summary
Introduced
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
In Committee
05/19/2025
05/19/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill increases the penalty for human trafficking from a Class D felony to a Class C felony, increases the penalty for trafficking a child from a Class C felony to a Class B felony, and creates a mandatory minimum term of confinement in prison of 10 years for human trafficking and 15 years for trafficking a child. Under current law, a Class D felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 25 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 15 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 10 years; a Class C felony is punishable by a fine of up to $100,000 and a term of imprisonment not to exceed 40 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 25 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 15 years; and a Class B felony is punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed 60 years, which, under a bifurcated sentence, is a maximum term of confinement in prison of 40 years followed by a maximum term of extended supervision of 20 years. Under current law, there is no mandatory minimum term of confinement for human trafficking or trafficking of a child. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.
AI Summary
This bill strengthens penalties related to human trafficking and child trafficking in Wisconsin by increasing the severity of felony classifications and establishing mandatory minimum prison sentences. Specifically, the bill upgrades human trafficking from a Class D to a Class C felony, and child trafficking from a Class C to a Class B felony. The legislation introduces mandatory minimum prison terms of 10 years for human trafficking and 15 years for trafficking a child, which means judges must impose at least these minimum prison sentences when sentencing offenders. Additionally, the bill extends the statute of limitations for human trafficking prosecutions, allowing cases to be filed within 10 years after the crime's commission. These changes aim to provide more significant legal consequences for individuals involved in trafficking activities, whether by directly engaging in trafficking, benefiting from trafficking, or attempting to recruit or solicit victims. The bill reflects a legislative effort to more strongly deter and punish human trafficking, particularly crimes involving children, by imposing stricter criminal penalties.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (16)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Clint Moses (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Pat Snyder (R)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Nancy VanderMeer (R)*,
Robert Wittke (R)*,
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety (on 05/19/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab265 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB265.pdf |
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