Gov. Evers has signed a Republican-authored bill making grooming a felony crime.
Gov. Tony Evers signed legislation Thursday making the sexual grooming of children a felony in Wisconsin, closing a dangerous loophole that had allowed predators to escape serious punishment and delivering a major victory for child safety.
The new law, authored by Republican Rep. Amanda Nedweski of Pleasant Prairie and Sens. Jesse James of Thorp and Romaine Quinn of Birchwood, defines grooming as “a course of conduct, pattern of behavior or series of acts intended to condition, seduce, solicit, lure or entice a child for sexual intercourse, sexual contact or the production of child pornography.”
Conviction carries a base penalty of up to 10 years in prison as a Class G felony. Penalties increase to Class F for those in positions of trust or authority, Class E if the victim has a disability, and Class D if multiple children are targeted. Those convicted must register as sex offenders for life. The law exempts close-in-age peers under 19 unless force, coercion or abuse of authority is involved.
The measure passed the Assembly 93-6 in January, with all six “no” votes coming from Democrats: Reps. Ryan Clancy of Milwaukee, Angelina Cruz of Racine, Francesca Hong of Madison, Christian Phelps of Eau Claire, Angelito Tenorio of West Allis and Darrin Madison of Milwaukee. The Senate approved it unanimously in February.
A companion bill signed by Evers requires school districts to adopt strict policies governing all communication between staff, volunteers and students with clear consequences up to termination for violations.
“Predators who methodically groom children for abuse will now face the felony justice they deserve,” Nedweski said. “Wisconsin families can rest easier knowing the law finally calls this evil by its name.”
The bills were prompted by revelations of more than 200 cases of educator misconduct since 2018 and criticism of state education officials’ handling of complaints.
The felony grooming law takes effect immediately.
