Wisconsin Governor Restores Prison Sentence Commutations

Evers signs executive orders to revive state's clemency process after 30-year hiatus.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:09pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of a lone prison guard tower standing tall against a backdrop of warm, golden sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of contemplation and the possibility of redemption.Governor Evers' executive orders aim to provide a meaningful pathway for incarcerated individuals to earn a second chance through the state's restored clemency process.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed two executive orders to restore the state's process for commuting prison sentences, making him the first governor to do so in three decades. The orders establish new guidelines for considering clemency, including that the individual must have served at least half of their incarceration term or 20 years of a life sentence, and have a record of rehabilitation and good behavior.

Why it matters

This move by Governor Evers aims to provide a pathway for incarcerated individuals to potentially have their sentences reduced, which could help address issues of overcrowding in the state's prison system and give offenders a chance at redemption. Wisconsin has not had an active clemency process in 30 years, making it an outlier compared to other states.

The details

The executive orders signed by Evers establish new criteria for the state's pardon advisory board to consider clemency applications. Applicants must have served at least half of their sentence or 20 years of a life sentence, and demonstrate a record of rehabilitation and good behavior while incarcerated. The orders also create a new Office of Pardons and Sentence Commutations within the governor's office to oversee the process.

  • Governor Evers signed the executive orders on April 3, 2026.
  • Wisconsin has not had an active clemency process in 30 years, since the 1990s.

The players

Tony Evers

The current Governor of Wisconsin, who has signed executive orders to restore the state's process for commuting prison sentences.

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What they’re saying

“It's time for Wisconsin to join red and blue states across the country in providing a meaningful pathway for incarcerated individuals to earn a second chance.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

The new clemency process established by Evers' executive orders will go into effect immediately, with the state's pardon advisory board beginning to review applications from eligible incarcerated individuals.

The takeaway

Governor Evers' decision to revive Wisconsin's clemency process after a 30-year hiatus represents a significant shift in the state's approach to criminal justice reform, providing hope and opportunity for offenders who have demonstrated rehabilitation and good behavior during their incarceration.