report Pass
5/23/23  

Caption

Requirements for releasing a prisoner to parole or extended supervision. (FE)

Impact

SB 230 aims to enhance the rights of victims within the parole process and to ensure community safety by requiring psychological evaluations for prisoners before their release. These evaluations will inform the parole commission's decisions, promoting a more informed and cautious approach to granting parole. Moreover, local police and sheriff departments are granted the discretion to notify the public about a released inmate deemed dangerous, which is an additional measure for safeguarding community interests. These changes could significantly alter the landscape of parole in Wisconsin, specifically impacting the dynamics of victim rights and public safety protocols.

Summary

Senate Bill 230, introduced in 2023, focuses on the requirements for releasing prisoners on parole or extended supervision in Wisconsin. The bill introduces significant changes to existing laws regarding victim participation in release hearings, notification protocols, and psychological assessments. This legislation mandates that a victim has the right to make an oral statement during a hearing, potentially employing visual aids, to impact the decision on an inmate's release. Additionally, the bill necessitates that victims receive notification of potential releases 30 days prior instead of the current seven days, granting them more time to prepare for the implications of such releases.

Contention

The bill has not been without contention, as concerns have been raised about the potential implications for inmates' rights. Opponents argue that mandatory psychological evaluations and expanded victim roles in parole hearings might unduly influence decisions, leading to longer prison sentences. Critics assert that such measures could create an imbalance between victim advocacy and inmate rehabilitation, compromising the fairness of the parole system. Furthermore, there are worries regarding the operational capacity of local law enforcement to handle the additional responsibilities stemming from public notifications about released inmates.

Overall_effect

If enacted, SB 230 would represent a substantial shift in how the state approaches prisoner release and victim involvement, reflecting a commitment to victim rights and community safety. However, it also necessitates ongoing discussions about balancing these interests with the rights and rehabilitation of offenders, encapsulating the complexities embedded in criminal justice reform.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB1135

Revocation of probation, parole, or extended supervision and sanctions for violation of a condition or rule or probation, parole, or extended supervision. (FE)

WI AB85

Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE)

WI SB93

Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE)

WI SB882

Sentencing for crimes committed by a person who is under the age of 18.

WI AB895

Sentencing for crimes committed by a person who is under the age of 18.

WI SB1155

Postrelease supervision; revocation of parole, supervision of certain felons, etc.

WI S0614

Parole for Long-term Prisoners

WI SB1786

Parole for Long-term Prisoners:

WI SB469

Relating to the State Board of Parole and Post-Prison Supervision.

WI HB2198

Relating to extended supervision for certain drug offenders

Similar Bills

OK HB2051

Practice of medicine; creating the Supervised Physicians Act; limiting scope of supervised practice; directing specified Boards to promulgate certain rules; requiring collaborative practice arrangements; creating certain exemptions; effective date.

OK HB2051

Practice of medicine; creating the Supervised Physicians Act; limiting scope of supervised practice; directing specified Boards to promulgate certain rules; requiring collaborative practice arrangements; creating certain exemptions; effective date.

CA SB396

Corrections: supervision.

IL SB1785

CD CORR-MSR-SUPERVISION CREDIT

WV HB2198

Relating to extended supervision for certain drug offenders

MS HB1062

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