Wisconsin lawmakers OK penalties for protesters

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Legislature has approved a bill that would create tougher penalties for protesters.

The proposal would make attending a riot or blocking a street a misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and participating in a riot that causes property damage or personal injury a felony punishable by up to three-and-a-half years in prison.

The Senate and Assembly passed the measure Tuesday and sent it on to Gov. Tony Evers. The Assembly also was set to consider a bill that would make it a felony to damage government property of historical significance.

The bills come after protesters burned parts of downtown Kenosha and damaged two state Capitol statutes in 2020.