The Assembly judiciary committee has approved a package of legislation designed to crack down on riots.
The bills define a riot as a public disturbance during a gathering of at least three people that includes violence or a threat of immediate violence. Participants in such gatherings, including anyone armed, could be charged with a felony. Anyone who blocks a thoroughfare during a riot could be charged with a misdemeanor.
The committee approved the Republican-authored legislation Thursday despite warnings from the panel’s two Democrats that the language is too broad and could lead to prosecutors charging peaceful prosecutors.
Stay informed on the latest news
Sign up for WPR’s email newsletter.
Rep. John Spiros, R-Marshfield, and Sen. Van Wanggaard, R-Racine, introduced the bills in response to riots that followed a police shooting in Milwaukee last year. Both Republicans are former police officers.
The package now heads to the Assembly for a full vote.
Editor’s Note: This story was last updated at 12:42 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 12, 2017.
© Copyright 2025 by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
