By: Associated Press//June 14, 2017//
MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Penalties for carjacking would be increased under a bill up for approval in the Wisconsin state Senate.
The measure up for a vote Wednesday comes amid increasing concerns about carjackings in Milwaukee, especially after a respected city home inspector was shot and killed during an attempted carjacking in March.
The Republican-sponsored bill would make carjacking a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison. Under current law, it’s punishable by up to six years in prison.
Under the bill, repeat offenders could also face 12½ years in prison rather than six under current law.
Opponents question whether the tougher penalties will make people safer while raising prison costs by putting more people behind bars.