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Bill

SB 73

Relating to: prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Kristin Dassler-Alfheim and 11 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill decriminalizes prostitution for minors under 18, reclassifying them from delinquent offenders to child welfare cases requiring protective intervention instead.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 73

Legislative bill overview

SB 73 would prohibit the prosecution or adjudication of minors under 18 years old as delinquent for committing acts of prostitution in Wisconsin. Instead of criminal/delinquency proceedings, the bill appears to redirect these cases toward child welfare and protective services frameworks. This represents a shift from treating child sex trafficking victims as offenders to treating them as victims requiring support.

Why is this important

Child prostitution cases typically involve minors who are themselves victims of exploitation and trafficking. Currently, Wisconsin law can charge these children with prostitution-related offenses, potentially creating criminal records that compound their vulnerability and limit future opportunities. This bill addresses a nationally recognized problem where victims are criminalized rather than protected, aligning Wisconsin with other states and federal trends toward safe harbor laws.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition and scope concerns: The bill's language on what constitutes an "act of prostitution" and whether it covers all related conduct (solicitation, trafficking situations) may need clarification to prevent loopholes or unintended consequences
  • Alternative accountability mechanisms: Critics may question whether removing delinquency prosecution eliminates accountability entirely or whether the proposed welfare/protective services alternative is sufficiently robust to address serious offenses
  • Implementation and resource burden: Courts, child protective services, and law enforcement will need training and resources to implement a fundamentally different response system, raising questions about state budget impacts

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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