WisconsinAB6772025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)House

An Act to amend 48.345 (3) (a) 2., 48.345 (3) (b) 2., 48.685 (1) (c) 2., 48.685 (4m) (b) 2., 48.685 (4m) (b) 2m., 50.065 (1) (e) 2., 51.20 (13) (ct) 2m., 103.34 (1) (b) 2., 111.335 (1m) (b) 1., 111.335 (1m) (d) 1., 165.84 (7) (ab) 1., 165.93 (1) (b), 301.046 (4) (b) (intro.), 301.048 (2) (bm) 1. a., 301.048 (4m) (b) (intro.), 301.45 (1d) (b), 302.05 (3) (a) 1., 302.105 (2) (intro.), 302.11 (1g) (a) 2., 302.116 (1) (a), 303.068 (4m) (b) (intro.), 304.06 (1) (d) 1., 304.06 (1) (em), 304.06 (2m) (a), 304.063 (2) (intro.), 343.06 (1) (i), 343.30 (2d), 440.312 (2), 440.982 (2), 767.461 (4), 901.08 (1) (b), 938.34 (3) (a) 2., 938.34 (3) (b) 2., 938.34 (15m) (bm), 939.615 (1) (b) 1., 939.62 (2m) (a) 1m. a., 939.62 (2m) (a) 2m. b., 939.632 (1) (e) 1., 939.74 (2) (c), 941.29 (1g) (a), 941.291 (1) (b), 948.13 (1) (a), 948.21 (1) (a), 949.03 (2), 968.28, 969.001 (3) (a), 969.08 (10) (b), 971.17 (1m) (b) 2m., 972.11 (2) (b) (intro.), 973.01 (3g), 973.0135 (1) (b) 2., 973.048 (2m), 973.176 (3), 973.20 (4m) and 980.01 (6) (a); to create 343.12 (7) (c) 18m., 786.36 (1m) (c) 16m. and 948.072 of the statutes; Relating to: creating a crime of grooming a child for sexual activity and providing a penalty.

Sponsored By: Brent Jacobson (Republican), Elijah Behnke (Republican), Lindee Brill (Republican), Calvin Callahan (Republican), Ben DeSmidt (Democratic), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Bob Donovan (Republican), Cindi Duchow (Republican), Benjamin Franklin (Republican), Chanz Green (Republican), Rick Gundrum (Republican), Nate Gustafson (Republican), Karen Hurd (Republican), Dean Kaufert (Republican), Joel Kitchens (Republican), Daniel Knodl (Republican), Rob Kreibich (Republican), Dave Maxey (Republican), Clint Moses (Republican), David Murphy (Republican), Jeffrey Mursau (Republican), Amanda Nedweski (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), William Penterman (Republican), Jim Piwowarczyk (Republican), Patrick Snyder (Republican), David Steffen (Republican), Ron Tusler (Republican), Chuck Wichgers (Republican)

Signed by Governor

ChildrenCrime and criminals -- FelonyLegislature -- Criminal PenaltiesJoint Review Committee onSchool -- EmployeeSex crimes

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 4 mixed.

Grooming victims gain financial help

Victims of grooming, including covered attempts, gain access to Wisconsin's crime-victim compensation program, subject to its claim requirements. No compensation amount is specified. A court can also order the defendant to pay up to $10,000 for necessary professional psychiatric and psychological care. For that restitution, the court must find the grooming offense was sexually motivated. The cap does not apply to specified restitution under sections 973.20 (3) or (5); other applicable restitution limits remain.

Grooming convictions can limit driving

A grooming conviction can lead to license suspension or denial when a court finds driving privileges threaten public safety and welfare. The transportation department cannot issue a license when that finding applies. The issuance ban lasts one year from conviction or until discharge, whichever is later. Suspension restrictions generally last one year or until the applicable sentence or supervision ends, whichever is later. A discharge certificate may be required to apply for a license.

Grooming convictions bar certain professional licenses

Wisconsin's Department of Safety and Professional Services cannot grant certain professional licenses to applicants convicted of grooming. The ban applies to licenses governed by the specified licensing laws, not every occupation.

Grooming victims gain notices and protections

Correctional officials must make reasonable efforts to notify eligible, findable victims or family members about covered confinement, release, and intensive-sanctions events. Recipients must submit a completed notice card where the law requires one. Victims and family members also gain parole notices and direct input, with first-application notice and later notices on request. In grooming trials, evidence about the complaining witness's past sexual conduct or reputation generally cannot reach the jury. The rape-shield law's exceptions and related court procedures still apply.

Grooming brings registration and reporting duties

Grooming is added to sex-offender registration and reporting rules. Covered juveniles, people found not guilty because of mental disease or defect, and people sentenced or placed on probation must register. A court can waive registration after a motion and hearing under the statutory exception. Specified juvenile reporting rules also cover findings of committing, soliciting, conspiring, or attempting the offense, with a motion-and-hearing exception. Grooming convictions are also added to the name-change law's offense list; the supplied details do not explain the resulting procedure.

Grooming changes release and commitment rules

Grooming is added to correctional-program, community-placement, and release rules, including specified serious-sex-offense classifications. For a grooming sentence split between confinement and extended supervision, courts no longer must decide earned-release eligibility. That procedural change does not itself set a release date or outcome. Grooming also becomes a qualifying sexually violent offense for Wisconsin's civil commitment law. Commitment is not automatic; the required legal process still applies.

Grooming triggers serious offense court rules

Grooming is added to serious child-sex-offense and serious-felony lists used in sentencing rules and specified penalty increases. It also counts as a violent felony under specified firearm laws. Courts apply these rules when the person's offense or criminal history falls within the amended provisions. Grooming is also classified as a serious crime under the amended bail laws.

Child grooming becomes a felony

Wisconsin adds child protections by making a pattern of grooming for sexual activity or sexually explicit images a felony. Covered acts include sexual comments, inappropriate touching, digital contact, gifts meant to lower inhibitions, and isolating a child. The usual penalty is Class G; it rises to Class F for someone in a position of trust or authority. That position involves regular, direct contact and power over the child's welfare, education, or other important matters. Class E applies when the child has a developmental, cognitive, or physical disability the offender knew or reasonably should know about. Class D applies when two or more children are involved. The offense excludes people under 19 when the child is no more than four years younger. That exception does not apply when force, coercion, or abuse of trust or authority is involved.

Grooming cases gain stronger investigation tools

Victims retain a path to prosecution until age 45: grooming charges must begin before that birthday. The existing exception in section 939.74 (2d) remains. Authorities can also seek court orders to intercept wire, electronic, or oral communications for grooming evidence. The attorney general and a county district attorney may approve an officer's application. The interception must potentially provide, or have provided, evidence of grooming.

Grooming changes child placement safety rules

The law extends child-placement, family-court placement, and background-screening protections to grooming cases. Screening rules include convictions, no-contest pleas, and specified charges dismissed or changed through plea agreements. Some placement limits require court findings; family-court rules also address incarceration, extended supervision, parole, or probation for listed offenses. Grooming also triggers the child-related restrictions in section 948.13 and counts as a child sex offense under section 948.21. Courts must explain section 948.13's requirements and penalties to people sentenced or placed on probation for grooming.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

Rob Hutton
Republican • Senate
Jesse James
Republican • Senate
Howard Marklein
Republican • Senate
Steve Nass
Republican • Senate
Romaine Quinn
Republican • Senate
Van Wanggaard
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 93 • No: 6

House vote • 1/13/2026

Read a third time and passed, Ayes 93, Noes 6