Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen Commends Passage of Human Trafficking Legislation

MADISON — Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen made the following statement as legislation to strengthen Wisconsin's human trafficking criminal laws passed the Wisconsin Legislature and awaits action by the Governor.

“I commend the Legislature's action on Senate Bill 536, a bill to strengthen Wisconsin's human trafficking laws. This proposal will give law enforcement and prosecutors more -- and better -- tools to protect both children and adults who are caught in the web of human trafficking. It also will provide increased protections and assistance to the victims of these crimes. It is a logical and necessary extension of our efforts to protect our children and hold those who would victimize them accountable,” Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen said. “I am grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Representative Amy Loudenbeck and Senator Van Wanggaard on this important public safety matter,” he concluded.

Senate Bill 536 will:

• Make it a felony for a person to knowingly accesses child pornography;
• Make the statute of limitations for the commencement of a prosecution for Trafficking of a Child consistent with the statute of limitations for other serious child sex offenses;
• Expand the “rape shield” protections to victims of certain child sex crimes when they are witnesses in criminal proceedings;
• Allow for the judicial authorization of wiretaps to investigate certain child sex crimes;
• Make Crime Victim Compensation Program funds available to the victims of certain child sex crimes;
• Allow for involuntary termination of parental rights if the parent commits the offense of Trafficking of a Child against any child, not just their own children.

A copy of the legislation is available at the following link:

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2011/related/proposals/sb536

More information about human trafficking also is available on the Wisconsin Department of Justice website