Madison, WI – Today, Sens. Julian Bradley (R-New Berlin), Romaine Quinn (R-Birchwood) and Reps. Scott Allen (R-Waukesha) and Dave Maxey (R-New Berlin) released a bill ending holdover appointments at the state level.
LRB-0302/1 addresses a gap highlighted by the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s ruling in State ex rel. Kaul v. Prehn (2022), which ruled that term expiration does not automatically create a vacancy under current law, allowing incumbents to hold over until successors are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The bill aligns state law with the public’s expectation of the governor’s appointment authority, and that government roles are filled appropriately.
“The Kaul v. Prehn decision showed us that our current laws leave appointive offices in limbo,” said Rep. Allen. “This bill fixes that by setting clear rules for vacancies, which is essential for maintaining trust in our state’s governance.”
“This bill is a common-sense reform that ensures our state government operates efficiently and fairly,” said Sen. Bradley. “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 deserves a government that keeps pace with the needs of its people,” said Rep. Maxey. “This legislation prevents unnecessary delays and ensuring that qualified appointees can step in when terms expire.”
“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,” said Sen. Quinn. “Unelected appointees should not serve past their terms. This nonsense needs to stop.”
