GOP introduces tougher sanctions, sentences for criminals

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MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Wisconsin Republicans are introducing a package of bills that would impose tougher sanctions and sentences on criminals.

The legislation would require the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person’s extended supervision, parole or probation if he or she were charged with a crime; prohibit people convicted of violent crimes from finishing probation early; and block violent criminals from participating in early-release programs.

The bills also would impose a mandatory 180-day jail sentence for shoplifting; forbid prosecutors from amending charges of illegally possessing a gun against a person convicted of a violent felony or attempting to commit a violent felony; and expand the violations that could land a child in a youth prison to include any act that would be a felony in adult court.

The sponsors of the bill include Assembly Reps. Joe Sanfelippo, Rob Hutton, Janel Brandtjen and Ken Skowronski as well as Sens. David Craig, Chris Kapenga and Duey Stroebel. All four Assembly members and Craig are up for re-election in November.