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Bill

AB 861

Relating to: the civil causes of action for human trafficking and trafficking a child.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elijah Behnke and 14 co-sponsors

Wisconsin bill expanding civil lawsuits for human trafficking and child trafficking victims to recover damages from perpetrators beyond criminal penalties.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 861

Legislative bill overview

AB 861 would expand civil legal remedies for victims of human trafficking and child trafficking in Wisconsin by creating or modifying causes of action that allow victims to sue traffickers and potentially related parties for damages. The bill aims to provide an additional avenue for victims to seek compensation and accountability beyond criminal prosecution.

Why is this important

Human trafficking victims often face significant financial, physical, and psychological harm, and civil lawsuits can provide compensation when criminal remedies are insufficient or unavailable. Expanding civil causes of action recognizes trafficking as a serious tort and gives survivors more tools to recover damages and deter trafficking operations.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of liability: Questions about who can be sued (just traffickers, or also businesses/organizations that knowingly benefited) and whether liability extends to negligent parties or only intentional actors
  • Statute of limitations: Determining appropriate timeframes for filing civil claims, particularly for child trafficking victims who may not recognize harm until adulthood
  • Damages and caps: Debate over whether damages should be unlimited, capped, or include punitive damages, and whether this creates exposure concerns for certain industries

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

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