Madison, WI – Representative Bob Donovan (R-Greenfield) issued the following statement after the Wisconsin Assembly honored First Responder of the Year recipients from across the state. The Assembly also passed public safety legislation authored by Rep. Donovan—Assembly Bills 77 and 278—prioritizing community safety. Rep. Donovan said:
“I am honored to have the privilege to recognize Milwaukee Police Officer Daniel Gonzales as the First Responder of the Year for the 61st Assembly District. Officer Gonzales displayed heroic courage to face an armed gunman and was wounded as a result. The brave actions of Officer Gonzales and his colleagues protected the public and prevented a tragedy. Milwaukee should be proud to have Officer Gonzales defending their community and we are thankful he made a full recovery.”
Assembly Bill 77 prohibits the sale, possession, or use of license plate “flipper” devices, with fines up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both, and allows vehicle impoundment. These devices conceal license plates, hindering law enforcement’s ability to identify vehicles.
“Simply put, if you can’t identify a vehicle, you can’t stop a vehicle,” said Rep. Donovan. “These devices are used by individuals who are intent on evading law enforcement—banning these devices is the common-sense solution.”
Assembly Bill 278 creates a pilot program to obtain data-sharing technology for local law enforcement. This technology can offer real-time integration and information that break down barriers between departments making coordination and the sharing of information instant.
“Milwaukee county has 19 municipal police departments, including the Sheriff’s Office, who work closely on a daily basis,” said Rep. Donovan. “Ensuring they can spend more time solving crimes together and less time navigating bureaucratic bottlenecks is essential.”
Assembly Bill 77 now heads to the Governor for his signature and Assembly Bill 278 heads to the Senate for consideration.
