Gov. Scott Walker signed a bill into law Thursday designed to increase reporting of sexual assaults on college campuses.
The measure prevents law enforcement from issuing drinking tickets to victims or witnesses of sexual assault. It also prevents UW System schools from imposing their own penalties on underage drinkers under those circumstances.
Walker praised the bill, which he signed at UW-Stevens Point, as a means of keeping colleges safe and increasing the reporting of sexual assault.
“The legislation we’re signing into law here today encourages victims of sexual assault to seek medical attention and help from law enforcement without fear of retribution in cases where underage drinking was involved,” Walker said in a statement following the signing. "We’re committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault and preventing violence on our campuses.”
The bill, authored by state Rep. Joan Ballweg, R-Markesan, and state Sen. Jerry Petrowski, R-Marathon, has been supported by college administrations statewide and UW-Madison has said it already practices the policies codified in the bill.
UW-Madison Chancellor Rebecca Blank, UWPD and state Attorney General Brad Schimel are among the proponents of the bill.
