Bill
Bill > AB861
summary
Introduced
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
In Committee
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a victim of human trafficking or child trafficking who incurs an injury or death as a result of the trafficking may bring a civil cause of action against the person who committed the violation. The victim must commence the civil action within three years of the injury. Under current law, a person who is injured by an act that would constitute a violation of criminal laws relating to sexual assault of a child or incest with a child may bring a cause of action against the person who caused the injury regardless of whether that person was prosecuted or convicted for the criminal violation. The victim must commence the civil action before he or she reaches the age of 35. This bill specifies that a victim of child trafficking may bring a civil action regardless of whether anyone was prosecuted or convicted for the child trafficking violation, and specifies that the victim may commence the civil action any time before he or she reaches the age of 35.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing laws to provide victims of child trafficking with more time and clearer pathways to seek civil damages. Specifically, it amends the law concerning trafficking of a child, which is the act of exploiting a child for labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion, to allow victims to file a civil lawsuit for damages at any time before they turn 35 years old, regardless of whether criminal charges were filed or a conviction was secured against the perpetrator. This change extends the previous three-year statute of limitations for human trafficking victims and aligns the timeframe for child trafficking victims with that of victims of sexual assault of a child or incest with a child, ensuring that those harmed by these severe offenses have a reasonable opportunity to seek justice.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (17)
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Rick Gundrum (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
Sylvia Ortiz-Velez (D)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Christine Sinicki (D)*,
David Steffen (R)*,
Shelia Stubbs (D)*,
Randy Udell (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Last Action
Representative Sheehan added as a coauthor (on 02/20/2026)
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/ab861 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB861.pdf |
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