CONTACT: Jordan Krieger, 608-266-5810
(MADISON) – Today, Governor Scott Walker signed three bills, co-authored by Senator Lena Taylor (D-Milwaukee), into law. The bills pertain to the areas of sex trafficking and patronization of an individual engaged in sex work.
“Sex trafficking is an epidemic that preys on individuals who are vulnerable in our communities,” said Senator Lena Taylor (D – Milwaukee). “By changing our approach to target the consumers of sex trafficking, we avoid re-traumatizing victims and reduce the demand that sustains this predatory industry.”
A brief summary of each bill can be found below:
• Senate Bill 396 – (Patronizing a Child) increases the penalty to a Class-I felony for patronizing a person who is under the age of 18. It is Act 128.
• Senate Bill 300 – (Soliciting Intimate Representation from a Child) makes it a crime to solicit a sexually explicit photograph, recording, or other representation from a person who is under the age of 18. It is Act 129.
• Senate Bill 308 – (Patronizing a Prostitute) increases the penalty for the crime of patronizing a prostitute from a Class-A misdemeanor to a Class-I felony if the person has been previously convicted of that crime at least two times. It is Act 131.
