The SPD is nearing completion of the agency’s 2013-2015 biennial budget proposal. This means that after what seems like all too short a time, talk of new legislation will soon begin.
The SPD has already been contacted by legislators seeking input on bill drafts that may be offered next session. These contacts have mostly been the result of the work by the Legislative Council Study Committee on the Permanency for Young Children in the Child Welfare System. After more than two years, the Special Committee on Review of Emergency Detention and Admission of Minors Under Chapter 51 is closing in on four separate bill drafts for presentation to the Legislature. We also anticipate legislation from the other committees on which the SPD has representatives: the Special Committee on Supervised Release and Discharge of Sexually Violent Persons and the Special Committee on Legal Interventions for Persons with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.
As part of the budget process and with the start of a new session, the SPD will also consider recommendations to the Legislature on statutory changes to criminal statutes and procedures. As with last session, information on introduced legislation will be available to all SPD staff. If you have thoughts on changes you think would benefit SPD clients, follow up information on the unintended consequences of previously passed legislation, or reactions to introduced bills, please contact me anytime by e-mail or phone.
I also want to congratulate Milwaukee Trial attorney Evan Goyke for his primary election victory for State Representative in the 18th Assembly District and Monroe Attorney Manager Kate Findley on her primary election victory for Lafayette County District Attorney. Best wishes to Evan and Kate in their new roles!
