Problem-Solving Courts Legislation Advances to Legislature

MADISON – Today the Joint Legislative Council voted in favor of introducing three pieces of legislation drafted last fall by the Legislative Council Study Committee on Problem-Solving Courts, Alternatives, and Diversions.

The Study Committee on Problem-Solving Courts, Alternatives, and Diversions met five times from June to October of 2014 and were assigned the task of reviewing the effectiveness of the 50+ specialty courts operating in Wisconsin. The committee received testimony from numerous treatment court professionals and judges from across the state who provided information about OWI treatment courts, drug and alcohol treatment courts, veterans’ courts, and mental health courts.

The committee was led by former State Rep. Garey Bies (R- Sister Bay) and State Rep. Evan Goyke (D-Milwaukee), who served as Chair and Vice-Chair of the special study committee.

Following today’s Joint Legislative Council meeting Rep. Goyke stated, “I am thrilled that the Council, in an overwhelmingly bi-partisan vote, supported advancement of these three pieces of legislation. My fellow study committee members and I worked very hard in drafting sound proposals that will benefit Wisconsin’s treatment court system and those whom they serve. I have seen firsthand how treatment courts can save lives and make our communities safer, while saving taxpayer dollars.”

The three study committee bills will now be introduced to the full legislature for consideration by the State Assembly and State Senate. All committee materials and complete drafts of the recommendations can be found on the Wisconsin Legislative Council website: http://legis.wisconsin.gov/lc/

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.