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Wisconsin: Stop Assembly Bill 672! Stop Attacks on Freedom of Speech and Expanded Surveillance! – Contact Legislators and Gov. Tony Evers NOW!

ALERT DETAILS

This coming Wednesday January 14, the Wisconsin Assembly is set to consider AB 672, a bill that would dangerously curtail freedom of speech and increase options for government surveillance of individuals in Wisconsin.  

The bill has been fast-tracked and will be considered by the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety in an executive session this Wednesday, January 14.  No public testimony will be taken, so it is essential to contact committee members and your own representatives IMMEDIATELY in opposition to the bill.

A companion measure, SB650, has been introduced in the Senate, though no committee hearing has been set.

If passed into law AB 672 would enhance penalties for Wisconsin citizens accused of “acting as an agent of a foreign government or terrorist organization with the intent to silence or punish persons for their political views.” 

This extremely broad and vague language means that the law can be used to suppress free speech and to justify greatly expanded government surveillance of Wisconsin residents purely based on their political opinions.

The bill would endanger the right to hold and express opinions that differ from those of the party currently in power and constitutes a grave threat to democracy and freedom of speech.   Passage of AB672 would end the protections of the First Amendment in Wisconsin.

You can read the text of AB 672 at https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/proposals/ab672.pdf

Because the bill has been fast-tracked, it is urgent that as many people as possible contact their own representatives, and also contact the Democrats on the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety and ask for an assurance that they will vote no. 

And because the Republican majority may succeed in passing AB 672 it is vital that the Governor’s office hears a clear message requesting that he veto the bill and prevent it from becoming law.

CALL YOUR OWN REPRESENTATIVE

If you don’t know who that is, you can find out at maps.legis.wisconsin.gov.Enter your home address in the search bar at the top of the page and hit enter.  Or use https://myvote.wi.gov/en-us/My-Elected-Officials

CALL THE FIVE DEMOCRATIC MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE ON CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

Ask what they are going to do to stop this bill. Phone calls are best due to the short timeline.

Rep. Jodi Emerson, Eau Claire, 608-237-9191,  888-534-0091 – Rep.Emerson@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep. Steve Doyle , Onalaska, 608-237-9194,  888-534-0094  Rep.Doyle@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep. Tip McGuire , Kenosha, 608-237-9164, 888-534-0064- Rep.McGuire@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep. Sequanna Taylor , Milwaukee,  608-237-9111,  888-534-0011  – Rep.Taylor@legis.wisconsin.gov

Rep. Ryan Spaude, Ashwaubenon ,  608-237-9189,  888-534-0089 – Rep.Spaude@legis.wisconsin.gov

CALL GOVERNOR TONY EVERS

Ask that he pledge to veto this bill if it comes across his desk.

To contact the Governor’s office call 608-266-1212.  To submit a written email, use the form at this link https://wi.accessgov.com/public/Forms/Page/governor/voice-an-opinion

Here is a sample script for calling your representative. Please feel free to personalize it.

“Hi, my name is [YOUR NAME]. I’m calling to urge Representative [NAME] to vote NO on Assembly Bill 672.

This bill is overly broad and threatens free speech. It could be used to target legitimate activists, international students, and peaceful protesters. It’s also fiscally irresponsible – the bill will increase costs significantly with no guarantee the budget can absorb them.

I’m asking Representative [NAME] to vote NO on AB 672. Thank you.