Criminal Justice Committee Exec (5/21)
On Wednesday, the 21st, the Criminal Justice Committee held an executive session and passed four bills out of committee.
AB 201 creates a new crime for activity known as “sextortion.”
These cases often begin when someone (often young but not exclusively) believes they are communicating with someone their own age who is interested in a relationship. After the victim shares revealing photos, the criminals threaten to share those photos with their family, friends, and all over social media unless money is exchanged for silence.
This crime is part of a vicious cycle, as the perpetrators do not stop once receiving money; they often threaten violence and sometimes convince the victim that they are in legal trouble as a result of sharing underage photos of themselves with the criminal. Often the offender releases the sexually explicit material regardless of whether or not payment was received. Per the FBI, “This increasing threat has resulted in an alarming number of deaths by suicide.”
This legislation aims to send a message to victims and potential victims that there are laws in place to protect them. The bill also provides that victims of sextortion, or their families, are eligible for payment from the Department of Justice’s crime victim compensation fund if the victim is injured or dies as a result of a sextortion crime.
To note, an amendment was introduced for this bill that removes the felony murder provision and instead makes it a Class B felony for those who cause death by suicide.
Lastly, I have initiated conversation with Wisconsin financial institutions regarding how we can catch sextortion on the front end before it ends with the loss of a life.
AB 53 adds a community service officer (CSO) to the list of protected public officials, making it a Class H felony to cause or threaten to cause bodily harm to a community service officer in response to an action the CSO took in an official capacity.
AB 171 addresses implementation concerns regarding Wisconsin Act 235, which provides enhanced privacy protections for publicly-facing documents for judicial officers.
AB 242 addresses the issue of communications infrastructure theft and vandalism.
Memorial Day Parades
I hope everybody had a safe and fun Memorial Day weekend! Wrightstown and Mishicot both held great parades to remember our honored dead.
In-District Events
Saturday, May 31st, is the Mishicot FFA Alumni Truck and Tractor Pull at 314 W Main St in Mishicot at 1 p.m.
Saturday, May 31st, is the Troop 44 Brat Fry at Carstens Ace Hardware in Kaukauna from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Friday, June 6th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. is the Reedsville FFA Brat Fry at the Old Co-Op (305 N. 6th St, Reedsville).
Sunday, June 8th, is the A&W Reedsville 2025 Sunday Cruisin’ event at 525 Main St, Reedsville from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. More information can be found here.
Saturday, June 14th, is the Town of Two Rivers Firefighters: 75th Anniversary Celebration. This event will take place from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at 6421 County Road O, Two Rivers. More information can be found here.
Saturday, June 14th, is the Appleton Flag Day Parade at 2 p.m. The route can be found here.
Saturday, June 21st, and Sunday, June 22nd, is the Maribel Lions Picnic and Parade at the Maribel Village Park. More information can be found here.
