WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 847

Relating to: grants for alternatives to prosecution and incarceration programs for persons with mental illness and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Bare and 19 co-sponsors

Wisconsin would fund mental health diversion programs to redirect individuals with mental illness away from prosecution and incarceration toward treatment alternatives.

Fiscal estimate received
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 847

Legislative bill overview

AB 847 proposed state grants to fund alternatives-to-prosecution and alternatives-to-incarceration programs specifically serving individuals with mental illness in Wisconsin. The bill included a fiscal appropriation to support these diversion initiatives, which aim to redirect people with mental health conditions away from the criminal justice system toward treatment and support services.

Why is this important

Mental illness is significantly overrepresented in the criminal justice system, where incarceration often worsens outcomes and increases recidivism. Diversion programs can reduce incarceration rates, lower criminal justice costs, improve health outcomes, and address root causes of criminal behavior through treatment rather than punishment.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding allocation: Determining adequate appropriation levels and how funds should be distributed across municipalities and program types, especially in resource-constrained state budgets
  • Program eligibility and screening: Debates over how to identify qualifying individuals and whether programs might divert people who could be safely handled through other means
  • Public safety concerns: Opposition from law enforcement or communities worried that diversion programs inadequately protect public safety or hold individuals accountable for criminal conduct

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.