Wisconsin Assembly passes bills on reckless driving, school police

On March 13, the Wisconsin Assembly passed significant legislation aimed at addressing reckless driving and the placement of school resource officers in Milwaukee. A unanimous bill allows police to impound vehicles involved in reckless driving incidents, shifting some financial burdens away from victims. Additionally, a party-line vote introduced stricter penalties for Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) if they fail to have the mandated 25 school resource officers, reflecting a judge's order for a 50-50 cost split between MPS and the city. Republican lawmakers emphasized the need for accountability, while Democrats argued that resources should instead focus on mental health for children. The bills now proceed to the Senate and await Governor Tony Evers' approval. Proponents see the legislation as necessary for public safety, while opponents criticize it as politically motivated.