A bill aimed at protecting vulnerable adults has taken the next step toward becoming law.
The bill, which was authored by District 1 Senator Andre Jacque of De Pere, passed a Senate Committee on a 6-1 vote.
The measure looks to fill in some gaps in the protections for adults determined to be “at risk,” namely those with physical or mental conditions that impair or their ability to care for or their needs.
Among the gaps being filled is the increase in penalties for those who are convicted of forcible sexual misconduct against an adult at risk.
Sen. Jacque noted that “adults with disabilities are seven times more likely to be the victims of abuse, neglect, or exploitation” and that the bill has the support of the Alzheimer’s Association and the Wisconsin Chapter of A-TEAM.
The next step for the bill is votes by the full Senate and Assembly, before finally going to Governor Tony Evers’ desk for final approval.
