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.
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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.
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