Madison - Wisconsin will be a little safer thanks to two bills co-authored by State Senator Darling which were signed into law on Tuesday. Governor Evers signed two bills to combat drunk driving and sex trafficking.
The first bill, co-authored with Representative Jim Ott, creates a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in prison for committing homicide while driving drunk. If a judge believes that sentence is too harsh, they must put their reasons in writing.
"I'm pleased the Governor finally agreed to sign this important reform," Darling said, "Unfortunately, there are instances where an individual's irresponsible act of driving drunk kills someone. In some of these cases, the driver is only incarcerated for two or three years. When someone takes the life of another, they must be given a sentence that provides justice for the family members who have lost a loved one."
The governor also signed a bill, co-authored by Senator Darling, which assists truck drivers in identifying will sex trafficking. It will help train truck drivers to recognize the signs of human trafficking. Senator Darling says sex trafficking isn't a rural or an urban problem, it's a statewide issue.
"All 72 counties in Wisconsin have reported incidents of human trafficking, Darling said, "Truckers often find themselves on the front lines of where trafficking happens. This new law will help them
recognize these crimes and contact law enforcement so it can be stopped."
Senator Darling represents portions of Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Washington and Waukesha Counties.
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