DE PERE, WI (WTAQ-WRN) — At the Wisconsin Capitol, a proposal is being reintroduced to combat human trafficking on the demand side.
Modeled after current law in Florida and Washington, the Human Trafficking Prevention Act would impose a mandatory $5,000 surcharge on convictions for patronizing or soliciting prostitutes or keeping a place of prostitution.
The bill comes from State Senator Andre Jacque. The De Pere Republican says he advocates for those being trafficked.
“This is something that is going to hopefully dry up the demand when you see very real consequences, as opposed to a small fine being paid and it going away,” said Jacque.
Similar legislation has previously passed bipartisan committee votes in the state Senate and Assembly and passed unanimously in the state Senate during the 2019-’20 session.
Governor Tony Evers has also previously indicated his support.
Money generated by charge would be evenly divided between the Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, and building capacity to help survivors of human trafficking.
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