Wisconsin GOP Legislators Propose Restitution Before Voting Bill

Monday, February 13th, 2023 -- 8:01 AM

(Ted Ehlen, WRN) Republicans in the Wisconsin Legislature propose a bill requiring state residents convicted of a felony to pay restitution costs before they can vote.

Current Wisconsin statues have a person convicted of a felony denied the right to vote unless it's restored through a pardon or through the completion of a prison sentence, parole, extended supervision or probation.

Republicans in the legislature say the measure will put victims’ rights before the rights of criminals.  Democrats call it another form of disenfranchisement, pointing out its effect on low-income individuals and people of color.

There’s been no hearing yet on the bill, and one of its sponsors, Two Rivers Republican Representative Shae Sortwell, says if Governor Tony Evers vetoes the bill, he’ll consider moving it into law through a constitutional amendment.

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