Stiffer penalties for reckless driving and drug overdose bills pass with bipartisan support

 

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Democrats and Republicans put their political differences aside to pass bills to significantly increase penalties for reckless driving and impose stiffer punishments on fatal drug overdoses.

Under one bill, fines would increase to $400 for a first reckless driving offense and repeat offenders would have their car impounded by police if they fail to pay fines from a prior offense, under a companion bill.

"If individuals cannot prove they are willing to obey our driving laws, their vehicle needs to be taken off our streets," said Rep. Bob Donovan (R-Milwaukee), who authored the proposals.

The measures passed overwhelmingly in the Assembly with bipartisan support. The Senate only voted on the companion bill to allow local governments to pass an ordinance allowing police to impound vehicles used in certain reckless driving offenses. Senate leaders said they intend to vote on the other reckless driving proposal soon.

Once approved by the Senate, both pieces of legislation will head to Gov. Tony Evers, who signaled he would sign them into law.

"Both bills are adequate, and they get at the issue," Evers said during an event in Milwaukee. "Do I think it will end? Probably not, but it is a step forward."

The proposals come as the Milwaukee Police Department has seen a 36% increase in reckless driving citations this year.

Penalties Related to Overdose

With a rise of fentanyl overdoses across the state, lawmakers passed legislation to impose stiffer penalties on drug dealers who are accountable for an overdose death.

The Senate passed the measure 28-3, which would raise reckless homicide penalties for delivering fatal drugs from 40 years in prison to 60 years. It also classifies the charge from a Class C to Class B felony.

"This is reckless homicide when you give poison to somebody and they die," Sen. Van Wanggaard said, a co-author of the bill. "And this, I believe, will make a difference because it's going to help our law enforcement."

Sen. Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee) voted against the proposal because she argued tougher sentences wouldn't address the root causes of drug addiction.

Senate Democrats mutually agreed additional resources are necessary to help curb addiction, but most voted in favor, calling it a step in the right direction.

"I don't give a damn if this bill doesn't stop people from using," Sen. LaTonya Johnson (D-Milwaukee) said. "I do give a damn if it takes people off the street who are killing other people because of their addictions."

Other Crime Proposals

Felons charged with gun possession would be required to serve a minimum five-year prison sentence under a GOP bill passed in the Assembly. Critics argue this proposal would exacerbate inequalities in the criminal justice system.

Also, anyone who encourages a riot or engages in one that turns violent could face a felony charge in another Republican-backed proposal. Both bills are likely doomed for Gov. Evers' veto pen due to his previous opposition to similar measures.

The Assembly also passed legislation to require the state's parole commission to hold public hearings and inform the public of their decisions.

Both chambers approved a bill specifying what violent offenses would be considered under a constitutional bail amendment. The measure now heads to Gov. Evers' desk for consideration.