Bill
Bill > SB141
summary
Introduced
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
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. LRB-2361/1 ZDW:emw 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 141
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin's existing motor vehicle operation laws by increasing penalties and clarifying liability for allowing unauthorized individuals to operate vehicles. Specifically, the bill removes the previous maximum forfeiture of $100 and replaces it with more substantial fines: $1,000 for a first offense and $10,000 for a second or subsequent offense, for both vehicle owners who allow unauthorized operation and individuals who rent vehicles to unauthorized operators. Additionally, the bill explicitly states that these prohibitions apply regardless of whether the vehicle owner or renter had actual knowledge of the vehicle operator's lack of authorization. This means that even if a person did not intentionally or knowingly allow an unauthorized driver to use their vehicle, they can still be subject to the new, more significant financial penalties. The changes aim to strengthen enforcement of vehicle operation regulations and potentially discourage individuals from letting unauthorized drivers use motor vehicles, trailers, or semitrailers.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (14)
Julian Bradley (R)*,
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),
Jerry O'Connor (R),
William Penterman (R),
Jim Piwowarczyk (R),
Jessie Rodriguez (R),
Last Action
Read first time and referred to Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety (on 03/21/2025)
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/sen/bill/sb141 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB141.pdf |
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