Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB677

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/19/25
• Refer: 11/19/25
• Report Pass: 1/8/26
• Refer: 1/8/26
• Engrossed: 1/13/26
• Refer: 1/14/26
• Enrolled: 2/13/26
• Chaptered: 3/6/26
• Passed: 3/6/26

Caption

An Act to amend 48.345 (3) (a) 2., 48.345 (3) (b) 2., 48.685 (1) (c) 2., 48.685 (4m) (b) 2., 48.685 (4m) (b) 2m., 50.065 (1) (e) 2., 51.20 (13) (ct) 2m., 103.34 (1) (b) 2., 111.335 (1m) (b) 1., 111.335 (1m) (d) 1., 165.84 (7) (ab) 1., 165.93 (1) (b), 301.046 (4) (b) (intro.), 301.048 (2) (bm) 1. a., 301.048 (4m) (b) (intro.), 301.45 (1d) (b), 302.05 (3) (a) 1., 302.105 (2) (intro.), 302.11 (1g) (a) 2., 302.116 (1) (a), 303.068 (4m) (b) (intro.), 304.06 (1) (d) 1., 304.06 (1) (em), 304.06 (2m) (a), 304.063 (2) (intro.), 343.06 (1) (i), 343.30 (2d), 440.312 (2), 440.982 (2), 767.461 (4), 901.08 (1) (b), 938.34 (3) (a) 2., 938.34 (3) (b) 2., 938.34 (15m) (bm), 939.615 (1) (b) 1., 939.62 (2m) (a) 1m. a., 939.62 (2m) (a) 2m. b., 939.632 (1) (e) 1., 939.74 (2) (c), 941.29 (1g) (a), 941.291 (1) (b), 948.13 (1) (a), 948.21 (1) (a), 949.03 (2), 968.28, 969.001 (3) (a), 969.08 (10) (b), 971.17 (1m) (b) 2m., 972.11 (2) (b) (intro.), 973.01 (3g), 973.0135 (1) (b) 2., 973.048 (2m), 973.176 (3), 973.20 (4m) and 980.01 (6) (a); to create 343.12 (7) (c) 18m., 786.36 (1m) (c) 16m. and 948.072 of the statutes; Relating to: creating a crime of grooming a child for sexual activity and providing a penalty.

Impact

Should AB677 be enacted, it would significantly amend existing laws regarding sexual offenses involving minors. By defining grooming as a specific crime, the bill aims to enhance the legal framework surrounding child protection. It introduces distinct penalties that could result in increased incarceration for offenders while also enabling law enforcement agencies to take a more proactive stance against potential threats to children. This legislative change highlights the state's commitment to safeguarding its youth from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Summary

AB677 proposes the establishment of a new crime defined as grooming a child for sexual activity, accompanied by specific penalties for offenders. The legislation is designed to address the growing concern over the sexual exploitation of minors, providing law enforcement with additional tools and definitions to pursue perpetrators effectively. The bill emphasizes the protection of children and acts as a deterrent against those who may seek to exploit vulnerable individuals.

Contention

While AB677 is primarily focused on enhancing protective measures for children, there may be contention surrounding the definitions and implications of grooming as a crime. Critics could argue that the bill may overlap with existing laws or that the definitions could be too broad, potentially leading to unjust prosecutions. Discussion could arise regarding the balance between thorough protection of minors and the rights of individuals accused under the new definitions, highlighting the need for clear guidelines and educational initiatives for law enforcement and the community.