Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB847

Introduced
1/15/26  
Refer
1/15/26  

Caption

An Act to create 301.034 of the statutes; Relating to: written resource guides informing inmates and juveniles in custody of their rights and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The proposed legislation intends to reinforce the civil rights of both adult inmates and juveniles by instituting clear guidelines that must be adhered to by correctional facilities. This includes a thorough explanation of rights during various points of contact with the correctional system, such as entry and transfer. By requiring annual updates to the guides and ensuring accessibility to all inmates, the bill is poised to foster a more informed inmate population, potentially reducing violations of rights and increasing accountability within correctional institutions.

Summary

Senate Bill 847 seeks to establish comprehensive written resource guides for inmates and juveniles in custody, detailing their rights within state correctional institutions and county jails. The bill mandates that the Department of Corrections (DOC) and county sheriffs maintain and regularly update these guides, ensuring that they provide accurate and accessible information regarding the rights of individuals in their facilities. This proactive measure aims to enhance awareness of rights among incarcerated individuals, a demographic often vulnerable to violations due to a lack of information.

Contention

While the bill has significant support for its objective of improving inmate rights, points of contention may arise regarding the implementation and funding required for the establishment and maintenance of these resource guides. Critics may argue that the effectiveness of such guides remains to be seen and that resources could be better allocated elsewhere. Additionally, concerns could be raised about whether the guides will genuinely improve conditions within correctional facilities or serve as a mere formality that does not yield substantial change.

Companion Bills

WI AB860

Crossfiled An Act to create 301.034 of the statutes; Relating to: written resource guides informing inmates and juveniles in custody of their rights and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB860

Written resource guides informing inmates and juveniles in custody of their rights and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB708

Telecommunications service access by inmates and juveniles and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB731

Telecommunications service access by inmates and juveniles and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB742

Inmate access to transparent windows and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SJR113

Custody of the county jail and its inmates (first consideration).

WI HB1729

relative to the creation of a centralized enterprise resource planning service, and making an appropriation therefor.

WI SB743

Minimum wage for all inmates and residents of state correctional institutions and county jails and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB727

Personal hygiene products for inmates of state correctional institutions and county jails and houses of correction and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB1191

Relating to informing others of their rights.

WI AB706

An act to add Article 12 (commencing with Section 4773) to Chapter 10 of Part 2 of Division 4 of the Public Resources Code, relating to forestry.

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