summary
Introduced
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
In Committee
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill provides that any legislator who is a member of a standing committee of the legislature with jurisdiction over matters related to the Department of Corrections must be provided immediate access, upon request, to a tour of any state correctional institution that includes the residential areas, prison cells, meal areas, and discussions with inmates. The bill also provides that any employee of a political subdivision who, in the course of his or her employment, is responsible for the oversight of a county jail must be provided immediate access, upon request, to a tour of any county jail under his or her oversight or any county jail that has at least one person in custody who is a permanent resident of the geographic region that the employee’s position oversees that includes the residential areas, prison cells, meal areas, and discussions with inmates. For purposes of the bill, “immediate access” means access with less than 24 hours’ notice. Access may be denied only if it is between the hours of 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. or if the requester has already had 12 access requests fulfilled in that calendar year. A person who is denied immediate access between 9 p.m. and 6 a.m. must be provided access between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., and a person who is denied immediate LRB-5498/1 CMH&MJW:wlj 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 713 access because he or she has already had 12 requests fulfilled in that calendar year must be provided access within 72 hours. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill creates a new statute that provides immediate access to state correctional institutions and county jails for specific legislators and oversight employees. Under the bill, any legislator who is a member of a legislative committee overseeing the Department of Corrections can request a tour of a state correctional institution with less than 24 hours' notice, which must include access to residential areas, prison cells, meal areas, and the ability to speak with inmates. Similarly, employees of a political subdivision (defined as a county, city, village, or town) who are responsible for county jail oversight can request a tour of jails under their supervision or jails housing inmates from their region. Access can only be denied during nighttime hours (9 p.m. to 6 a.m.) or if the requester has already had 12 access requests fulfilled in the calendar year. If access is denied during nighttime hours, the facility must provide access between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m., and if access is denied due to exceeding the 12-request limit, the facility must provide access within 72 hours. The bill aims to enhance transparency and oversight of correctional and detention facilities by ensuring that authorized officials can conduct timely inspections and investigations.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (13)
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Francesca Hong (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 01/13/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb713 |
| Fiscal Note - SB713: Fiscal Estimate From DOC | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb713/sb713_doc.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB713.pdf |
Loading...