Madison, Wis. — A “Blue Lives Matter” proposal to expand the Wisconsin definition of hate crime victims in Wisconsin to include law enforcement officers was introduced by Rep. Dave Steffen at a news conference.
Currently in Wisconsin, hate crimes are defined as a crime in which the victim is targeted due to the victim’s race, religion, color, disability, sexual orientation or national origin.
The “Blue Lives Matter” proposal, like a new law in Louisiana, adds law enforcement officers to this list of victims. The Louisiana law extends protection to emergency medical crews and firefighters.
“I am overwhelmed by the level of support I have already received for this proposal from members of law enforcement,” Steffen said. “This bill sends a strong message that Wisconsin will always be behind our brave members of law enforcement. Now, perhaps more than ever, it is paramount that our officers know they are proudly supported.”
A hate crime serves as a penalty enhancer, allowing for additional fines and years of imprisonment if the victim was targeted based on any of the protected classes.
Steffen plans to introduce this proposal as his first bill when the legislature is back in session in January 2017.