2-28-18 senator says lincoln hills bill has a chance

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — A key Republican state senator says the juvenile justice overhaul bill that unanimously passed the Assembly could also clear the Senate with no opposition.  But Sen. Alberta Darling said Tuesday senators must feel like they are involved in the process, are comfortable with the $80 million cost of the bill and that the plan will reduce recidivism and increase public safety.  Darling commented after a hearing in which former critics of the plan, the Wisconsin Counties Association, testified that their concerns had been addressed. Two groups representing Wisconsin’s sheriffs also registered in support of the measure just before the hearing began. Republican Senate Majority Leader Scott Fitzgerald has said he had serious concerns with the bill, but also said closing the troubled Lincoln Hills prison could garner unanimous support.