Anti-Crime Package Passes Assembly

For Immediate Release                                                                                           

March 22, 2023

Contact: Rep. Rick Gundrum                                                                                   

(608) 237-9158

Madison, WI – Today, Representative Rick Gundrum (R-Slinger) voted for a package of anti-crime legislation. After voting for these bills, he issued the following statement:

“Wisconsinites deserve safe neighborhoods and peace of mind. Unfortunately, crime is on the rise in our state and more needs to be done to reduce violence. The bills I voted for today get tougher on crime.

“Assembly Bill 55 and Assembly Bill 56 address the rising epidemic of reckless driving in Wisconsin. The former will double penalties for reckless driving and impose existing impaired driving surcharges on those convicted of reckless driving, while the latter gives municipalities and law enforcement the option to impound a vehicle if the owner is cited for reckless driving and has an existing unpaid citation for reckless driving.

“It is unacceptable that the number of tickets issued by the state patrol for driving over 100 miles per hour has surged from 583 in 2019 to 1,500 in 2021 and 1,100 in 2022. The number of fatalities from car crashes has increased during those years as well. I’ve heard from constituents who are concerned about reckless driving when they drive to work or school in Milwaukee. I’ve nearly been in a car accident myself due to someone driving recklessly. As someone who has been involved in local government for years, I am happy to have voted for both bills to give municipalities another tool in the toolbox to keep their streets safe.

“I also voted for Assembly Bill 70, which creates a definition of a riot and provides penalties for inciting a riot or participating in violent acts during a riot. Damage during the 2020 riots in Kenosha amounted to $50 million. People should be allowed to protest peacefully, but when a riot breaks out people’s safety and property are threatened. That’s why this bill needs to be enacted.

“I think the anti-crime bills passed today are a step in the right direction when it comes to public safety. I hope Governor Evers signs them into law.”

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