Robert Wirch, Wisconsin State Senator for 22nd District | www.facebook.com
Robert Wirch, Wisconsin State Senator for 22nd District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill expands the scope of treatment alternatives and diversion (TAD) programs funded by grants from the Department of Justice, allowing them to offer services for individuals with mental illnesses in addition to those with substance use disorders. These programs provide alternatives to prosecution and incarceration, aiming to reduce recidivism and promote public safety. The bill mandates collaboration between the Department of Justice, the Department of Corrections, and the Department of Health Services in grant administration. Changes to existing statutes include revised grant program titles to encompass mental illness and stipulations that the involved treatment programs comply with established evidence-based practices. The bill emphasizes communication and integration among service providers and legal entities, including regular updates within program oversight committees, to ensure effective operation and participant compliance. The effective date of the bill is not specifically mentioned.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Paul Tittl (Republican-25th District) Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Dean Kaufert (Republican-53rd District), and Representative Rob Kreibich (Republican-28th District), along three other co-sponsors.
Robert W. Wirch has co-authored another 10 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Wirch graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Parkside in 1970 with a BA.
Wirch, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 1997 to represent the state's 22nd Senate district, replacing previous state senator Joseph F. Andrea.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB153 | 03/21/2025 | Expanding the treatment alternatives and diversion programs. (FE) |
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