Update: Gov. Scott Walker signs bill making upskirting a felony

MADISON — Gov. Scott Walker has signed into law a bill making it a felony to take a picture of someone under their clothes without their permission.

The act, known as upskirting, is typically prosecuted as a misdemeanor invasion of privacy. But the bill that unanimously passed the Legislature earlier this year makes it a felony punishable by up to 3½ years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

It specifically criminalizes using a camera, cellphone or other device to take a picture of someone under their clothing without consent.

The bill's lead Assembly sponsor, Democratic Rep. Melissa Sargent, said Wednesday on Twitter that Walker had signed the measure. She advocated for the measure following a series of arrests in Wisconsin for people taking upskirt photos.