Senate approves harsher penalties for aiding felons

Relatives who help felons evade police could face steep fines and jail time under a bill passed by the state Senate on Tuesday.

Assembly Bill 274, introduced in September by retiring state Rep. Garey Bies, R-Sister Bay, would remove exceptions already in the law for a person’s spouse, siblings, parents, grandparents, children and grandchildren. It also proposes stricter penalties for those who harbor or aid a suspect for more serious crimes, such as those that mandate a life sentence.

Currently, a person found guilty of aiding a felon faces up to 3-1/2 years in prison. If passed, the bill’s changes would mean a defendant could face up to 10 years.

The Assembly passed the bill in February on a voice vote, and the Senate followed suit. It now goes to Gov. Scott Walker for approval.