Wisconsin Legislature Introduces Bill Creating Hotline for Hiring

September 6, 2023

The legislation would create toll free hotline to assist employers hire people with a criminal record.

Wisconsin Legislature Introduces Bill Creating Hotline for Hiring

Introduced by the Joint Legislative Committee, chaired by Senator Mary Felzkowski (Irma), Senate Bill 169 would direct the Department of Workforce Development to establish and maintain a toll free hotline to assist employers who may be interested in hiring individuals with a criminal record. The Senate Committee on Labor, Regulatory Reform, Veterans and Military Affairs has recommended Senate Bill 169 for passage, 4-1. Senator Felzkowski said the hotline would be a one-stop shop for employers to learn about incentive programs available, access resources the state may provide for employers who choose to hire former offenders and connect them with appropriate work related programs. The Legislative Council Study Committee on Increasing Offender Employment Opportunities, chaired by Senator Felzkowski, recommended the concept of an employer hotline by a vote of 20-0. According to testimony before by Senator Felzkowski, Senate Bill 169 will help employers tap into this pool of potential employees and enable individuals looking to reenter society to do so with a much greater chance of success. “If this hotline helps ease the concerns of even one uncertain employer it will help pave the way for a former offender to gain stable employment that puts them on the right track, restores their self-reliance, their dignity, and keeps them from circumstances that may lead them to re-offend.” The Committee has recommended Senate Bill 169 for passage, 4-1.

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State:

Wisconsin

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