Madison, WI—Representative Jerry O’Connor (R-Fond du Lac) released the following statement after the Assembly passed several bills to support law enforcement and protect Wisconsinites:
“Today, I joined my Republican colleagues on the Assembly floor to pass bills to prioritize law and order by supporting, those who uphold public safety, protecting our communities, and ensuring criminals face the consequences of their crimes. These bills include:
AB 61 strengthens penalties for harming police or fire service animals, reinforcing support for law enforcement. These animals play a crucial role in protecting public safety and deserve the highest level of legal protection.
AB 66 ensures that certain criminal charges are not dismissed too easily and promotes accountability through deferred prosecution agreements. Keeping dangerous offenders off the streets is critical in protecting our communities.
AB 74 mandates schools to notify parents if a staff member is accused of sexual misconduct, ensuring transparency. Parents have the right to know about potential dangers to their children and to hold schools accountable.
AB 75 requires the Department of Justice to collect and report criminal case data, increasing justice system transparency. Accurate crime data helps lawmakers craft policies that support law enforcement and protect communities.
AB 78 allows law enforcement to impound vehicles used in reckless driving incidents, preventing repeat offenses. Cracking down on reckless driving is necessary to keep roads safe in our communities.
AB 85 permits authorities to recommend revoking parole, extended supervision, or probation if an individual commits another crime. Holding repeat offenders accountable strengthens public safety and prevents crime escalation.
AB 86 imposes life imprisonment for child trafficking, ensuring the most severe punishment for those who exploit children. Protecting vulnerable children from predators is a top priority, and harsh penalties serve as a strong deterrent.
AB 87 requires restitution for human trafficking victims and restores voting rights to felons only after they have fully served their sentences. It ensures that traffickers are held financially accountable for the horrific crimes they committed and the lifetime of harm inflicted on their victims.
AB 89 strengthens penalties for theft, deterring crime and protecting businesses and consumers. Businesses are still suffering from the Biden-era inflation and the rise of smash-and-grab crimes and f
AB 91 requires municipalities to place school resource officers in schools to improve safety and deter violence. Keeping students safe should be a top priority, and having trained officers on-site is a commonsense solution.
I am proud to support each of these measures. Legislative Republicans are working to support law enforcement and protect our communities.”
