MADISON, Wis. (AP) - Democratic Gov. Tony Evers has signed a Republican bill that stiffens penalties for drunken drivers who kill someone.
The measure creates a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for anyone convicted of homicide by intoxicated use of a vehicle. Judges can sentence someone to less than five years if he or she finds a compelling reason.
The state Department of Corrections estimates the change will generate $525,100 in additional operating costs annually.
Evers signed the bill Wednesday.
The bill’s chief Senate sponsor, Republican Alberta Darling, said in a statement that someone who kills someone else deserves a sentence that provides justice for the victim’s family.
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