Legislating Humane Treatment of Wisconsin Prisoners

Three of Wisconsin’s largest prisons, Waupun, Green Bay and Stanley correctional institutions have been in what the Department of Corrections euphemistically calls “a state of modified movement,” but most would call “lockdown.”  In October, inmates at Waupun filed a lawsuit in federal court, claiming that deteriorating conditions amounted to “cruel and unusual punishment.”  The suit describes prisoners denied health care, infestations of roaches and rats, and prohibitions against prisoner movement. These conditions have resulted in at least two deaths at the prison, including one suicide.  Ryan Clancy represents Wisconsin Assembly District 19, which includes much of eastern Milwaukee.  On November 2, Clancy and other legislative Democrats introduced a package of “Conditions of Confinement” bills to seek to restore humane treatment at Wisconsin’s prisons.

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