State Senate to pass bills targeting heroin use

MADISON (AP) — The Wisconsin Senate is poised to pass a pair of bills designed to combat heroin use.

One would require the Department of Corrections to set up a formal system of quick sanctions short of prison for offenders who violate their parole or probation. The other would require state health officials to create regional opiate treatment centers in underserved areas.

Both measures easily passed the Assembly last month. The Senate is set to take them up on Tuesday.

The bills are sponsored by Republican Rep. John Nygren, whose daughter has struggled with heroin use.

Four other Nygren-sponsored bills addressing heroin use have already passed the Legislature and are awaiting Gov. Scott Walker's signature.