evidence: The governor decides, subject to regulation by the legislature in the manner of applying, and is assisted by a non-statutory pardon advisory board that he or she appoints. The state constitution requires the governor to communicate pardons with reasons to legislature annually, and some aspects of the pardon process are specified in statute. Five-year eligibility waiting period, and people with misdemeanors are ineligible. The board holds a hearing where applicants must demonstrate a need for pardon. Applicants are required by statute to publish notice of their intent to seek pardon and give notice to DA and sentencing judge. The board must notify the victim. Pardon relieves legal disabilities but does not expunge or seal the conviction. Pardon policy and practice has in the past been regular and generous, and the present incumbent Gov. Tony Evers has resumed regular pardoning after a 9-year hiatus in which governors declined to issue any pardons.