Wisconsin's most serious sex offenders could soon be tracked by the state.
A 2006 law required lifetime GPS tracking for Wisconsin's most serious sex offenders, but budget concerns have held up the system. State Rep. Scott Suder says lawmakers have reached a bi-partisan agreement that will allow the program to move forward. The deal announced Wednesday would implement GPS tracking for about 400 sex offenders by 2008.
Suder says a private contractor will handle the system, which reduces the cost and manpower needed. It's expected to cost the state about $5.8 million to operate and will add an additional 71 positions to run the tracking. However, Suder says contracting out the operations will save the state money, since it won't have to invest in the actual tracking equipment used to keep tabs on offenders.
The agreement also allows the Department of Corrections to require tracking for offenders who move into the state. Suder says the DOC will evaluate offenders who relocate to Wisconsin, to see if they are a big enough risk to warrant tracking.
Governor Doyle is also supporting the agreement. The Legislature's Joint Finance Committee was expected to approve the compromise during its Wednesday meeting.