A bill addressing abuse allegations at Wisconsin's troubled youth prison is gaining traction.
The measure would make guards at the facility outside Irma mandatory child abuse reporters, a move that would protect the guards from being fired for reporting incidents.
The bill sailed through a Senate judiciary committee public hearing Tuesday. Sen. LaTonya Johnson, one of the bill's chief authors, was the only person who spoke on the measure, saying it would create accountability and transparency. The committee expects to vote Thursday on whether to forward the measure to the full Senate.
The FBI is currently investigating allegations of widespread abuse at the prison. Current and former inmates have filed two federal lawsuits challenging conditions there.
The GOP-controlled Legislature has yet to pass anything addressing the prison.