Bill
Bill > AB143
summary
Introduced
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
In Committee
03/17/2025
03/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, a person who owns or is in control of a motor vehicle is prohibited from allowing another person to operate the vehicle if the vehicle operator is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. Current law also prohibits a person from renting a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to another person who is not authorized to operate a motor vehicle. A violation of either prohibition is a forfeiture of not more than $100. This bill increases the penalty for both violations to a fine not to exceed $1,000 for a first offense and not to exceed $10,000 for a second or subsequent offense. The bill also provides that the prohibitions apply irrespective of whether the person permitting the operation of a motor vehicle had actual knowledge of the vehicle operator[s authorization to operate a motor vehicle. Because this bill creates a new crime or revises a penalty for an existing crime, the Joint Review Committee on Criminal Penalties may be requested to prepare a report.
AI Summary
This bill amends Wisconsin state law to significantly increase penalties for allowing an unauthorized person to operate a motor vehicle. Currently, if a vehicle owner permits an unlicensed or unauthorized driver to use their vehicle, they would face a forfeiture of up to $100. The new bill raises this penalty to a fine of up to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for any subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill clarifies that these prohibitions apply even if the vehicle owner did not have direct knowledge that the driver was unauthorized to operate a motor vehicle. The legislation targets two specific scenarios: first, when someone allows an unauthorized person to operate their vehicle, and second, when someone rents a motor vehicle, trailer, or semitrailer to an unauthorized driver. By increasing the financial consequences and removing the "knowledge" requirement, the bill aims to discourage vehicle owners from enabling unlicensed driving and to enhance overall road safety.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (13)
Barbara Dittrich (R)*,
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Rick Gundrum (R)*,
Nate Gustafson (R)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Dan Knodl (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Dave Maxey (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
William Penterman (R)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Jessie Rodriguez (R)*,
Julian Bradley (R),
Last Action
Public hearing held (on 04/09/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab143 |
| AB143 ROCP for Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/criminal_justice_and_public_safety/1913703.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB143.pdf |
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