Assembly OKs bill making spitting on prosecutors felony

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Spitting at prosecutors would carry a felony charge under a bill the Wisconsin Assembly has approved.

It’s already a felony for someone to throw or expel bodily substances at police, prison guards, firefighters and first responders, such as emergency medical technicians and ambulance operators. The GOP bill would extend that protection to prosecutors, who currently can only charge people with misdemeanor disorderly conduct for the act.

The bill’s supporters say the increased penalty of up to 3-½ years in prison and $10,000 in fines will make people think twice before spitting on prosecutors. Democrats say tougher penalties won’t stop attacks that are often tied to mental illness.

The Assembly passed the bill 84-14 on Tuesday. It goes next to the state Senate.