MADISON, Wis. (WRN) — Legislation defining grooming advances in Madison.
The bill is from state Representative Amanda Nedweski. The Pleasant Prairie Republican says grooming is not currently defined in state statute
“Meaning that the pattern of predatory behavior that often leads to a child being sexually assaulted is not criminalized,” Nedweski said.
While the recent focus in Wisconsin has been on grooming by school staff, Nedweski says the bill creates a standalone crime wherever it occurs
[“This is not about vague feelings or misunderstandings. There needs to be a pattern of predatory behavior with the intent to have sexual contact with the victim,” Nedweski said.
The measure passed the Assembly (on Tuesday) with only 6 Democrats voting no, and is now ready to be taken up by the state Senate.