Senate passes bills targeting naked bike ride events in Wisconsin

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Lawmakers in the state Senate approved two bills that seek to ban naked bike ride events after numerous complaints were filed over a 10-year-old Madison girl reportedly participating in one.

On Tuesday, all Senate Republicans and one Democrat, Sen. Robert Wirch, voted in favor of the proposals.

One bill would prohibit minors from being brought to an "event at which a group of adult participants intentionally expose their genitals, buttocks or other intimate parts in a public area."

The measure would also prohibit anyone from taking photos of a child at these types of events if nudity is exposed. If an individual intentionally takes a picture to report it to law enforcement, that would be an exception under the bill.

Another proposal would change state law to include "intentional" exposure of genitals in public from "indecent" exposure. There would also be exceptions, such as when a parent changes a baby's diaper or breastfeeds.

Violators could face up to a $10,000 fine or nine months in jail.

It comes in response to a naked bike ride event last year when the Madison Police Department received multiple complaints alleging a 10-year-old girl participated in the event. However, the Dane County district attorney later determined no state laws were broken.

While the bill received bipartisan support, it's unclear whether Gov. Tony Evers would sign the proposals.

Last year, he told reporters, "It's probably not a good idea" for children to participate in these types of events, but he was also doubtful the bill was needed.