MADISON – Three bills addressing public safety and authored by Senator Van Wanggaard were signed into law today. The laws strengthen Wisconsin’s human trafficking law, encourage data-sharing among law enforcement and extend the statute of limitations for hiding a corpse.
Assembly Bill 265 – Creates a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison for human trafficking of a child, 10 years minimum for trafficking an adult. The idea for this bill came from a Racine County Sheriff Investigator Luke Johnson.
“Human trafficking continues to be a curse in Wisconsin and in particular southeast Wisconsin. Ensuring that traffickers stay behind bars will help victims come forward and begin the process of repairing their lives, while providing a significant deterrent to the traffickers themselves.”
Senate Bill 279 – Creates a grant program for law enforcement agencies to purchase data-sharing tools. The 2025-27 state budget set aside $4 million for this purpose.
“Law enforcement agencies are often hamstrung by the siloing of information between different agencies. Data sharing serves as a law enforcement force multiplier, by having more data available to more departments in real-time. Think of this as a law enforcement Wikipedia page. This program will lead to safer communities and more effective policing.”
Senate Bill 423 – Extends the statute of limitations for hiding a corpse. Under the bill, the statute of limitations for hiding a corpse begins upon discovery of the body.
Right now, if you successfully hide a body for six years, you can’t be charged with the crime. This common-sense bill closes a loophole that has led to this crime not being charged.”
