I am again vetoing this bill in its entirety because, as I stated previously in my veto message for 2019 Assembly Bill 805, I object to the unfunded mandate that such revocation would impose on the Department of Corrections, which would move Wisconsin in the wrong direction on criminal justice reform without improving public safety. This bill is estimated to have a fiscal impact of more than $330 million in just the first two years and hundreds of millions of dollars in unknown, ongoing costs to state taxpayers in the years to follow. This significant price tag does not include construction costs to build additional state correctional facilities, which would likely be needed, or take into account the fiscal impact on local governments. This fiscal impact is particularly untenable on the heels of the legislature significantly underfunding existing operations at the Department of Corrections in the most recent state budget.
Wisconsin should be investing in data-driven, evidence-based programming that addresses barriers to reentry, enhances educational and vocational opportunities for individuals who will be released after completing their sentence, and provides treatment for mental health and substance use issues, which will help to reduce recidivism and save taxpayer money while improving public safety.
I look forward to working with the Legislature to ensure Wisconsin finally starts to invest in evidence-based solutions to improve community safety, reduce the likelihood that dangerous criminals will reoffend, and, ultimately, save taxpayer dollars in the long run.
Respectfully submitted,
TONY EVERS
Governor
_____________
I am vetoing Assembly Bill 87 in its entirety.
This bill creates additional barriers to restoring an individual's constitutional right to vote based on certain previous criminal convictions. The right to vote is a fundamental core value of our democracy. In Wisconsin, when an individual completes their court-ordered sentence, their constitutional right to vote is restored without any additional barrier or process. This bill would create additional barriers to make it harder for individuals who have completed their sentences to have their right to vote restored. My promise to Wisconsinites has always been that I will not sign legislation that makes it harder for eligible Wisconsinites to cast their ballot. I will continue to keep that promise.
I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to creating new barriers that could prevent individuals who have completed their court-ordered sentence from having their right to vote restored. I am also vetoing this bill because I object to limiting the discretion of judges to address the circumstances in front of them by creating a separate restitution procedure for certain crimes. I am concerned that this provision of the bill would set a precedent that would elevate some crime victims over others.
I remain steadfast in my support for crime victims and survivors and the services, programs, and providers they need to recover, be successful, and thrive. I will continue to pursue and advocate for the necessary, significant investments they need and deserve. I look forward to working with the Legislature during this legislative session to support crime victims and survivors, reduce recidivism, and improve community safety.
Respectfully submitted,
TONY EVERS
Governor
_____________
I am vetoing Assembly Bill 269 in its entirety.
This bill would create a new legal framework for application-based drivers (defined as drivers that provide delivery or transportation services through a digital network) that exempts them from state minimum-wage, unemployment insurance, and worker's compensation laws if certain conditions are met. The bill would also authorize network companies to offer optional portable benefit accounts through approved financial service providers and to provide voluntary insurance coverage to eligible drivers.
I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the bill's definition of independent contractor status in the absence of any guaranteed benefit for workers. App-based drivers are a growing segment of Wisconsin's workforce and changes to independent contractor definitions are a serious endeavor–one that demands substantive conversations among several parties, including with both management and workers, in order to achieve an appropriate and balanced policy that all sides can support.
As this bill was under consideration by the Legislature and was moving through the legislative process, my administration asked both stakeholders and legislators to ensure adequate time for that robust dialogue and engagement to reach consensus and compromise. Unfortunately, the Legislature declined to meaningfully provide that opportunity, choosing instead to send this bill to my desk anyway.
I am open to finding a pathway to portable benefits; however, such a solution must be thoughtful, benefit workers, and be created through a process in which workers and management have the opportunity to participate, collaborate, and reach agreement. My veto today will allow time for these important conversations to occur so Wisconsin can find a path forward.
I remain committed to ensuring that Wisconsin's workers are treated with dignity and respect and that, as our economy evolves, we pursue balanced policies that embrace innovation and new economic opportunities while upholding Wisconsin's proud tradition of supporting the workers whose labor contributes to and ensures our state's economic success.
Respectfully submitted,
TONY EVERS
Governor
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Reference Bureau Corrections
11. Page 2, line 13: delete “advance” and substitute “advanced”. _____________
11. Page 2, line 13: delete “advance” and substitute “advanced”. _____________
Speaker's Communications
August 11, 2025
Representative Todd Novak
Room 310 North, State Capitol
Madison, WI 53708
Dear Representative Novak:
hist207940Pursuant to Assembly Rule 42 (3)(c), with your permission as Chair of the Local Government committee, I will remove Assembly Bill 312 from the committee, and refer the bill to the Campaigns and Elections committee. hist0Please contact my office with any questions. Sincerely,
ROBIN J. VOS
Assembly Speaker
_____________
Communications
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on July 30, 2025:
hist207735Representative Snodgrass added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 158, relating to: changing the conditions of liability for worker’s compensation benefits for emergency medical responders, emergency medical services practitioners, volunteer firefighters, correctional officers, emergency dispatchers, coroners and coroner staff, and medical examiners and medical examiner staff. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on July 31, 2025:
hist207736Representative Kirsch added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 339, relating to: aid for comprehensive school mental health services and making an appropriation. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 1, 2025:
hist207764Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 263, relating to: coverage of breast cancer screenings by the Medical Assistance program and health insurance policies and plans. hist207765Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 360, relating to: small law enforcement agency grant pilot program. hist207766Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 368, relating to: prior authorization for coverage of physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, chiropractic services, and other services under health plans. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 7, 2025:
hist207869Representative J. Jacobson added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 258, relating to: license eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 6, 2025:
hist207818Representative Mayadev added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 263, relating to: coverage of breast cancer screenings by the Medical Assistance program and health insurance policies and plans. hist207819Representative Subeck added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 370, relating to: crime victim notification cards. hist207820Representative Subeck added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 376, relating to: rehired annuitants. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 8, 2025:
hist207884Representative Joers added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 255, relating to: assisted living facility referral agencies and providing a penalty. hist207886Representative Mayadev added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 381, relating to: perimenopause and menopause education. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 11, 2025:
hist207953Representative Udell added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 264, relating to: certain limitations on claiming the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 13, 2025:
hist207974Representative Goodwin added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 141, relating to: provisional social worker certificates and licenses. hist207975Representative Goodwin added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 222, relating to: a sustainable aviation fuel production tax credit. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 14, 2025:
hist207984Senator Marklein added as a cosponsor of Assembly Bill 360, relating to: small law enforcement agency grant pilot program. _____________
The Chief Clerk received the following coauthor and cosponsor requests on August 15, 2025:
hist208007Representative Neubauer added as a coauthor of Assembly Bill 301, relating to: grants to mental health clubhouses and making an appropriation.
