WI SB837

Creates a 5-year pilot grant program administered by the Department of Justice to fund county and tribal programs providing alternatives to prosecution and incarceration for low-to-medium risk criminal offenders whose mental illness contributed to their involvement with the criminal justice system

Appropriates $1.6 million annually for grants and adds 2.0 FTE positions (program manager and research analyst) at DOJ with $150,000 in fiscal year 2025-26 and $300,000 in fiscal year 2026-27

Eligible programs must use deferred prosecution, restorative justice principles, and evidence-based mental health treatment services certified by the Department of Health Services, while excluding violent offenders from participation

Requires grant recipients to establish oversight committees, submit monthly data and annual reports, and ensure programs provide holistic services including mental health treatment, employment assistance, housing, and family reunification support

Mandates DOJ prepare annual progress reports, a 3-year implementation report, and a 5-year summary outcome report with recommendations on whether to continue, modify, or expand the program