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Republicans Attempt Reform of Appointment Process
A group of Republican lawmakers say they want to end the mystery over how Wisconsin’s appointment system works.
Senators Julian Bradley, R-New Berlin, and Romaine Quinn, R-Birchwood, along with state Reps. Scott Allen, R-Waukesha, and Dave Maxey, R-New Berlin, on Monday introduced a plan to close Wisconsin’s holdover appointment loophole.
“This bill is a common-sense reform that ensures our state government operates efficiently and fairly,” Sen. Bradley said in a statement. “By clarifying when a vacancy occurs, we’re making sure appointive offices are filled promptly, so Wisconsinites can rely on agencies and boards that are fully staffed and ready to serve.”
Wisconsin’s holdover loophole has been at the center of two State Supreme Court cases. The loophole, essentially, allows someone to continue to serve on a state board or commission until their replacement is named, and confirmed by the Wisconsin Senate.
Fred Prehn, a Republican appointee, used the confirmation part of the loophole to remain on the DNR Board well after his appointment expired.
The liberal-majority Wisconsin Supreme Court then used the Prehn ruling to justify Wisconsin Elections Commission administrator Meagan Wolfe’s on-appointment. The Commission never formally appointed her for a second term, therefore the State Senate could not vote her down.
“As a legislator who is elected to weigh in on nominations, the idea of de facto lifetime appointments is an absurd possibility that currently exists in state law,” Sen. Quinn added. “Unelected appointees should not serve past their terms. This nonsense needs to stop.”
“Wisconsin deserves a government that keeps pace with the needs of its people,” Rep. Maxey said. “This legislation prevents unnecessary delays and ensures that qualified appointees can step in when terms expire.”
The group says their legislation "aligns state law with the public’s expectation of the governor's...authority."
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