Bill > AB161

This bill creates a new statute (995.80) that prohibits state agencies and local governmental units from restricting the use or sale of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source. The bill defines key terms, including "local governmental unit" as any political subdivision, special purpose district, or agency within those entities, and "motor vehicle" as a self-propelled device for transporting people or property. Specifically, the legislation prevents government bodies from limiting sales or usage of motor vehicles powered by any particular energy source, whether for propulsion or other vehicle functions. An important exception is that this restriction does not impact an agency's own internal purchasing policies for vehicles. The bill also extends this prohibition to other devices, defining a device as being powered by an energy source if any significant function of the device uses or consumes that energy source. Essentially, the legislation aims to prevent government entities from discriminating against or restricting technologies based on their energy source, which could be interpreted as protecting traditional fossil fuel-powered vehicles and devices from potential restrictions in favor of electric or alternative energy technologies.

Government Affairs

https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab161