Madison – Representative Jill Billings released the following statement after introducing legislation as part of the Protecting Kids Task Force:
“In recent months, I have worked with my colleagues to craft three pieces of legislation to help protect children and provide parents with the resources they need. Using the information we gathered through testimony provided to the Protecting Kids Task Force, I joined my fellow task force members to introduce LRB-5772, 5775, and 5942. LRB-5772 would fund the important home visiting program to help parents, while LRB-5775 and 5942 would provide the Department of Justice Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force with four new full-time positions to investigate crimes and educate the public.”
“ICAC is dedicating to combatting threats to children online, but we heard testimony about the lack of resources that strain their ability to sort through tips, investigate potential cases of exploitation and predatory behavior, and pursue prosecution. ICAC receives more than 10,000 cyber-tips each year and conducts over 2,500 annual investigations into potential crimes against children. By providing them with more staff to conduct public outreach and investigate crimes, we will help raise public awareness about sextortion and other predatory behavior on the internet and stop abusers from reaching children online.”
“Home visiting programs use a family-centered approach with proven techniques to help expecting families and families with children under the age of five build strong relationships, learn about care options and community resources, and stay healthy. The Protecting Kids Task Force learned about how social media can threaten the mental and physical health of children and parents and my legislation would help increase parental education about social media and healthy habits.”
