Measure Passed Legislature With Unanimous Vote, Bipartisan Support
Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed a bipartisan bill that would have lifted state restrictions on how close people convicted of sex crimes can live to schools.
The bill, which passed the state Assembly and Senate unanimously, would have repealed a state law that bars sexually violent persons from living less than 1,500 feet from schools, public parks, places of worship or youth centers.
The bill would also have required offenders be placed in their home county after being released from prison or a mandated treatment program.
In his veto message, Evers said the change would have compromised children’s safety.
“Providing as safe of a place as we can for our kids to grow, learn, and play is one of the most vital responsibilities of our society,” his veto message read.
How does a governor veto overturn a unanimous vote by the state legislature?
Evers was hit with an add during his election run up that claimed he’d overlooked or took the side of education professionals who’d been accused of indecent behaviors in schools. The add had case #s to ad authenticity to the ad. His veto here only impacts SVPs, not run of the mill offenders. Never the less affirmative restraint is clearly intended by the 1500 ft. statute.
Popularity does not necessarily equate to constitutional if fact often it the proof of concept. The thought that one is protected by 500 ft and more by 1000 ft is erroneous wishful magical thinking. That a database of bad actors will save you from violence is b completely distorted reality.
Thank goodness California had Jerry Brown, a governor with more compassion and a higher vision for humanity than this two bit political hack. Clearly he has a personal agenda to go against a unanimous vote like that. Would love to see an FBI investigation of him to see what is up.
Does the WI legislature have a means to override a veto? Most states do. Considering it passed unanimously, I don’t see how they could be stopped if they tried. If they don’t I’d have to wonder what their motivations were when they wrote and passed the bill in the first place.