On Tuesday March 17th, 2026, the Wisconsin legislature passed AB446/SB445, a bill that would codify a dangerous definition of antisemitism into law. Now it goes to the Governor's desk, and he has the power to veto this bill.
Bend the Arc — and other Jewish organizations — believe that this specific definition undermines the fight to dismantle antisemitism and could actually endanger Jews and all of us by stifling free speech and protest. The Trump administration is already using the facade of “fighting antisemitism” to enact a cruel, authoritarian agenda — and this would be another tool at their disposal.
The WI Assembly added an amendment that says it won’t criminalize speech for students, but this amendment in practice does nothing except admit that the bill itself would severely inhibit and potentially even criminalize some speech.
This is an all hands on deck moment. Call Governor Evers to demand that he veto the amended version of AB446/SB445 and any attempt to codify the IHRA definition.
Here’s how to take action:
→ Have your phone near you. After you complete this form you'll get a call connecting you directly to the governor
→ After clicking "Make the Call," do NOT press it again; there might be a slight delay.
Here's your script:
Hi Governor Evers, my name is xxxx, my zip code is xxxxx, and (as a Jewish Wisconsinite/ ally to Jewish people) I urge you to VETO the amended version of AB446/SB445 and do everything in your power to stop the IHRA definition of antisemitism. I appreciate your desire to be attentive to the issue of antisemitism, but I believe this bill actually undermines the fight to dismantle antisemitism and could endanger Jews and all of us by stifling free speech. It is critical that you oppose legislation that would endorse and fuel the administration’s crackdown on freedom of speech and unjust detentions. The amended version of the bill is insufficient. No version of this bill will make Jews or any of us safer. I urge you to reject any attempt to codify IHRA and any version of AB446/SB445, and instead focus on multi-pronged approaches to end all forms of hatred. Thank you for your time, my phone number is xxx. I look forward to hearing from you.