State Lawmakers Hear Testimony About Proposals to Increase Penalties for Human Trafficking

Friday, September 19th, 2025 -- 10:01 AM

(Anya Van Wagtendonk, Wisconsin Public Radio) Lawmakers heard testimony Wednesday about proposals that would increase penalties for human trafficking and require clearer communication with a sexual assault survivor about the status of their rape kit.

According to Anya Van Wagtendonk with Wisconsin Public Radio, under the sexual assault proposal, survivors would be entitled to quick processing of the evidence taken after an assault, receive updates about the testing timeline, whether a possible assailant has been identified, and to learn if their case has been closed or reopened.

The human trafficking proposal would make it a Class C felony, with a minimum prison term of 10 years. It would make child trafficking a Class B felony, with a minimum prison term of 15 years.

The bill’s supporters said Wisconsin’s major corridors, including between Chicago and Milwaukee, have high rates of trafficking. The bill is backed by law enforcement groups and United Migrant Opportunity Services, which supports migrant farmworkers and low-wage workers.

Some Democrats on Wednesday expressed concern that this could catch up victims of trafficking, who are sometimes compelled to do illegal activities or perpetuate trafficking themselves.

“We all know that it’s difficult to prove that victims are victims of human trafficking,” said Sen. LaTonya Johnson, D-Milwaukee. “Not all officers recognize when individuals are human trafficking victims because there isn’t enough training.”

Wisconsin has previously received low grades from national anti-trafficking organizations for how it prevents trafficking and cares for survivors.

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