Jill Billings, Wisconsin State Representative for 95th District | www.facebook.com
Jill Billings, Wisconsin State Representative for 95th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends existing statutes to prevent individuals under the age of 18 from being prosecuted or adjudicated delinquent for engaging in acts of prostitution, which previously could lead to charges as a Class A misdemeanor. Additionally, the bill removes the court's ability to enter a consent decree or a deferred prosecution agreement under the Juvenile Justice Code or adult criminal statutes for minors involved in prostitution, irrespective of the court's assessment of whether these measures serve the best interests of the individual and society. This legislative change aims to redefine legal procedures concerning youths engaged in acts historically classified as prostitution, shifting away from criminalization. The bill takes effect with violations committed on or after its enactment date.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Jesse L. James (Republican-23rd District), Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), Representative Mike Bare (Democrat-80th District), and Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), and Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), along with 37 other co-sponsors.
Jill Billings has co-authored another eight bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Billings graduated from Augsburg College in 1989 with a BA.
Billings, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2011 to represent the state's 95th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Jennifer Shilling.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB79 | 02/28/2025 | Prosecuting or adjudicating delinquent a person under the age of 18 for committing an act of prostitution |
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