MADISON, WI (WTAQ) – Local representatives from both parties plan to introduce legislation later this session to address human trafficking.
Both De Pere Republican Andre Jacque and Appleton Democrat Amanda Stuck have drafted bills with bi-partisan support that strengthen penalities against those caught soliciting prostitution.
Jacque’s legislation would create a $5,000 surcharge for anyone convicted of soliciting, or keeping a place of, prostitution.
The funds would be split between services for sex trafficking victims and police departments for investigative operations costs.
“This higher surcharge is not only going to serve as a deterrent, but it’s going to send those resources to where we need it most.”
Stuck’s bill would bump a third soliciting offense from a misdemeanor to a felony, with a maximum sentence of 3 1/2 years in prison.
“It would give more teeth to the law right now, have more consequences for the people engaging in this activity, and hopefully reduce seeing those same people over and over again.”
Appleton Police Sergeant Dave Lund says sex trafficking is a growing problem locally.
“It’s really prevalent. It doesn’t take us very long if we’re setting up a sting operation to have people soliciting.”
Lund says roughly half of the cases involving soliciting prostitution involve repeat offenders.
