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Northwoods Reporter

Wednesday, September 10, 2025

Rep. Jacobson authors Wisconsin Assembly bill to regulate online content harmful to minors

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Brent Jacobson, Wisconsin State Representative for 87th District | https://www.facebook.com

Brent Jacobson, Wisconsin State Representative for 87th District | https://www.facebook.com

A new bill authored by State Rep. Brent Jacobson in the Wisconsin Assembly aims to regulate the distribution of harmful online content to protect minors, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "the distribution of certain material on the Internet".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill aims to regulate the distribution of certain types of content on the Internet by prohibiting business entities from knowingly and intentionally publishing or distributing material harmful to minors without implementing reasonable age verification methods. Harmful material is defined as that which appeals to prurient interests, depicts sexual acts or body parts, and lacks serious value for minors. Additionally, the bill limits access to such websites from known virtual private network addresses and bans the online distribution of obscene material or depictions involving children. Violators face potential civil liability for damages, court costs, and attorney fees. Exceptions are provided for news entities and Internet service providers, search engines, and cloud services that do not create harmful content but may inadvertently provide access.

The bill was co-authored by Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District), Representative Scott Allen (Republican-82nd District), Representative Elijah R. Behnke (Republican-6th District), Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), Senator André Jacque (Republican-1st District), and Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), along seven other co-sponsors.

Brent Jacobson has co-authored or authored another 35 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.

Jacobson graduated from Saint Cloud State University in 2006 with a BS and again in 2009 from West Virginia University College of Law with a JD.

Jacobson, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 87th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative James Edming.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bills Introduced by Brent Jacobson in Wisconsin Assembly During 2025 Regular Session

Bill NumberDate IntroducedShort Description
AB10503/10/2025The distribution of certain material on the Internet
AB8502/28/2025Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE)
AB7302/24/2025Statutory recognition of specialized treatment court and commercial court dockets
AB6602/24/2025Dismissing or amending certain criminal charges and deferred prosecution agreements for certain crimes
AB6502/24/2025Entering certain places with intent to commit battery and providing a penalty
AB3302/17/2025Representations depicting nudity and providing a penalty
AB2902/17/2025Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses

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