Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB954

Introduced
1/26/24  
Refer
1/26/24  
Report Pass
2/27/24  

Caption

Creation of a Human Trafficking Council and requiring the establishment of county sex trafficking task forces. (FE)

Impact

The bill mandates that counties identified as experiencing above-average sex trafficking activities by the council must form regional sex trafficking task forces. These task forces will bring together local law enforcement, county departments, and non-profit organizations to coordinate awareness campaigns, victim support initiatives, and investigative efforts. Additionally, law enforcement agencies in areas with populations of over 10,000 will be required to designate an officer specifically tasked with coordinating human trafficking prevention and enforcement activities, underscoring the importance of a focused approach in tackling this issue.

Summary

Senate Bill 954 aims to establish a comprehensive framework for combating human trafficking in Wisconsin by creating a Human Trafficking Council affiliated with the Department of Justice. This council will include representatives from key state departments, law enforcement, and victim support services. Its primary role is to coordinate efforts among various stakeholders, compile essential data on human trafficking, and assess the effectiveness of state-funded prevention programs. The council will also maintain an online database to facilitate information sharing and track human trafficking activities across counties within the state.

Contention

While the bill has broad support aimed at enhancing public safety and protecting vulnerable populations, it may also raise concerns regarding the implementation and resources required for these new initiatives. Critics could argue about the potential for overreach in terms of law enforcement powers and the adequacy of training and resources provided to officers who are tasked with these new responsibilities. The establishment of the council and task forces could also encounter logistical challenges in terms of coordination among various agencies and organizations, particularly in rural areas that may lack the same resources as urban centers.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI HB118

Council On Human And Sex Trafficking

WI HB4816

Relating to the punishment for certain criminal conduct involving trafficking of persons, the human trafficking prevention coordinating council and the human trafficking prevention task force; increasing criminal penalties.

WI LB320

Require hotels and similar public lodging establishments to display posters relating to human trafficking, provide for training regarding recognition of human trafficking for employees of such establishments, and limit liability for human trafficking activity at such establishments

WI HF1011

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including the establishment of human trafficking prosecution units and the remittance of wire transmission fees to the office to combat human trafficking.(Formerly HF 831, HF 463; See HF 2565.)

WI H1237

Human Trafficking Awareness

WI HB1215

Human trafficking; creating the Human Trafficking Law; modifying scope of certain defined terms; requiring registration with the Sex Offenders Act; directing Information be submitted to the FBI; effective date.

WI HB1215

Human trafficking; creating the Human Trafficking Law; modifying scope of certain defined terms; requiring registration with the Sex Offenders Act; directing Information be submitted to the FBI; effective date.

WI SB922

Requiring public lodging establishments to provide human trafficking awareness training for employees

WI AB265

Human trafficking and trafficking of a child and providing a penalty.

WI HF831

A bill for an act relating to human trafficking, including the establishment of human trafficking prosecution units and the remittance of wire transmission fees to the office to combat human trafficking.(Formerly HF 463; See HF 1011, HF 2565.)

Similar Bills

CA SB1022

Human trafficking: California Multidisciplinary Alliance to Stop Trafficking Act.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

HI HB609

Relating To Sex Trafficking.

CA AR5

Relative to National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.

NJ A4152

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

NJ S379

Requires Attorney General to establish Human Trafficking Unit in Department of Law and Public Safety.

DE HCR4

Recognizing The Month Of January 2025 As "human Trafficking Awareness Month" In Delaware.

CA ACR9

National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.