Bill

Bill > AB258


WI AB258

WI AB258
License eligibility and restriction extensions relating to ignition interlock devices.


summary

Introduced
05/19/2025
In Committee
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under current law, if a person is convicted of a second or subsequent offense related to operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant or other drug, with a prohibited alcohol concentration, or with a measurable amount of a controlled substance in their blood (OWI offense), a court must order the person[s operating privilege restricted to operating vehicles that are equipped with an ignition interlock device (IID). The restriction begins on the date of the IID order and lasts for at least one year, but no longer than the maximum operating privilege revocation period authorized for the refusal or violation. Under the bill, the restriction of a person[s operating privilege under an IID order must be extended by 180 days for each occurrence of any of the following events detected by an IID: 1) three or more violations within a 60-day period, 2) tampering with or attempting to circumvent the IID, or 3) removing the IID authorization. Under current law, a person whose operating privilege is administratively revoked for a first offense of refusing a test may apply for an occupational license after 30 days. The bill eliminates the 30-day waiting period and provides that a CORRECTED COPY person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on any motor vehicle that the person operates. Under current law, when a person is convicted of an OWI offense, the convicting court orders the person[s operating privilege be revoked. The length of time for a court-ordered revocation increases with each subsequent OWI offense, as does the waiting period before the person may apply for an occupational license. In general, a person with prior OWI offenses may apply after 45 days. The bill eliminates the 45-day waiting period and provides that a person may apply for an occupational license upon installation of an IID on each motor vehicle that the person operates.

AI Summary

This bill modifies laws related to operating privileges for individuals convicted of operating a vehicle while under the influence (OWI) by implementing several key changes. First, the bill eliminates waiting periods for obtaining an occupational license after an OWI-related license revocation, instead allowing individuals to apply for such a license immediately upon installing an ignition interlock device (IID) on any vehicle they operate. The bill also introduces new provisions for extending IID restrictions by 180 days if a person commits certain violations, such as having three or more IID violations within 60 days, tampering with the device, or removing the device without authorization. Additionally, the bill creates a process for individuals to contest reported IID violations by providing documentation to the department explaining why a violation should not be counted, such as device malfunction. The legislation aims to strengthen accountability for repeat OWI offenders while providing a pathway for them to regain limited driving privileges through the use of IIDs, which prevent a vehicle from starting if the driver has been drinking. These changes apply to first-time and repeat OWI offenders, with the severity of restrictions increasing based on the number of prior offenses.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (22)

Last Action

Laid on the table (on 02/18/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...
Loading...