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Bill

SB 847

Relating to: written resource guides informing inmates and juveniles in custody of their rights and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by LaTonya Johnson and 2 co-sponsors

Wisconsin requires correctional facilities to give written rights guides to all inmates and detained juveniles, appropriating funds for development and distribution.

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Bill Summary · SB 847

Legislative bill overview

SB 847 requires Wisconsin to develop and distribute written resource guides to inmates and juveniles in custody that inform them of their legal rights, and appropriates funding to implement this requirement. The bill mandates these guides be provided upon intake into correctional facilities and juvenile detention centers.

Why is this important

Incarcerated individuals often lack access to legal information about their rights, contributing to inadequate legal representation and due process violations. Providing standardized, accessible written guides can reduce knowledge gaps, potentially decrease frivolous claims, improve facility compliance, and empower vulnerable populations to understand their protections under law.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and scope: The appropriation amount and whether funding is sufficient for developing, translating, printing, and updating guides across all facilities statewide
  • Content disputes: Disagreement over which rights to include, how detailed the guides should be, and whether they might inadvertently encourage litigation or grievances
  • Implementation burden: Concerns about administrative workload on correctional staff to distribute and track guide receipt, plus ensuring consistency across diverse facilities

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

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