Pardon Advisory Board hears dozens of applicants and moves to closed session to deliberate

The Governor's Pardon Advisory Board heard more than two dozen applicants on Sept. 13 as the board took public testimony and asked follow-up questions before moving into closed session to deliberate on recommendations to the governor.

Deputy legal counsel Leslie Frihill opened the hearing, reviewed the application questions and timeline for notification, and reminded applicants that the board's public questioning does not substitute for its review of full application materials. Frihill told applicants that the board requires a majority of members present to recommend a pardon and that the governor will make the final decision.

Applicants described a range of convictions from the 1970s through the 2000s and emphasized rehabilitation, steady work and community service. Joshua Lutsky told the board that he completed probation and treatment and that “a major reason that I would like to receive a pardon is, I feel like it's held me back in gaining more meaningful employment for myself.” Brandon Holmes said he had recently been disqualified from housing after checking the felony box on an application, and that the immediate rejection came via email following minimal follow-up. Stacy Nelson said she has worked as a truck driver and earned a paralegal certificate and asked that the board consider the ways a pardon would remove employment restrictions affecting her family.

Board members probed applicants on outstanding restitution, victim impacts and collateral consequences. Several applicants—among them James Hartley, who described a conviction from the early 1990s—said a pardon would restore rights they view as important for family and recreation, including hunting. The board repeatedly noted that district attorneys or sentencing judges had reviewed and in many cases signaled support for applications; Reverend Jerry Hancock and others asked applicants how that support made them feel.

Toward the end of the public session, the board voted to move into closed session under Wisconsin Statute a7 19.85(1)(a),(b) and (f) to deliberate about specific applications and to consider applicants' medical, social and financial histories. Chief Ray moved the motion, and Judge Kremers seconded; no board members voiced opposition. The board paused the livestream so staff could move participants into the closed session. Frihill told applicants that they would be notified of the governor's decision in about one to two months.

The board's deliberations in closed session will determine which applications are forwarded to the governor for final consideration. The public portion of today's hearing lasted several hours and centered on applicants' statements about why they believe a pardon would remove ongoing barriers to employment, housing and other activities.