Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers vetoed a bill that would have allowed companies to treat delivery drivers as independent conttractors. The following is his veto message.
August 8, 2025
TO THE HONORABLE MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLY:
I am vetoing Assembly Bill 269 in its entirety.
This bill would create a new legal framework for application-based drivers (defined as drivers that provide delivery or transportation services through a digital network) that exempts them from state minimum wage, unemployment insurance, and worker’s compensation laws if certain conditions are met. The bill would also authorize network companies to offer optional portable benefit accounts through approved financial service providers and to provide voluntary insurance coverage to eligible drivers.
I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to the bill’s definition of independent contractor status in the absence of any guaranteed benefit for workers. App-based drivers are a growing segment of Wisconsin’s workforce and changes to independent contractor definitions are a serious endeavor— one that demands substantive conversations among several parties, including with both management and workers, in order to achieve an appropriate and balanced policy that all sides can support.
As this bill was under consideration by the Legislature and was moving through the legislative process, my administration asked both stakeholders and legislators to ensure adequate time for that robust dialogue and engagement to reach consensus and compromise. Unfortunately, the Legislature declined to meaningfully provide that opportunity, choosing instead to send this bill to my desk anyway.
I am open to finding a pathway to portable benefits; however, such a solution must be thoughtful, benefit workers, and be created through a process in which workers and management have the opportunity to participate, collaborate, and reach agreement. My veto today will allow time for these important conversations to occur so Wisconsin can find a path forward.
I remain committed to ensuring that Wisconsin’s workers are treated with dignity and respect and that, as our economy evolves, we pursue balanced policies that embrace innovation and new economic opportunities while upholding Wisconsin’s proud tradition of supporting the workers whose labor contributes to and ensures our state’s economic success.
Respectfully submitted,
Tony Evers Governor
