Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB60

Introduced
2/23/23  
Refer
2/23/23  
Report Pass
1/4/24  
Refer
1/4/24  

Caption

Requirements for adult-entertainment establishments and providing a penalty.

Impact

AB60 enforces compliance measures intended to enhance public safety and combat human trafficking. Establishments are mandated to prevent hiring individuals convicted of disqualifying offenses and detailed to report employment records to law enforcement. Violations of these rules carry significant penalties; establishments could face daily forfeiture fees of up to $10,000 if found non-compliant. Similarly, it calls for heightened accountability concerning adherence to drug and obscenity laws on their premises, presenting a robust framework for regulating activities in adult environments.

Summary

Assembly Bill 60 (AB60) introduces stringent regulations for adult-entertainment establishments in Wisconsin, specifically targeting ownership, employment, and operational practices. The bill categorizes adult-entertainment establishments broadly as businesses emphasizing sexually oriented materials, devices, or services, and notably excludes healthcare facilities, educational institutions, non-profits, and schools. By requiring owners and operators to adhere to specific legal qualifications, such as avoiding certain disqualifying offenses including prostitution and sex crimes, the legislation aims to mitigate illicit activities surrounding these establishments.

Contention

The introduction of AB60 has generated discussions about its implications for personal freedoms and regulatory overreach. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of human trafficking. Conversely, critics express concern about the potential for over-regulation, fearing it could drive establishments underground, thereby exacerbating issues rather than solving them. There is ongoing debate regarding the balance between public safety and the rights of business owners to operate without excessive state interference.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI HB2743

Relating to adult entertainment establishments; prescribing an effective date.

WI SB572

Requirements for the sale and resale of entertainment event tickets and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI AB569

Requirements for the sale and resale of entertainment event tickets and providing a penalty. (FE)

WI HB2314

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 51 and Title 39, relative to adult-oriented entertainment.

WI SB2481

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 7, Chapter 51 and Title 39, relative to adult-oriented entertainment.

WI HB1286

Further providing for definitions; providing for training requirements for public lodging establishments and for training requirements for third-party listing platforms and rental operators; further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

WI SB1140

Further providing for definitions; providing for training requirements for public lodging establishments and for training requirements for third-party listing platforms and rental operators; further providing for enforcement, for violation, for affirmative defenses, for administrative penalties and for criminal penalties; and imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

WI A4849

Creates civil and criminal penalties for invasive grooming of vulnerable adults.

WI SF716

Drag performances as adult entertainment classification

WI SB580

Selling and reselling entertainment tickets and providing a penalty. (FE)

Similar Bills

OR HB2743

Relating to adult entertainment establishments; prescribing an effective date.

IA HF38

A bill for an act authorizing cities to establish self-supported entertainment areas.(See HF 760, HF 1051.)

IA HF760

A bill for an act authorizing cities to establish self-supported entertainment areas.(Formerly HF 38; See HF 1051.)

MA S2556

To modernize funding for community media programming

HI HB208

Relating To Intoxicating Liquor.

HI HB208

Relating To Intoxicating Liquor.

MO SB1734

Authorizes the city of Chesterfield to establish an entertainment district

NJ A4100

Concerns certain streaming services and public broadcasting funding.