An Act to create 942.09 (1) (e), 942.09 (2) (am) 4. and 942.09 (3m) (a) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty.
Summary
SB33 creates new definitions and offenses within Wisconsin’s statutes governing depictions of nudity and intimate images. The bill defines a “synthetic intimate representation” as a technologically generated depiction that uses an identifiable person’s face, likeness, or other distinguishing characteristics to create a realistic intimate image that a reasonable person would believe shows the person engaged in the depicted conduct.
The bill then makes it a crime to post, publish, distribute, or exhibit such a synthetic intimate representation of an identifiable person when done with intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate that person. It also adds a separate offense for making a reproduction of a private representation when the actor knows the depicted person did not consent to the reproduction. The act takes effect the day after publication, and it amends Wisconsin criminal law in chapter 942 by adding these new provisions to the existing nudity/sexual exploitation framework.
Impact
SB33 expands Wisconsin’s criminal statutes to address nonconsensual intimate imagery, including AI-generated or otherwise synthetic depictions that resemble real people. It adds new statutory language to section 942.09 and creates penalties for certain conduct involving synthetic intimate representations and unauthorized reproductions of private representations, giving law enforcement and prosecutors additional tools to respond to digital sexual abuse, harassment, and image-based abuse.
Sentiment
The available voting history suggests strong bipartisan support: the Senate passed the bill 33-0, indicating unanimous approval among those voting. No committee transcript is available, but the lack of recorded opposition and the unanimous floor vote suggest the bill was broadly viewed as a targeted response to emerging harms from manipulated or nonconsensual intimate images.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. The main policy issue is how broadly the new offense for “synthetic intimate representation” may apply, especially where technology, likeness use, and intent to coerce, harass, or intimidate intersect. Any concerns would likely center on balancing victim protection against potential overbreadth or free-expression questions, but no specific objections are reflected in the provided materials.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 942.09 (1) (e), 942.09 (2) (am) 4. and 942.09 (3m) (a) 3. of the statutes; Relating to: representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty.