Wisconsin Assembly to vote on prison guard abuse bill

Guards at Wisconsin’s troubled youth prison would be required to report child abuse under a bill the state Assembly is set to consider.

The proposal up for a vote Wednesday would make guards at the prison in Irma mandatory child abuse reporters. That would protect them from retaliation for reporting incidents. Workers in nearly 30 other professions are considered mandatory reporters under Wisconsin law.

The FBI is currently investigating allegations of widespread abuse at the prison. No one has been charged yet but the allegations have driven several state prison officials to resign or retire.

The Senate approved the bill in March. Assembly approval would send the measure to Gov. Scott Walker.