AB 1040 requires all public and private school boards, including charter schools, to maintain an easily accessible on-site supply of opioid antagonists (medication used to reverse opioid overdoses) at every school they oversee. It creates a grant program funded by a $100,000 appropriation increase for fiscal year 2026-27, allowing schools to purchase these antidotes to comply with the new requirement. The law takes effect on September 1, 2026, directly affecting school administrators and staff responsible for implementing this safety measure. This bill focuses on making life-saving medication readily available in schools without specifying outcomes or advocating for policy positions.
SB 1013 requires all public and private schools, including charter schools, to maintain an on-site, easily accessible supply of opioid overdose reversal medication. Schools must ensure this supply is available at all times to address potential opioid overdoses on campus. The bill also appropriates $100,000 for fiscal year 2026-27 to fund grants helping schools purchase this medication, effective September 1, 2026.
AB 904 creates immunity from prosecution and parole/probation revocation for people who seek help during a suspected overdose (aiders) and offers treatment-based alternatives instead of jail for the person experiencing the overdose (aided persons). Specifically, aiders who get help immediately after seeing someone overdose cannot lose parole or face charges for drug possession under certain circumstances. Aided persons can avoid prosecution by completing a treatment program or serving 15 days in jail if treatment isn't available, with prosecutors required to offer deferred prosecution tied to treatment. The bill applies to offenses involving controlled substances, paraphernalia, or masking agents directly related to overdose assistance.
SB 889 creates legal immunity for individuals who assist someone experiencing a drug overdose and for the person receiving that assistance. Aiders (those seeking help during an overdose) cannot lose parole/probation or face prosecution for drug possession charges if they seek help "as soon as practicable" after recognizing the overdose. Aided persons (overdose victims) can avoid prosecution or parole revocation by completing a treatment program or accepting a deferred prosecution agreement that requires treatment. The bill directly affects people involved in overdose situations and shifts consequences from criminal penalties toward treatment for related drug offenses.
AB 304 provides $1 million in state funding to Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan for renovating an existing facility in Chippewa Falls to create a 50-bed treatment center specifically for men with substance use disorders. The grant will cover costs for purchasing and remodeling the Libertas Treatment Center to provide recovery services. This bill directly affects men in Chippewa Falls seeking treatment for substance use disorders and the organization operating the facility. The legislation authorizes the Department of Administration to disburse the funds in the 2025-26 fiscal year.
AB 73 creates a new statute (Chapter 798) to formally recognize two types of specialized court programs in Wisconsin: treatment courts and commercial courts. Treatment courts (e.g., drug, mental health, veterans courts) address underlying issues like addiction to reduce recidivism through treatment and supervision, while commercial courts handle business disputes more efficiently. The bill establishes these dockets within the existing court system, requiring judges to receive specialized training and operate using graduated sanctions and rewards. It directly affects courts handling these case types, aiming to improve outcomes for participants and streamline dispute resolution.
AB 404 establishes and funds the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, which provides direct support services to veterans in need. The bill appropriates state funds to cover outreach, counseling, and recovery resources for veterans facing challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, or unemployment. It directly affects veterans seeking these services and the state agencies or community organizations delivering them. The program’s implementation is contingent on the approved budget allocation, with no policy changes beyond the funding mechanism. As a fiscal bill, it focuses on resource allocation rather than new legal requirements.
SB 308 allocates $1 million in state funding to Lutheran Social Services of Wisconsin and Upper Michigan to purchase and renovate an existing facility in Chippewa Falls. The grant will create a 50-bed treatment center specifically for men with substance use disorders who need recovery services. The bill directs the Department of Administration to award this grant in the 2025-26 fiscal year. It directly affects men in Chippewa Falls seeking substance use treatment by providing a dedicated facility. The key mechanism is the state grant covering facility acquisition and renovation costs.
AB 178 creates a new state grant program to fund county and tribal programs that offer treatment alternatives to jail for people facing criminal charges related to substance use or mental health issues. It requires these programs to use evidence-based treatment, integrate mental health services, and include graduated incentives for participants. The bill directly affects criminal defendants with substance use disorders or mental illness who qualify for these programs, as well as counties and tribes receiving grants. Key provisions include mandating collaboration between courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and health agencies to develop and oversee the programs, while exempting participants in approved programs from losing good time credit in jail.
SB 396 increases funding for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by $512,900 for fiscal year 2025-26 (adding 7 staff positions) and $602,800 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly expands services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs by authorizing additional staff to support outreach and recovery efforts. The bill makes specific appropriations to the department without creating new program requirements or altering eligibility. It affects veterans seeking outreach services and the department’s capacity to deliver them.
