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WI SB153

WI SB153
Expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE)


summary

Introduced
03/21/2025
In Committee
05/08/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, the Department of Justice, in collaboration with the Department of Corrections and the Department of Health Services, awards grants to counties and tribes that have established qualifying treatment alternatives and diversion (TAD) programs that offer alcohol or drug treatment services as alternatives to prosecution or incarceration in order to reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and reduce prison and jail populations. Under this bill, a program funded by a TAD grant need not focus solely on alcohol and other drug treatment but may provide treatment programs for a person who has any mental illness. LRB-2349/1 MJW:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 153 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill expands treatment alternatives and diversion (TAD) programs in Wisconsin by broadening the scope of grant-funded programs to include mental health treatment, not just substance use disorder treatment. Currently, the Department of Justice awards grants to counties and tribes for programs that offer alcohol or drug treatment services as alternatives to prosecution or incarceration. The bill modifies multiple sections of state statutes to replace references to "substance abuse" with "substance use disorder" and adds language about mental illness, allowing programs to provide treatment for individuals with mental health conditions who have been charged with or convicted of a crime. The legislation requires these programs to use evidence-based practices, provide intensive case management, and integrate mental health services across different government agencies and organizations. The goal is to create more comprehensive treatment options that can help reduce recidivism, promote public safety, and decrease prison and jail populations by addressing underlying mental health and substance use issues that may contribute to criminal behavior.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (11)

Last Action

Fiscal estimate received (on 01/26/2026)

bill text


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