Wisconsin’s commutation process is moving forward — and after decades without a meaningful pathway for commutations, this is an important moment for fair chances and transformational justice in our state. On August 21, the Governor’s Commutation Advisory Board held its first public hearing, hearing directly from 12 people seeking to have their sentences shortened. More than 800 incarcerated people have applied for consideration since Governor Tony Evers restored Wisconsin’s commutation process earlier this year. For people who have spent years — and in some cases decades — incarcerated, these hearings represent something Wisconsin has gone without for far too long: a meaningful opportunity to demonstrate growth, rehabilitation and readiness to return home.
“Commutation hearings give us an opportunity to look beyond a person’s worst moment and hear the full story of who they have become. When we listen to stories of accountability, remorse, growth, and transformation, we are reminded that people are more than the mistakes they made years—or even decades—ago.”
— Sherry Reames, WISDOM Commutations Committee Member
This moment comes as Wisconsin’s prison system has reached a troubling milestone. New reporting shows that Wisconsin’s prison population has reached a record 23,854 people — nearly 6,000 people above the system’s intended capacity. Overcrowding affects incarcerated people, programming, rehabilitation and ultimately our communities. Commutation alone will not solve Wisconsin’s incarceration crisis. But it is one important tool for recognizing that people can change — and that justice must leave room for redemption, rehabilitation and second chances.
The first hearing was a major step, but it was only the beginning. The next Commutation Advisory Board hearing will take place September 18 from 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. CT. Members of the public can tune in virtually here on the Governor’s Commutations YouTube channel and/or WisconsinEye to hear directly from people seeking commutation. As this process continues, WISDOM will keep advocating for a Wisconsin that believes people are more than the worst thing they have ever done. Stay connected with us to learn more; see recent news
In community,
WISDOM’s Commutations Committee