Wisconsin Governor Signs Bills to Boost Child Internet Safety

New laws create civil lawsuits for victims, fund DOJ investigations, and mandate public awareness campaigns.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 2:36am

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A solitary laptop computer sits on a wooden desk, its screen reflecting a soft, warm glow in a dimly lit room, conceptually representing the digital threats facing children in the modern era.Wisconsin's new child internet safety laws aim to empower victims, increase investigative resources, and promote public awareness about online exploitation.Madison Today

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers has signed five new bills aimed at enhancing legal protections and resources for victims of child internet crimes. The legislation allows victims of sexual extortion to file civil lawsuits, enables families to sue for wrongful death related to sextortion-driven suicides, and provides additional funding and staffing for the Wisconsin Department of Justice to investigate internet crimes against children.

Why it matters

These new laws represent a comprehensive legislative effort to combat the growing threat of online exploitation and abuse of minors. By empowering victims, increasing investigative resources, and launching public education campaigns, the state is taking proactive steps to improve child internet safety and hold perpetrators accountable.

The details

The five bills signed by Governor Evers include provisions that allow victims of sexual extortion to file civil lawsuits for damages against their perpetrators, even if no criminal case is pursued. The legislation also enables victims' families to file wrongful death suits if a loved one's suicide is linked to sextortion. Additionally, the Wisconsin Department of Justice will receive more funding to investigate internet crimes against children, including four new dedicated positions, as well as a mandate to run public awareness campaigns and provide educational tools to schools at no cost.

  • The bills were signed into law by Governor Tony Evers on April 10, 2026.

The players

Tony Evers

The Governor of Wisconsin who signed the five child internet safety bills into law.

Wisconsin Department of Justice

The state agency that will receive additional funding and staffing to investigate internet crimes against children, as well as be required to run public awareness campaigns and provide educational tools to schools.

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What they’re saying

“These new laws represent a comprehensive legislative effort to combat the growing threat of online exploitation and abuse of minors.”

— Tony Evers, Governor of Wisconsin

What’s next

The new laws will go into effect immediately, with the Wisconsin DOJ expected to begin hiring the four new positions and launching public awareness campaigns in the coming months.

The takeaway

Wisconsin's legislative package aims to empower victims, increase investigative resources, and educate the public in order to better protect children from the dangers of online exploitation. These proactive measures demonstrate the state's commitment to addressing this critical issue and serving as a model for other states to follow.