Bill to add penalties for harassing lawmakers

A Wisconsin lawmaker is pushing for tougher laws to deter people who would intimidate or harm members of the Legislature and their families.

Under the legislation introduced by Rep. Garey Bies, a Republican from Sister Bay, acts such as striking, shoving, or kicking a lawmaker or a family member with no legitimate reason would face harsher penalties.

Harming a public official is already illegal in Wisconsin. Bies’ proposal would cover a broader span of acts considered threats.

Lawmakers who have been victimized support the proposal. Some civil rights groups said it’s redundant and could eventually infringe on freedom of speech.