Wisconsin Lawmakers Push New Felony ‘Grooming’ Law After Report Reveals 200+ Misconduct Cases in Schools
MADISON, WISCONSIN – A new push at the Wisconsin State Capitol aims to make “grooming” a legally defined felony after a statewide investigation revealed more than 200 allegations of sexual misconduct and grooming involving teachers since 2018 — many of which were never publicly disclosed.
The move comes after the CapTimes uncovered that dozens of educators accused of misconduct were allowed to quietly surrender their teaching licenses rather than face full investigations by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI), leaving parents demanding accountability and lawmakers calling for immediate reform.
A Report That Sparked Outrage Across Wisconsin
The investigation revealed troubling patterns:
- 200+ grooming or sexual misconduct allegations since 2018
- 80+ teachers surrendered licenses to avoid deeper DPI investigations
- 207 educators kept their credentials and continued working with children
The report also criticized DPI’s public database for being outdated and difficult to navigate — requiring users to search by name instead of providing accessible listings of revoked or flagged licenses.
Following weeks of backlash, DPI announced it is upgrading the database to clearly show license statuses, revocations, surrenders and related orders.
But critics say the core problem remains: Wisconsin has no legal definition of grooming, making it difficult for investigators to take decisive action against inappropriate behavior.
Lawmakers Say It’s Time for a Criminal Definition
State Sen. Jesse James (R-Thorp) — also a law enforcement officer — said DPI’s current approach fails to hold offenders accountable and puts students at long-term risk.
James argues the option for teachers to quietly surrender licenses helps DPI avoid embarrassment, but does little to protect children.
“Details need to be open, honest and transparent,” James said. “We don’t want history to repeat itself — we need accountability.”
James and Rep. Amanda Nedweski (R-Pleasant Prairie) started drafting legislation in August to finally define grooming under state law. They worked alongside the Wisconsin Department of Justice, the Internet Crimes Against Children taskforce and local police to build what they call:
“One of the most comprehensive grooming statutes in the nation.”
The bill would make grooming a standalone felony, apply to any adult, and give prosecutors clear language to pursue convictions.
DPI Defends Its Process — But Supports Grooming Legislation
DPI officials say they investigate every allegation seriously but are limited by law and resources.
Key challenges the department cited include:
- No subpoena power
- Restricted access to criminal documents
- Limited staffing
- Legal boundaries on defining “immoral conduct”
DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher also said the surrender option exists to avoid retraumatizing students who would otherwise undergo extended investigations.
Still, DPI says it supports creating an official criminal definition of grooming, noting it would strengthen their ability to remove predatory educators from classrooms.
More Than a School Issue, Officials Warn
Both DPI and lawmakers agree grooming is not limited to K-12 schools.
Police testified that grooming is widespread across online platforms, community organizations, youth clubs and private homes — making it a statewide, societal issue that demands stronger legal tools.
As James put it:
“This is far bigger than DPI. This is about protecting every child in Wisconsin.”
Have Thoughts on This New Legislation?
Do you think Wisconsin’s new grooming bill is long overdue, or should DPI and law enforcement handle these cases differently?
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