MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – A bill authored by Rep. John Spiros has been officially signed into law by Gov. Tony Evers.
This comes at a time when carjackings in Wisconsin continue to be on the rise. Cities like Milwaukee have seen increases in carjacking rates by up to 93% between 2012 and 2021 and by 40% during the first quarter of 2023 compared to 2022.
According to a press release from Rep. Spiros’s office, he says, “The tragic results of carjackings are in the news every day: a nurse pistol whipped leaving work, a mom begging at gunpoint to get her baby out of the backseat, and a man beaten to death before his car is stolen. I am pleased that both sides of the aisle understand the necessity and critical nature of this bipartisan legislation, and that the Governor agrees with strong carjacking laws are advantageous to Wisconsinites.”
Using a firearm to steal a vehicle will now constitute one of the most serious felonies under state law, carrying a maximum punishment of 60 years in jail. Previously, the maximum penalty was a fine of up to $100,000 and a prison term of up to 40 years.
The bill had passed both chambers of the State Legislature with bipartisan support.
