Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB60

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/23/23
• Refer: 2/23/23
• Report Pass: 1/4/24
• Refer: 1/4/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Requirements for adult-entertainment establishments and providing a penalty.

Impact

AB60 enforces compliance measures intended to enhance public safety and combat human trafficking. Establishments are mandated to prevent hiring individuals convicted of disqualifying offenses and detailed to report employment records to law enforcement. Violations of these rules carry significant penalties; establishments could face daily forfeiture fees of up to $10,000 if found non-compliant. Similarly, it calls for heightened accountability concerning adherence to drug and obscenity laws on their premises, presenting a robust framework for regulating activities in adult environments.

Summary

Assembly Bill 60 (AB60) introduces stringent regulations for adult-entertainment establishments in Wisconsin, specifically targeting ownership, employment, and operational practices. The bill categorizes adult-entertainment establishments broadly as businesses emphasizing sexually oriented materials, devices, or services, and notably excludes healthcare facilities, educational institutions, non-profits, and schools. By requiring owners and operators to adhere to specific legal qualifications, such as avoiding certain disqualifying offenses including prostitution and sex crimes, the legislation aims to mitigate illicit activities surrounding these establishments.

Contention

The introduction of AB60 has generated discussions about its implications for personal freedoms and regulatory overreach. Proponents argue that the bill is a necessary step toward protecting vulnerable populations, particularly in the context of human trafficking. Conversely, critics express concern about the potential for over-regulation, fearing it could drive establishments underground, thereby exacerbating issues rather than solving them. There is ongoing debate regarding the balance between public safety and the rights of business owners to operate without excessive state interference.