State Rep. Brent Jacobson, R-Mosinee, said he is encouraged and humbled to see a new law enacted that gives victims of sextortion and their families a new tool for justice.
“Sexual extortion has devastated tens of thousands of victims, robbed American families of over $65 million, and resulted in the tragic deaths of at least three young boys in Wisconsin alone,” Jacobson said. “Addressing this heinous crime and protecting our kids has been one of my top legislative priorities this session.”
Assembly Bill 923, now 2025 Wisconsin Act 215, creates a civil cause of action for victims of sexual extortion or their family. Under this law, a victim or their personal representative could file a lawsuit to recover damages for injury, emotional distress, or loss of property against the person who targeted them with sexual extortion.
Additionally, Act 215 allows parents or representatives of a victim who took their own life as a result of sexual extortion to file a wrongful death suit. It expands on Bradyn’s Law, named after a 15-year-old from Jacobson’s Assembly District who took his own life after falling victim to sextortion in 2025.
“I am emboldened by the many protections for our kids we have put into place in such a short amount of time,” Jacobson said. “This new law and others have sent a clear message that Wisconsin will never accept attacks against our children. With the help of motivated Wisconsinites, I am confident that these successes will be launching points for further progress.”
