Assembly Bill 265 aims to strengthen penalties related to human trafficking and child trafficking in Wisconsin. The bill proposes to elevate the penalty for human trafficking from a Class D felony to a Class C felony and for trafficking a child from a Class C felony to a Class B felony. Additionally, it introduces mandatory minimum prison sentences of 10 years for human trafficking and 15 years for trafficking a child. The bill also establishes that prosecutions for violations of human trafficking can be initiated within 10 years of the offense.

The bill amends several sections of the statutes, including the title of 939.616 to include "child trafficking," and creates new sections 939.616 (1s) and 939.6175, which outline the mandatory minimum sentences for these offenses. It also modifies existing penalties in sections 940.302 and 948.051, changing the classifications of felonies for trafficking offenses. Specifically, it replaces the Class D felony designation with a Class C felony for human trafficking and adjusts the classification for child trafficking from Class C to Class B felony. These changes reflect a significant shift in the legal framework surrounding trafficking offenses, emphasizing the state's commitment to combatting these serious crimes.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 939.616(title), 939.616, 940.302(2)(a)(intro.), 940.302, 940.302(2)(b), 948.051(1), 948.051, 948.051(2)