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.
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