MADISON — Wisconsin lawmakers took a major step toward a stiffer punishment for reckless drivers, passing a bill that would allow officers to tow vehicles of first-offense reckless drivers.
READ ALSO | Perspectives on legislation as MPD chief backs 1st-offense reckless driving tows
The bill passed both the Assembly and Senate with broad bipartisan support. Governor Tony Evers' staff confirmed he supports the legislation after a minor tweak that leaves it up to officers to decide whether to tow a reckless driver's car rather than requiring it.
The new legislation addresses struggles officers have faced enforcing the state's current reckless driving tow law, which requires the reckless driver to be the owner of the car they're driving and be a repeat offender with unpaid tickets.
"We're seeing more and more deaths. We're seeing more and more police chases," said State Senator LaTonya Johnson, a Milwaukee Democrat who knows the enforcement challenges firsthand.
The new bill simplifies enforcement by making it applicable on a first or subsequent offense, regardless of whether drivers have unpaid fines or if they own the vehicle.
Johnson acknowledged having reservations about expanding the law but said safety concerns outweighed those worries.
"I did because there's always a concern for unintended consequences, but when you see situations like the street takeovers, making sure that our streets are safe for everybody is extremely important," Johnson said.
Watch: State lawmakers pass bill allowing vehicle towing for first-offense reckless drivers, Governor signals support
State Senator Van Wanggaard, a Racine Republican who helped write the bill, believes the legislation will serve as an effective deterrent.
"I think reckless drivers will think twice about operating recklessly," Wanggaard said.
The legislation could also impact vehicle owners who lend their cars to others.
"That's one thing, but anybody who would allow somebody to operate a vehicle they own that they don't have a good relationship that maybe they're not as trustworthy, maybe they'll think twice about loaning that vehicle out," Wanggaard said.
The legislation would require municipalities to pass an ordinance to allow officers to utilize the new towing authority. It now goes to Gov. Evers for approval.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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