Wisconsin Senate Bill SB222

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/25/25
• Refer: 4/25/25

Caption

Extortion, sexual extortion, and providing a penalty.

Impact

The bill establishes a more robust legal framework for prosecuting sexual extortion, which is currently not distinctly addressed in state law. By categorizing such offenses as felonies, specifically Class I to Class G felonies based on various circumstances—including the victim's age and the perpetrator's previous convictions—the bill aims to enhance legal repercussions and deterrents against sexual coercion. This will potentially affect the enforcement of laws surrounding sexual offenses, reinforcing protections for victims and holding offenders accountable more thoroughly than existing statutes.

Summary

Senate Bill 222 introduces legislation aimed at addressing the crime of sexual extortion, defining it as a specific criminal act with penalties structured according to the severity of the offense. The bill outlines that it is considered a Class I felony to threaten another individual with damage to their property or reputation to coerce them into sexual conduct or the creation of intimate representations. Additionally, making threats of violence for similar coercive purposes falls under this classification. The intentional distribution of intimate representations with the objective of coercion amplifies the seriousness of the crime under this bill.

Contention

Discussions surrounding SB 222 have highlighted notable concerns, particularly regarding the broader implications for personal privacy and the definition of consent. Some critics voice worries that increasing penalties and categorizing certain behaviors as felonies might lead to unintended consequences for individuals who inadvertently infringe upon these definitions. As the bill moves forward, its potential impact on both victims seeking justice and individuals facing accusations must be weighed carefully, with focus on ensuring that protections against abuse do not inadvertently infringe on civil liberties.