AB 830

This bill adds inmates who complete a vocational readiness training program

while incarcerated to the earned release program. Under current law, if an eligible

inmate successfully completes a substance abuse treatment program, the inmate

becomes eligible for parole or release to extended supervision regardless of the time

the inmate has served. Under the bill, an inmate may become eligible for parole or

release to extended supervision regardless of the time the inmate has served if, while

incarcerated, he or she successfully completes an educational, vocational, treatment,

or other qualifying training program that is evidence-based to reduce recidivism.

Under the bill, an inmate may qualify to participate in the earned release program

if he or she is incarcerated for a crime other than a violent crime and if the

Department of Corrections or the sentencing court determines that the inmate is

eligible.

This bill requires DOC to prepare an annual report on the program, including

data on participation and rates of recidivism of participants and the cost savings that

resulted from the program. Under the bill, DOC is required to use the cost savings

to fund educational, vocational, treatment, or other qualifying programs.

This bill also requires DOC to prepare a report on the aging and elderly

population in Wisconsin's prisons and to evaluate possible options for alternatives

to prison for that population.