Urge lawmakers to VOTE NO on Assembly Bill 672 — This bill aims to criminalize free speech

AB 672 is an anti-dissent bill that expands the state’s power to criminalize political ideology, advocacy, and protest through enhanced penalties and mandatory incarceration.

AB 672 is not a carefully targeted measure. The bill is vague, overbroad, and designed to punish political expression, advocacy, and dissent. Its enforcement would give the state sweeping authority to decide whose speech and activism are lawful, and whose are criminal. 

Here are ADC’s top concerns with this bill: 

1. Criminalizes free speech and protest. The bill’s use of vague terms, such as “agent of a foreign terrorist organization,” is deliberate. It creates a mechanism of harm that works to   punish dissenting political views, NOT violent acts. Under AB 672, advocating for Palestinian rights, protesting ICE raids, or criticizing U.S foreign policy could be labeled “terrorism” and lead to felony charges and financial penalties.

2. Gives the state dangerous power to silence dissent. AB 672 turns law enforcement into a tool for political repression. By leaving key terms undefined–like “foreign terrorist organization” and “agent” –the bill lets the state decide whose speech is criminal. This creates selective enforcement against Muslims, immigrants, activists, and journalists who challenge government policies. 

3. Wastes WI taxpayer money to jail protestors. The bill imposes mandatory prison sentences and drastically increases penalties for vague “transitional repression” offenses. This will overburden Wisconsin’s prisons and courts, costing taxpayers millions annually–all this to police free speech, not to enhance public safety. 

Contrary to its purported goal, AB 672 is not about protecting the American public from a defined threat. The latent purpose (and intended effect) is to chill protest, silence journalists, and criminalize lawful political activity. For these reasons, and for the constitutional and civil liberties concerns outlined below, ADC firmly opposes this bill. 

Take action now! 
The right to dissent is squarely protected under the First Amendment. Stand up for free speech, racial justice, and your right to protest. Urge your representative to VOTE NO ON AB 672.