Wisconsin Governor Restores Prison Sentence Commutations

Tony Evers signs orders to revive state's process for reducing sentences after 30-year hiatus.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:21pm

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A serene, cinematic painting of an empty prison cell with warm, diagonal sunlight streaming through the bars, conceptually representing the possibility of redemption and a new path forward for incarcerated individuals.Governor Evers' executive orders on sentence commutations offer a glimmer of hope for eligible inmates seeking a second chance.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 new orders establish criteria for inmates to be eligible for sentence commutations, including serving at least half their term or 20 years of a life sentence, and demonstrating a record of rehabilitation and good behavior.

Why it matters

This move by Governor Evers represents a significant shift in Wisconsin's criminal justice approach, as the state has not had an active process for sentence commutations in 30 years. The orders aim to provide a pathway for eligible inmates to have their sentences reduced, potentially impacting hundreds of incarcerated individuals and their families.

The details

Under the new executive orders signed by Evers, inmates must meet several requirements to be considered for sentence commutation, including serving at least half of their incarceration term or 20 years of a life sentence, and maintaining a record of rehabilitation and good behavior during their time in prison. The orders establish a Pardon Advisory Board to review applications and make recommendations to the Governor.

  • Governor Evers signed the executive orders on Friday, April 3, 2026.

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 our country and finally move our justice system into the 21st century.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

The new commutation process will begin accepting applications from eligible inmates, with the Pardon Advisory Board reviewing cases and making recommendations to Governor Evers.

The takeaway

Governor Evers' executive orders represent a significant shift in Wisconsin's criminal justice approach, providing a pathway for eligible inmates to have their sentences reduced after decades without an active commutation process. This move aligns Wisconsin with other states that have embraced more progressive sentencing policies aimed at rehabilitation and second chances.