In a move that could reshape Wisconsin’s criminal justice landscape, Governor Tony Evers has initiated the state’s first commutations in over two decades. This decision marks a significant departure from the trend set by previous governors, both Democrat and Republican, who have left the commutation power unused.
Reviving Commutations in Wisconsin
Governor Evers announced on Friday the issuance of two executive orders establishing a new advisory board to guide him on commutation decisions. This initiative aims to adjust prison sentences, parole terms, and periods of extended supervision under the authority granted by the state’s Constitution.
Since 2001, when Republican Governor Tommy Thompson last exercised this power, commutations have been notably absent in Wisconsin’s justice system. Governor Evers’ efforts to reintroduce this process come amid growing calls for reform and a desire to modernize the state’s correctional practices.
Addressing Overcrowding and Reform
Governor Evers highlighted the urgency of reforming the justice system to enhance public safety, reduce recidivism, and alleviate taxpayer burdens. “It’s time for Wisconsin to join red and blue states across our country and finally move our justice system into the 21st Century,” Evers stated.
Despite Evers’ initial campaign promise to halve the prison population, Wisconsin’s prisons still house over 23,000 adults, maintaining the numbers since his tenure began. The correctional facilities continue to grapple with overcrowding, a pressing issue that his administration seeks to address.
Political and Community Reactions
As Evers approaches the end of his term, he faces increased pressure from reform advocates to implement commutations. The governor has already issued over 2,000 pardons, surpassing any predecessor in Wisconsin. However, pardons, unlike commutations, do not affect the duration of incarceration.
Groups like Ex-Incarcerated People Organizing of Wisconsin and the State Public Defenders Office have welcomed the governor’s announcement. State Public Defender Jennifer Bias remarked, “For the many Wisconsinites who have done the hard work of redemption and are ready to come home, this is a chance to start anew.”
New Advisory Board and Eligibility
The newly formed Commutation Advisory Board, comprising up to 14 experts in fields such as reentry services and victim rights, will assess commutation applications. Their recommendations will consider factors like public safety, the impact on victims, and the applicant’s rehabilitation progress.
Priority will be given to cases involving individuals sentenced as minors, particularly those serving life sentences. “The human brain doesn’t fully develop until someone’s in their mid 20s,” Governor Evers emphasized in a video message.
Crimes ineligible for commutation include sexual assault, child abuse, and trafficking, among others, as specified by the governor’s office.
