Bill seeks to implement stiffer penalties on carjacking
-
1:02
Spring wind
-
1:29
MATC’s annual plant sale returns Saturday, proceeds to support...
-
2:38
Confirmed tornadoes from Tuesday’s Severe weather outbreak
-
4:24
Brookfield’s 7 Brew showcases signature drinks
-
4:36
Local expert shares strategies for improving writing skills
-
3:36
Keep mom happy and fed on her special day. Make those reservations...
-
0:30
CBS 58’s One Good Thing: Oak Creek Fire Department rescues...
-
2:20
’Make it make sense’: Public questions proposed MPS cuts...
-
2:47
After not speaking on camera for more than a week, we tracked...
-
2:59
Kenosha teacher fired, accused of inappropriate relationship...
-
0:34
Franklin High School students call on local government for ceasefire...
-
3:23
Storms ending into the overnight
MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With crime on the rise in places like Milwaukee, a group of Republican lawmakers is seeking to tackle part of the problem: carjacking.
A bill introduced by Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) and Sen. Jesse James (R- Altoona) would increase penalties if someone intentionally takes a vehicle without the consent of the owner. Under current law, they could face up to a $100,000 fine and jail time. The bill would require an individual to serve time behind bars, changing the felony charge from a Class C to Class B.
The proposal would also include "carjacking" in state statute, which law enforcement groups say would improve how they report and track these offenses.
Milwaukee police saw a 20% increase in carjacking from 2019 - 2021, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.
"It's something we need to wrap our hands around and say we're not going to allow this anymore," Spiros said. "This is a dangerous thing."
On Thursday, the bill received a public hearing. Only Republicans are listed as co-sponsors of the bill, but Spiros said his proposal will be able to gain bipartisan support.