MADISON, WI —Senator Rob Hutton (R-Brookfield) reacted today after Governor Evers vetoed Senate Bill 76, legislation that would have placed safeguards on plea bargains in serious criminal cases and limited the use of deferred prosecution agreements.
“Governor Evers’ veto is a victory for violent felons, dangerous reckless drivers, car thieves and abusers who hope to walk away from the consequences their crime, and it’s a defeat for the law-abiding citizens those people prey upon,” Hutton said.
SB 76 required judicial approval before prosecutors can dismiss or amend charges in cases involving violent felonies and other serious crimes. These include illegal firearm possession, domestic abuse, sexual assault, auto theft, crimes against children, and reckless driving resulting in great bodily harm.
The legislation also included a requirement for the courts to annually report to the Legislature on the use of these judicial approvals, increasing transparency and oversight.
The bill added these simple checks in the justice process to address concerns from law enforcement and citizens, who have repeatedly voiced frustration with the “revolving door” of the criminal justice system—where repeat offenders are re-arrested only to be released again without meaningful accountability.
“This is about protecting the public, reinforcing the public’s faith in our justice system, and making it clear that serious crimes will be seriously prosecuted,” Hutton said. “Unfortunately, the Governor’s veto sends the message that consequences for even serious crimes can be avoided through lenient plea deals.”
The veto of SB 76 comes after Governor Evers also vetoed AB 85, which required the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person’s community supervision, parole, or probation if they are charged with a crime while serving their sentence out in the community through one of those release programs.
“This is yet another senseless veto that preserves a status quo where law-abiding citizens feel threatened and repeat offenders feel empowered. It’s frustrating beyond words that innocent children and families in our community will continue to live in fear.”
