MADISON – The Parole Transparency Act (PTA), requiring greater notice and reporting of actions of the Parole Commission, was signed into law today. The PTA was authored by State Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) and Representative John Spiros (R-Marshfield) following shocking discoveries of the actions of Governor Evers’ Parole Commission (“Commission”) last summer.
“The way Governor Evers and John Tate ran the Parole Commission was reckless and sometimes illegal,” said Wanggaard. “They ignored public safety, the rights of crime victims and the public, and paid little, if any, attention to the consequences of their actions. With this new law, the Commission will no longer be allowed to operate in secret.”
Under the Parole Transparency Act:
- The Commission must provide 90 days notice to victims of a parole interview.
- Victims are guaranteed the ability to make a statement at that interview if desired.
- The Commission is required to post the paroles granted, denied, and revoked, as well as any and all parole guidance documents, on their website.
- The Commission is required to publish demographic information, including the crimes of those granted parole, on a yearly basis.
- Crime victims who were minors at the time of their victimization must receive notice of a parole hearing and release.
“Shining a light on the Parole Commission is only a start,” said Wanggaard. “This law adds accountability and transparency to the Commission. It doesn’t fix every problem with parole, but it is a good start. I look forward to continuing to improve the parole process to ensure public safety and crime victims are prioritized.”
