SB 830 Wisconsin Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Relating to: defining “direct result” for purposes of the affirmative defense for victims of human trafficking.

SB 830 clarifies the legal standard for human trafficking victims to use an "affirmative defense" when charged with crimes committed while escaping trafficking. It defines a crime as a "direct result" of trafficking if it has a clear causal link to the trafficking violation (not caused by other factors), occurs near the trafficking incident, and is necessary to escape or stop the trafficking. This applies specifically to victims of violations under statutes 940.302(2) or 948.051, removing the previous requirement that the trafficking perpetrator be prosecuted. The bill ensures victims cannot be punished for actions taken to survive trafficking, focusing on the immediate connection between the crime and the trafficking incident.
Bill status failed 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026 Last action Mar 23, 2026
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Jan 15, 2026
Introduced
Introduced by Senator Wimberger; cosponsored by Representatives Tusler, Behnke, Dittrich, Kreibich and O'Connor
upper
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

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Legislator
Party
State
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P
Photo of Eric Wimberger
Eric Wimberger
RRepublican
WI
2