Wisconsin Bill Would Block Sex Offenders From Owning Adult Venues

MADISON, Wis.—A bipartisan bill targeting adult entertainment venues is set to advance to the desk of Democratic Gov. Tony Evers for his endorsement and adoption as state law. Assembly Bill (AB) 60, or the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, was proposed by state Sen. André Jacque, R-De Pere, and Asm. Ty Bodden, R-Stockbridge, saw the bill advanced through the Assembly Regulatory Licensing Reform Committee on a 9-0 vote in favor. AB 60 prohibits adult entertainment establishments from being owned or operated by a person who has been convicted of a sex offense against minors, human trafficking, or prostitution. The bill also prevents owners and operators from declaring public nuisances or employing victims of human trafficking offenses. Employees under 18 years old are also prohibited in these venues. The measure also requires establishments to retain and furnish employment and business records and make them available to law enforcement officials upon request, reports local outlet Seehafer News.