This bill amends Wisconsin statutes to increase penalties for repeat offenders convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated. It directly affects individuals with two or more prior DWI convictions within a 10-year period, as well as those with a lifetime history of alcohol-related driving offenses. The key changes include mandating longer license revocations ranging from one to two years, adjusting fine amounts, and establishing specific eligibility timelines for obtaining occupational licenses after revocation periods. The legislation also clarifies how prior convictions and suspensions are counted toward triggering these enhanced penalties, while allowing counties to offer reduced minimum jail sentences if offenders successfully complete alcohol and drug treatment programs.
This bill proposes stricter penalties for repeat drunk driving offenses by increasing license revocation periods and fines for individuals with two or more qualifying convictions within a 10-year window. It directly affects drivers convicted of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated, particularly those with prior convictions, suspensions, or revocations that count toward the two-conviction threshold. The legislation establishes specific revocation durations ranging from one to two years, allows for occupational licenses after a waiting period if the driver completes required assessments and safety plans, and sets minimum fines between $350 and $1,100 with mandatory jail time of at least five days. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for tribal court revocations to align with state penalties and outlines conditions under which reduced jail sentences may apply if probation with treatment is successfully completed.
This bill updates Wisconsin laws regarding rental car theft liability and criminal penalties for devices used to steal vehicles. It defines "negligent vehicle management" to include leaving a rental car running or failing to have the ignition key during a theft, which can affect whether a renter is held financially responsible for damages. The bill also makes it a felony to sell, possess, or use devices that can electronically program or emulate car keys or intercept key fob signals, and requires authorized users to report lost or stolen devices within 48 hours. Additionally, it creates a legal defense for rental companies if they mistakenly charge a renter for damages while the renter had purchased a damage waiver.
This bill creates a new state grant program to help school districts provide safe transportation for high school students attending school-sponsored events. It allocates $500,000 for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years, with funding distributed through the Department of Public Instruction. The grants are intended to support transportation methods that ensure student safety during events organized by schools. The program is set to expire on June 30, 2027, after which no new grants may be awarded under this provision.
This bill proposes increasing state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocating an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the state department of transportation to support existing passenger rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation directly affects state transportation budgets and passengers who use rail services. It does not create new rail lines but provides resources for operational support and planning future infrastructure development.
AB 1178 amends Wisconsin statutes to update definitions and procedures for regional transit authorities, ensuring they are recognized as eligible entities for various state programs including highway relocation orders, right-of-way applications, and employer classifications for employee benefits. The bill creates new funding mechanisms by establishing appropriation accounts to collect and distribute taxes imposed by transit authorities that choose to levy them, with a portion of those revenues retained for administrative costs. Additionally, the legislation clarifies which organizations qualify as municipalities and employers under existing laws, explicitly including transit authorities created under the specified chapter while excluding cultural arts districts from certain employer definitions. This bill does not mandate tax collection but provides the legal framework for transit authorities to adopt resolutions imposing taxes if they choose to do so.
This bill proposes to increase state funding for passenger rail operations by $10 million and allocate an additional $5.2 million for feasibility studies on rail expansion projects. The funds would be directed to the department of transportation for fiscal year 2026-27 to support existing rail services and evaluate potential new routes. The legislation affects state transportation budgets and rail service providers by authorizing these specific appropriations. The bill is currently in the early stages of the legislative process and has not yet been enacted into law.
This bill establishes a state grant program to help school districts provide safe transportation for high school students attending school-sponsored events. The legislation creates new funding categories in the state budget, allocating $500,000 for each of the 2025-26 and 2026-27 fiscal years to the Department of Public Instruction for distribution to eligible school districts. The program is designed to assist districts with transportation costs for events such as sports competitions, academic competitions, and other organized activities. The funding is authorized through June 30, 2027, after which the grant program will expire unless renewed by the legislature.
SB 1022 requires drivers aged 75 and older to pass a driving skills test before their 76th birthday and every five years thereafter. The test assesses the ability to safely operate a vehicle and must be administered at county DMV examination stations. This applies directly to seniors holding operator’s licenses who reach age 75, replacing previous renewal requirements for this age group. The bill amends statutes to establish this testing requirement, with license cancellation possible for those who refuse the mandated examination.
AB 1042 requires drivers aged 75 and older to pass a driving skills test before turning 76 and every five years thereafter. The test evaluates their ability to safely operate a motor vehicle. The state must provide testing at county-level locations for this age group. This applies to license renewals and replaces prior requirements for seniors under the existing statutes.
