MADISON, WI…Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator André Jacque (New Franken) and Representative Shae Sortwell (Two Rivers) to impose the penalty of life in prison for child traffickers was signed into law late afternoon Friday by Governor Tony Evers as Wisconsin Act 187.
“Child trafficking is a horrific crime that steals the innocence and future of the most vulnerable – our children,” said Jacque. “It is a hidden epidemic that destroys lives, leaving lifelong scares for those who are its victims.”
Act 187 increases the penalty for child trafficking from a Class C to a Class A felony, which carries the penalty of life in prison. This bill further clarifies that anyone convicted of a Class A felony for trafficking a child is not eligible for release to extended supervision.
“The victims of child trafficking deserve justice and to know that the criminals who harmed them will not be allowed to return to society to harm others,” said Jacque. “This adjustment to Wisconsin law sends a clear message: If you come to Wisconsin to victimize our children, you will spend the rest of your life in prison.”
The initiative passed both legislative chambers on a voice vote, and had the support of a number of law enforcement and other organizations, including the Wisconsin Professional Police Association, the Wisconsin District Attorneys’ Association, the Wisconsin Nurses Association, and United Migrant Opportunity Services.
Senator André Jacque represents Northeast Wisconsin’s First Senate District, consisting of Door and Kewaunee Counties and portions of Brown, Calumet, Manitowoc, and Outagamie counties.
