MADISON – Today, the Wisconsin State Senate passed a bill that will help get deadly drug dealers off the streets, and require judges to impose prison time when sentencing a person convicted of first degree reckless homicide.
Senator Van Wanggaard (R-Racine) has led the legislative fight against the opioid epidemic over the last several years. This bill builds on that campaign.
“Drug suppliers and dealers that lace their drugs with deadly substances like fentanyl need to be held accountable,” said Wanggaard. “They know that fentanyl can kill, but they would rather risk their client’s lives and make a quick buck.”
Senate Bill 101 will increase the penalty for committing first degree reckless homicide from a Class C felony to a Class B felony. This change will increase the maximum prison sentence from 40 to 60 years, but more importantly, actually require a judge to sentence a person to prison time, as opposed to simply imposing a fine like they can now.
“If someone is handling a firearm that they don’t know is loaded, pull the trigger, and kill someone, they can still be held liable. That is what reckless homicide is,” said Wanggaard. “Although suppliers and dealers may not be intending to kill someone, they are still causing someone’s death. They need to be held accountable for that and their reckless actions, and now they will be.”
“I always say that keeping the public safe should be government’s number one priority. This bill will help law enforcement do that and get deadly drug dealers off the streets.”
The bill now goes to the Assembly, where it is expected to gain similar support.
