State Senate Approves Legislation Creating New Felony Charges for People Who Organize/Cause Injuries During a Riot

Friday, June 20th, 2025 -- 12:01 PM

(Rich Kremer, Wisconsin Public Radio) The Wisconsin Senate approved legislation Wednesday to create new felony charges for people who organize or cause injuries during a riot, while also making it easier to sue those who cause property damage during those events.

According to Rich Kremer with Wisconsin Public Radio, GOP supporters say stronger penalties are needed amid an increase in “violent riots” since 2020. Democratic opponents say it will chill free speech.

The bill was introduced by Sen. Dan Feyen, R-Fond du Lac, who told his colleagues during a floor debate that it “draws a line between a protest and a riot.” Feyen said the right to peacefully protest will remain protected in Wisconsin.

But when events turn into riots, “they leave behind lasting damage and a long, costly road to recovery” that residents and business owners have to navigate. “That’s why this bill also seeks to ensure victims of these violent crimes are paid back for their damages done,” Feyen said.

“If you break it, you buy it.” Under the bill, neither lawmakers nor the governor would have the power to stop police from making arrests during activities that law enforcement deem a riot. Democrats saw the bill through a different lens. Sen. Chris Larson, D-Milwaukee, said it “would drive a stake through the heart of the First Amendment.”

Larson said there are already criminal penalties for assault and vandalism and, under the bill’s definition of a riot, any person in a group of 100 or 1,000 could face felony charges even if they, themselves, didn’t damage any property or cause any injuries. Larson also said police “cannot be held liable” for potential demotion if they decide “to go after protesters” and start “cracking skulls with their clubs.”

“I’m wondering what they [police] think the repercussions will be if they escalate this situation to something where they are the ones who caused the riot,” Larson said. The bill passed the Senate by a vote of 18-14, with all Democrats in opposition.

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