Gov. Evers signs trio of bills into law

MADISON, Wis. (Civic Media) – Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers has signed three more bills into law this week, bringing the total number of bills signed this legislative session to four.

On Thursday, Evers announced that he signed Assembly Bill 28, now 2023 Wisconsin Act 4, which reclassifies county jailers differently under the Wisconsin Retirement System in order to provide the same benefits as state correctional officers and other law enforcement agents.

Evers said that the move will help in recruiting and retaining jailers.

“Ensuring adequate and safe staffing in our county jails and across our justice system is critical to keeping our communities and our state safe, and I appreciate the bipartisan work that happened with local leaders and stakeholders over the years to bring this bill to fruition,” Evers said.

The bill was unanimously passed in the Assembly and Senate.

On Wednesday, Evers signed two bills into law. Assembly Bill 67, which is now 2023 Wisconsin Act 2, eliminates the end date for Wisconsin Merit scholarships, which are awarded to Wisconsin high school graduates that are entering their freshman year at a University of Wisconsin system school.

“The Wisconsin Merit scholarship is the only state-funded merit-based scholarship that goes to UW System students, and since 2020 alone, this program has helped nearly 300 students afford to reach for their academic and career goals,” Gov. Evers said. “Eliminating the sunset date will ensure we can continue to support Wisconsin students and encourage our own home-grown talent to stay here in Wisconsin.”  

Senate Bill 75, which is now 2023 Wisconsin Act 3, modifies statues relating to pre-trial release and bail to implement the constitutional amendment ratified by statewide referendum on Tuesday.

“While I’m signing this bill today consistent with the will of the people, I also want to be clear that these changes alone will not solve the challenges facing our justice system,” Evers said.

On Monday, Evers signed the first bill of his second term, which gives local governments more tools to help reduce reckless driving.