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April 23, 2007

To:  Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice
Re:  Assembly Bill 260

The Bill.   The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin has consistently opposed legislation that unfairly denies work opportunities for offenders from the criminal justice system.  Wisconsin law allows denial of employment if the circumstances of a conviction relate to the circumstances of the job. This is certainly an appropriate provision which fairly addresses the concerns of businesses. Unlike provisions of Assembly Bill 260, the current law simply does not allow arbitrary discrimination because of a conviction record. 

Who will benefit from the change allowed in AB 260?  Certainly not an ex-offender from the criminal justice system who is seeking employment as a vital step in reintegrating into society.  Ex-offenders will have an even more difficult time finding a job, if having a conviction record is enough of a reason to deny employment.   Denying opportunities for employment to these offenders means there can be no meaningful re-integration into ordinary society, which may then lead to more crimes.  Residents of the community who become the victims of these crimes certainly will not benefit from AB260. The costs of Wisconsin’s correctional policy are already affecting taxpayers at every level and costs will increase with legislation such as this.

We write in opposition to AB 260 not only because it arbitrarily denies employment opportunities but also because the ramifications of this legislation will be detrimental to communities and taxpayers. This legislation does not promote good public policy.

The Process.   The League of Women Voters would also like to express our concern over the manner in which this legislation has been introduced.  There has been almost no opportunity for public input prior to being scheduled for a committee executive session on April 25.  Offering draft legislation and a bare minimum notice of hearing cannot qualify as a reasonable effort to involve public participation.  We sincerely hope this was an oversight, and any future legislative actions will follow appropriate procedure which includes reasonable notice and opportunity for public involvement.