In the News: Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board at a Glance

What follows is an outline of the Wisconsin Legislative Council Act Memo on the Government Accountability Board (GAB).

Creation

• 2007 Wisconsin Act 1.
• Passed by the Assembly 97-2.
• Passed by the Senate 33-0.
• Replaces Ethics Board and Elections Board, both created in 1974
• Responsible for administering the state's  election, campaign financing, ethics, and lobbying laws.

Membership

• Six members who have served as an elected judge of a court of record in Wisconsin.
• 6-year terms of service.  (Initial appointees served staggered terms)  
• Action by the GAB requires the affirmative vote of at least four members.

What GAB members may not do

• Hold another state or local public office
• Engage in specified partisan political activities
• Become a candidate for state or local elective office
• Make political contributions
• Be a lobbyist or an employee of a person who employs a lobbyist.

Nomination process

• Government Accountability Candidate Committee (created by 2007 WI Act 1\
• Membership:  1 court of appeals judge from each of the four court of appeals districts
• Selection process:   Chosen by lot by  the Chief Justice of the Wisconsin Supreme Court in the presence of the other supreme court justices
• Initially, i.e., in 2007, the Committee was required to submit at least 8 names to the Governor.  (This process is explained in more detail in the first full paragraph on page 2 of the Leg Council memo.)
• Subsequently, the Committee meets to fill a vacancy.  (See second full paragraph on page 2 of memo for specifics.)
• "Judges picked to serve on Accountability Candidate Committee".  (Wisconsin Law Journal, 2/23/2011)
• Current membership.  (Two members' terms expire on May 1, 2013)

GAB Divisions/Duties

• Ethics and Accountability Division administers campaign financing, lobbying, and ethics laws.
• Elections Division has responsibility for the administration of election laws.

GAB in the news

• GOP Senate leader Fitzgerald wants to change elections board.  (Wisconsin State Journal, 12/4/2012)
• Fitzgerald GAB critique draws fire.  (Wisconsin Radio Network, 12/4/2012)
• Editorial: Political appointees wrong for Wisconsin's Government Accountability Board.  (Appleton Post-Crescent, 12/3/2012)
• Incoming Senate leader favors political appointees over judges on GAB.  (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 12/3/2012)