MADISON – On Friday, Senate Bill (SB) 413, authored by Representative Karen Hurd (R-Withee) and Senator Howard Marklein (R-Spring Green), was signed into law by Governor Tony Evers as 2025 Wisconsin Act 90. This new law strengthens protections for victims of sexual assault victims by expanding legal protections and support for survivors.
“With Senate Bill 413 becoming law, more assistance is now available to victims of sexual assault, and it is now easier to hold abusers accountable for their actions,” said Rep. Hurd. “I would like to thank everyone who worked hard to get this bill over the finish line, including Senator Marklein, the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network and the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault.”
A key change made by this new law is the extension of the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault from 10 years to 20 years.
“Too often victims of sexual assault delay reporting their assault for years due to many reasons, including trauma, fear of retaliation, or dependence on the perpetrator,” said Rep. Hurd. “Increasing the statute of limitations for second-degree sexual assault will allow more time for victims to come forward and seek justice.”
Another provision of Act 90 expands existing immunity statutes for misdemeanor alcohol and drug violations to include victims of sexual assault and witnesses who assist them.
“Up to 84% of sexual assaults involve the use of drugs or alcohol by the victim,” said Rep. Hurd. “Many sexual assault victims or witnesses are reluctant to come forward to report a sexual assault out of fear of getting in trouble for minor drug or alcohol crimes. By adding those seeking to report a sexual offense to existing immunity statutes, we are making it more likely that these violent crimes are reported and that those who commit them are held accountable.”
In addition, Act 90 also creates an improved lease termination process for victims of sexual assault.