Voiding their crimes? New law gives human trafficking victims a way

MADISON (AP) — Gov. Scott Walker has signed a bill that tightens Wisconsin's human trafficking laws and gives victims a way to void any crimes they may have committed.

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 measure allows 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.

Walker signed the bill privately on Wednesday at the state Capitol.