Sextortion Prevention Education
I recently introduced legislation, alongside Representative Jeff Mursau, requiring schools to provide sextortion prevention education beginning in sixth grade. Wisconsin has unfortunately seen a growing number of cases involving the sexual exploitation of children, which prompted our effort that seeks to protect kids by providing education on recognizing, reporting, and preventing sextortion.
Earlier this session, the Legislature passed a law imposing stiffer penalties on the perpetrators of sextortion. This new effort is another important piece of the puzzle in protecting our kids from the despicable criminals who sexually exploit children. The effects of sextortion are devastating, and tragically, this crime is happening to kids all across the country, including in our own community. Raising awareness through education is a crucial step in protecting our children.
Under the proposal, age-appropriate courses on sextortion prevention would be taught once in grades 6 to 8 and once in grades 9 to 12. School employees would also receive training on recognizing and reporting sextortion.
Justice for All Act Receives Hearing
I testified before the Assembly Committee on Judiciary this week on AB 514, the Justice for All Act, to increase staffing and improve state obligations in the justice system. Under the proposal, the state will increase staffing levels of assistant district attorneys, assistant state public defenders, public defender support staff, and circuit court judges across the state.
Delays in processing cases can lead to public safety concerns, jail overcrowding, and potential civil rights violations. Furthermore, expenses to county property taxpayers are rising to sustain the system. Our current biennial budget took initial steps to alleviate backlogs in our justice system, but this legislation is necessary to continue resolving the issue.
The Justice for All Act utilizes existing workforce assessments to determine areas of need and appropriate allocation of new staff throughout the state. The legislation adds 68.5 assistant district attorneys, 18 state public defenders, 35 public defender support staff, and four circuit court judge positions over the next biennium.
I also appeared on WBAY to detail the bill and articulate how it will benefit Brown County in particular. That interview is available here. The proposal is now available for a committee vote before moving ahead in the legislative process.
Oconto County Alert System
Oconto County Residents: As the new year begins, Oconto County is updating its emergency alert system. Those subscribed to the previous method will no longer receive emergency alerts. Click the image below to get signed up for the new system and stay aware of emergencies in the area.
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Contact Me
My office is always available to help with any state-related questions or concerns you may have. You can reach my office at (608) 237-9104, or email me at Rep.Steffen@legis.wisconsin.
