press release
Wisconsin Bill Will Give Sextortion Survivors Day in Court if Signed by Governor
Wisconsin survivors of sextortion will have a new avenue for justice if recently-passed AB 923 is signed into law.
Madison, WI, (Tuesday, March 17, 2026) – The Wisconsin Senate passed AB 923 today, sending the bill to Governor Tony Evers’ desk. Once signed, the bill will create a civil cause of action in cases of sexual extortion, giving survivors a vehicle for justice other than a criminal trial, as well as making it easier to bring civil claims without sharing their information publicly.
“Wisconsinites deserve stronger protections against sexual extortion.”
RAINN Vice President of Public Policy, Stefan Turkheimer
“In an age of rapid and widespread image sharing, Wisconsinites deserve stronger protections against sexual extortion,” explains RAINN Vice President of Public Policy Stefan Turkheimer. “Survivors of sexual extortion often carry lifelong trauma stemming from betrayal of trust, violations of privacy, and the persistent fear of further exploitation. Being forced into creating explicit content, and knowing those images may continue to circulate, causes significant and lasting harm.”
This bill could not have passed without help from our many amazing sponsors, including primary sponsors Representatives Brent Jacobson and Patrick Snyder and Senator Jesse James.
“Last year, a 15-year-old constituent of mine named Bradyn Bohn had his life cut short after becoming a victim of sexual extortion. This tragedy served as a call to action.”
Rep. Brent Jacobson (R – Mosinee)
“Last year, a 15-year-old constituent of mine named Bradyn Bohn had his life cut short after becoming a victim of sexual extortion,” said Rep. Jacobson. “This tragedy served as a call to action, and this session, we rallied together to combat sexual extortion through our criminal justice system by passing Bradyn’s Law. The legislation before us today is the next step in this effort, giving victims of sexual extortion the ability to seek justice through civil actions.”
“This bill continues Wisconsin’s clear stance that sextortion will never be tolerated and that there will be consequences.”
Sen. Jesse James (R – Thorp)
Sen. James said, “The Department of Justice’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) testified that they received over 600 tips related to sexual extortion in 2025 alone. This is a real and growing crime in Wisconsin and across the country. This bill continues Wisconsin’s clear stance that sextortion will never be tolerated and that there will be consequences.”
“Survivors deserve meaningful legal recourse and the opportunity to reclaim their dignity and safety. This bill will give them that opportunity,” said Turkheimer.
Contact RAINN’s Policy Team
If you are covering this legislation or any form of tech-enabled sexual abuse, please note that RAINN Vice President of Public Policy Stefan Turkheimer and RAINN Senior Legislative Police Counsel Sandi Johnson are available for comment and interview on this topic.