MADISON, Wis. — A pair of bills that would increase penalties for reckless driving received approval Tuesday in a Wisconsin State Assembly committee.
The 1st would double reckless driving fines and jail time. The 2nd would allow cities to tow vehicles if the person is caught driving recklessly and has unpaid fines.
These bipartisan bills appear to be gaining momentum at the State Capitol. Both were approved today by an Assembly committee, receiving votes in support from both Democrats and Republicans.
This comes a week after a public hearing where Milwaukee's mayor, the Milwaukee police union and people affected by reckless driving advocated for harsher penalties.
The first bipartisan bill would double reckless driving citation fines and maximum jail sentences for felony-level offenses.
The second bill would allow cities to authorize police to have vehicles towed if a person is caught driving recklessly and has a prior reckless driving fine that hasn't been paid.
Rep. Bob Donovan — the author of the bills — says they are an effort to hold reckless drivers accountable.
During the public hearing last week - some lawmakers questioned if most drivers would pay the steeper fines or if judges would impose longer jail sentences. Donovan’s office says they will now push for a vote on the Assembly floor.
