Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker Visits St. Croix County Government Center in Hudson to Sign Anti-Drug Bill

In front of St. Croix County Sheriff John Shilts and Hudson Police Chief Marty Jensen on Friday, June 24, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed into law Senate Bill 54, which makes illegal several forms of synthetic narcotics.

The event was held at the St. Croix County Government Center for select members of the community, law enforcement officials and the press. Also on hand were state legislators Sen. Sheila Harsdorf (R-District 10) and Rep. Dean Knudson (R-District 30).

Several Walker protesters and some Walker supporters were gathered outside.

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The governor's office issued the following release about the bill-signing event:

Governor Walker Signs Bill Making Dangerous Synthetic Narcotics Illegal

Hudson – Governor Scott Walker signed Senate Bill 54 into law today which makes dangerous synthetic narcotics illegal and gives law enforcement the ability to combat them by creating uniform penalties.

“By classifying dangerous synthetic narcotics as illegal in the State of Wisconsin we are giving law enforcement the ability to take these destructive substances off of our streets and out of our neighborhoods,” Governor Walker said. “I thank Senator Sheila Harsdorf and Representative Garey Bies for their leadership.”

This law identifies several nonnarcotic, hallucinogenic substances that are commonly known as "synthetic cannabinoids" and classifies them as Schedule I controlled substances. Schedule I substances have a high potential for abuse and have no accepted medical use.

The law also creates penalties for possession, manufacture, distribution and delivery of synthetic cannabinoids and stimulant substances:

o       Synthetic Cannabinoids

• First offense possession:  fine up to $1,000 or imprisoned up to six months or both. County or municipality may also pass an ordinance for first offense.

• Second or subsequent offense possession:  Class I felony, fine up to $10,000 or imprisoned up to three and a half years or both.

• Manufacture, distribute or deliver or possession with intent to do these actions:  Class H felony, fine up to $10,000 or imprisonment up to six years or both.

o       Stimulant Substances

• First offense possession:  fine up to $5,000 or imprisoned up to one year or both.

• Second or subsequent offense possession:  Class I felony.

• Manufacture, distribute or deliver or possession with intent to do these actions:  Class C to F felony depending on amount of substance.

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