Bill seeks to implement stiffer penalties on carjacking

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- With crime on the rise in places like Milwaukee, a group of Republican lawmakers is seeking to tackle part of the problem: carjacking.

A bill introduced by Rep. John Spiros (R-Marshfield) and Sen. Jesse James (R- Altoona) would increase penalties if someone intentionally takes a vehicle without the consent of the owner. Under current law, they could face up to a $100,000 fine and jail time. The bill would require an individual to serve time behind bars, changing the felony charge from a Class C to Class B.

The proposal would also include "carjacking" in state statute, which law enforcement groups say would improve how they report and track these offenses.

Milwaukee police saw a 20% increase in carjacking from 2019 - 2021, according to the Wisconsin Department of Justice.

"It's something we need to wrap our hands around and say we're not going to allow this anymore," Spiros said. "This is a dangerous thing."

On Thursday, the bill received a public hearing. Only Republicans are listed as co-sponsors of the bill, but Spiros said his proposal will be able to gain bipartisan support.