Gov. Walker signs legislation cracking down on youth offenders, repeat criminals

MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a package of legislation cracking down on youth offenders and repeat criminals.

The bills eliminate the three-year maximum sentence for youthful offenders in juvenile correctional facilities and create a mandatory five-year prison sentence for repeat offenders convicted of a wide range of crimes, including felony murder and carjacking.

The measures also create a mandatory three-year minimum sentence for illegally possessing a firearm while on probation, parole or extended release; and make carjacking a felony punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

The bills are the brainchild of Republican state Sen. Leah Vukmir, who is running for the U.S. Senate.

Walker signed the legislation Monday.