An earlier, bipartisan bill (AB446/SB445) threatening free speech by adopting the IHRA definition of antisemitism seems to have stalled due to heavy pushback. This new bill changes its target from antisemitism to terrorism, but threatens speech in the same way.
ALERT DETAILS
This coming Wednesday January 14, the Wisconsin Assembly is set to consider AB672, 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
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