Joy Goeben, Wisconsin State Representative of 5th District | Facebook
Joy Goeben, Wisconsin State Representative of 5th District | Facebook
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.
Joy L. Goeben has co-authored or authored another 34 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Goeben graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 1997 with a BS.
Goeben, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2023 to represent the state's 5th Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Jim Steineke.
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.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB105 | 03/10/2025 | The distribution of certain material on the Internet |
| AB56 | 02/24/2025 | Requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and on public buildings. (FE) |
| AB53 | 02/24/2025 | Special circumstances battery to a community service officer and providing a penalty |
| AB40 | 02/17/2025 | School safety grants and making an appropriation. (FE) |
| AB11 | 02/06/2025 | Pelvic exams on unconscious patients and creating an administrative rule related to hospital requirements for pelvic exams on unconscious patients |
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