3-24-23 wi assembly approves tougher penalties for riots

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Anyone who encourages a riot or participates in violence during a riot would face felony charges under a bill Wisconsin’s Assembly has approved. The Republican-backed measure would make urging, promoting and encouraging a riot a felony. That would be punishable by up to three years and six months in prison. Engaging in violence during a riot could bring up to six years in prison. The bill defines a riot as a disturbance involving violence that’s part of a gathering of at least three people. The Assembly approved the bill Wednesday and sent the bill to the Senate. Democratic Gov. Tony Evers vetoed a similar bill last year.