Executive Summary
- Bipartisan lawmakers in Wisconsin are reintroducing a package of bills to combat human trafficking.
- The move follows an "F" grade and a ranking of third-lowest in the nation from Shared Hope International.
- The legislation is based on recommendations from a dedicated task force focused on victim protection.
MADISON – A bipartisan coalition of Wisconsin lawmakers is moving to strengthen state laws regarding human trafficking, reintroducing a legislative package aimed at expanding victim protections and addressing legal gaps. The renewed effort comes in response to a critical assessment of the state’s current statutes.
The initiative follows an analysis by Shared Hope International, an anti-trafficking advocacy organization, which assigned Wisconsin an "F" grade regarding its legal framework for addressing modern slavery. According to the report, Wisconsin holds the third-lowest score in the nation for its trafficking laws. The proposed bills are derived from recommendations made by a state task force specifically convened to study the issue and suggest legislative improvements.
The legislative package, which was recommended for passage last year but not enacted, aims to align Wisconsin’s statutes with best practices identified by victim advocacy groups. Proponents argue that the current laws fail to adequately protect survivors or provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to prosecute offenders effectively.
Legislative Outlook
The reintroduction of these bills signifies a concerted effort by the state legislature to rectify identified deficiencies in the criminal code concerning human rights violations. If passed, the measures would likely shift the judicial focus toward a more victim-centered approach, potentially increasing access to resources for survivors while closing loopholes that have historically hindered the prosecution of traffickers. The bipartisan nature of the support suggests a recognition of the urgency to improve the state’s standing and public safety infrastructure regarding this specific type of crime.
