MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — At the 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.
“Pimps as well as patrons that are driving the basically the slavery trade, the sex trafficking trade,” said State Senator Andre Jacques.
The DePere Republican says he and advocates for those being trafficked see this bill as attacking the demand side.
“Because it 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,” Jacques said.
Jaques says the measure he’s reintroducing with Waukesha state Representative Scott Allen enjoys broad bipartisan support, and that Governor Tony Evers has previously indicated his support.