Evers vetoes bill to tighten parole revocation rules

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Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a bill requiring the Wisconsin Department of Corrections to recommend probation or parole revocation if a previously incarcerated person is charged with a new crime.

The DOC has flexibility currently to decide whether to recommend revoking parole. Judges make the final decision on revoking parole but often follow the DOC recommendations.

“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,” Evers said in his veto letter, adding the requirement would cost $330 million over two years and not improve public safety.

If the bill had become law, the DOC said it would have increased the state’s prison population by about 4,600 people.

The DOC said about 60,000 people are currently out on community supervision in Wisconsin under existing parole and probation rules.

“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,” Evers wrote in his veto statement.

Republicans who backed the bill said the measure would have enhanced penalties on repeat offenders.

Opponents, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Wisconsin, said targeting people charged, but not convicted, of crimes would increase the state’s prison population and do away with due process. Some county sheriffs also expressed concern the bill would increase their jail costs without providing additional financial support.