An Eastern Wisconsin State Senator wants to promote “problem-solving courts” through two Senate bills.
De Pere Republican Andre Jacque created the bills to promote efficiency and enhance public safety in the state justice system by establishing specialized ‘problem-solving courts in state law and providing mental health treatment to offenders.
Senate Bill 275 would help treatment and commercial courts to reduce recidivism, increase public safety, and relieve pressure on the court system by focusing on criminal justice resources on violent offenders who pose the greatest risk and need to be removed from communities.
Senate Bill 11 would expand the Wisconsin Treatment Alternative and Diversion or TAD grant program to include mental health diagnoses.
Jacque says, According to the Wisconsin Department of Justice, 97% of TAD graduates stay out of prison after completing the program.
Both bills need to pass through the Wisconsin Legislature before possibly being approved by Governor Tony Evers.
