Fines and forfeitures for reckless driving would double under a bipartisan bill that received final approval from the Wisconsin Senate on Wednesday.
WISCONSIN GOV. EVERS SIGNS GOP-BACKED RECKLESS DRIVING IMPOUND BILL INTO LAW
The measure is part of a Republican-backed push to crack down on people driving dangerously across the state but particularly in Milwaukee, where Mayor Cavalier Johnson has called rising rates of reckless driving a crisis.
Democratic Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is expected to sign a bill doubling fines and forfeitures for reckless drivers into law. (AP Photo/Morry Gash, File)
The bill now goes to Democratic Gov. Tony Evers, who has voiced his support for the measure and other legislation creating harsher penalties for irresponsible driving and carjacking. Evers signed a bill into law earlier this month allowing local governments to impound unsafe drivers' vehicles.
CARJACKING CRACKDOWN BILL PASSES WISCONSIN LEGISLATURE
Under the bill — which the Senate approved in a 30-2 vote — fine and forfeiture ranges would increase to a maximum of $400 for a first offense and $1,000 for a subsequent offense.
The maximum fine for reckless driving that causes bodily harm would rise to $4,000. Reckless drivers who cause great bodily harm would face sentences of up to six years in prison, up from the current maximum of three-and-a-half years.