Bill to Help Prosecute Violent Crimes at Sand Ridge Moves to the Governor’s Desk

Rep. Tony Kurtz and Sen. Howard Marklein author legislation to protect workers at the secure treatment facility in Mauston.

MADISON— Legislation authored by Rep. Tony Kurtz (R-Wonewoc) and Sen. Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green) to protect workers, visitors and patients at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment facility in Mauston has successfully passed both houses of the legislature and is now before Governor Tony Evers for signature.

“District Attorney Hamm asked for our help to protect the workers, visitors and patients at Sand Ridge by closing this known loophole in the law,” Sen. Marklein said. “The state employees, visitors and other patients at this facility deserve the protection of the law.”

“I am proud that we were able to work on this bill on behalf of the people we represent,” Rep. Kurtz said. “Problem-solving legislation like this is one of the main reasons I chose to run for office. This bill passed with full bi-partisan support in both houses.”

Senate Bill (SB) 28 and Assembly Bill (AB) 98 was written at the request of Juneau County District Attorney Kenneth Hamm. The legislation aligns penalties for those who commit battery and are being held at Sand Ridge Secure Treatment facility in Mauston with patients who are officially committed. There was a loophole in the law that prevented the county from charging an individual who is being held before formal commitment with battery. Thus, a patient who attacks an officer, employee, visitor or other inmate during pre-commitment could not be charged.  This legislation changes the law to close this dangerous loophole.

SB 28 now moves to the desk of Governor Evers for signature.