Senate passes bill to tighten state's human trafficking laws

MADISON (AP) — Wisconsin's human trafficking laws would be tightened under a bill that has passed the state Senate.

The measure passed on a voice vote Tuesday would also give victims a way to void any crimes they may have committed.

The proposal would allow trafficking victims to ask a judge to vacate or expunge prostitution convictions. The judge could grant the request if he or she gives the prosecutor a chance to respond and determines society won't be harmed.

Current Wisconsin law defines trafficking as recruiting, enticing, harboring or transporting someone against their consent. The bipartisan bill removes the consent element and adds using schemes to control an individual to the definition.

The Assembly passed the bill last month and now it heads to Gov. Scott Walker.