Transportation

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 20, 2026

SB 331: Relating to: operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual.

SB 331 updates rules for operating all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) and utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) by creating new definitions for specific vehicle types, including "dune buggies" and emergency-use vehicles operated by public safety agencies. The bill requires ATVs to have one headlight and tail light (with lights on), UTVs to have two of each with specified visibility standards (200 feet for headlights, 500 feet for tail lights), and mandates functional brakes for all vehicles. It also prohibits modifications that exceed width limits (except on private property) and adds a requirement for operators to render aid after accidents.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates safety standards (lights, brakes) for ATVs/UTVs operating on roads/highways, enhancing transportation safety per topic description.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 333: Relating to: a refundable income tax credit for bicycle purchases and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 333 creates a refundable tax credit for low-income residents who purchase bicycles (including electric bikes) for their dependents. Eligible claimants - those with family income under 200% of the federal poverty line - can claim up to $200 per dependent annually, based on actual purchase costs. The credit is refundable, meaning unused portions are paid directly by the state via a dedicated appropriation. Claimants must submit proof of purchase with their tax return and meet residency and income requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates refundable tax credit for low-income bicycle purchases, providing tax relief and requiring state appropriation.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentPromotes bicycle use, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting cleaner transportation as a key environmental benefit.80% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationPromotes sustainable transportation by incentivizing bicycle purchases through a refundable tax credit for low-income families, aligning with 'promotes sustainable transportation' indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax State Budget Tax Credits Bicycle Infrastructure

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 161: Relating to: governmental restrictions based on the energy source of a motor vehicle or other device.

AB 161 prohibits state agencies and local governments from restricting the sale, use, or purchase of motor vehicles or other devices based on their energy source (e.g., electric, gasoline, hydrogen). It specifically allows governments to set their own purchasing policies for their own fleets but bans restrictions on consumer or commercial use. The bill directly affects state/local governments, businesses selling vehicles/devices, and residents using such products. It creates a clear rule that energy source cannot be a factor in regulatory decisions.

Topics ✓ EnergySupports EnergyProhibits restrictions on vehicle energy sources (e.g., electric/hydrogen), enabling consumer choice and removing barriers to renewable energy adoption in transportation.85% confidence ✗ EnvironmentOpposes EnvironmentBill prohibits restrictions on non-electric vehicles, weakening potential emissions-reduction policies by preventing bans on fossil fuel vehicles and allowing continued use of polluting options.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits restrictions on vehicle energy sources (e.g., electric/hydrogen), enabling adoption of sustainable transport options and supporting infrastructure for diverse transportation technologies.95% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 393: Relating to: school bus operation by drivers over 70 and drivers with medical conditions.

SB 393 allows school bus drivers over 70 or those whose endorsement was canceled due to medical conditions to reinstate their license by providing a healthcare provider's certification confirming they can safely operate a school bus. It requires drivers aged 70 or older to submit annual medical certification and undergo a medical review every four years to maintain their school bus endorsement. The bill establishes a clear reinstatement process: the department must reinstate the endorsement upon receiving proper medical documentation unless a reviewing board determines it's inappropriate. This directly affects school bus drivers in these categories by modifying medical review and reinstatement procedures.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationEnhances school bus safety through mandatory medical certifications for drivers over 70 and those with medical histories, strengthening transportation safety standards.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Driver Licensing Public Transit

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 365: Relating to: fleet registration of certain motor vehicles. (FE)

SB 365 amends vehicle registration rules to require certain commercial vehicles with dual weight class decals to display them on both the front and rear license plates, as directed by the department. This affects commercial fleet operators whose vehicles require two separate weight class decals. The bill specifies that these decals must be placed on both front and rear plates, rather than just the rear, to improve visibility for law enforcement and other drivers. The change applies to vehicles registered under specific weight classification rules already in place. The bill passed committee unanimously and is now pending final passage.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationRequires dual decals on both plates for commercial vehicles to improve visibility and safety, aligning with transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 456: Relating to: a tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, authorizing the state to contract public debt for an aviation biofuel project grant, and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 456 provides a $150 million grant to support aviation biofuel manufacturing in Wisconsin, funded through state public debt. It directly affects manufacturers who build facilities in designated zones, requiring them to use 80% in-state biomass (measured over 5 years), make $1.5 billion in state investments within 5 years, and maintain facilities exclusively for aviation biofuel production. The bill also creates a tax credit for such manufacturing and includes repayment penalties if grant conditions aren't met. This policy aims to support the state's forest products industry and create jobs through aviation biofuel development.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill authorizes $150M state debt for grant and creates tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, directly involving state budget appropriations and tax policy.95% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyBill provides $150M grant/tax credit for aviation biofuel manufacturing, requiring 80% in-state biomass use and $1.5B investments, directly advancing renewable energy production infrastructure.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentFunds aviation biofuel manufacturing (clean energy), requires 80% in-state biomass use, and mandates $1.5B in state investments to reduce emissions and promote renewable energy sources.95% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationFunds aviation biofuel manufacturing with $150M grant and tax credit, promoting sustainable aviation transportation infrastructure95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Tax Credits Forestry Airports

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 409: Relating to: passing certain vehicles stopped on or near a highway and providing a penalty.

SB 409 updates traffic laws to require drivers to exercise caution when approaching stopped emergency or roadside service vehicles, or disabled vehicles (defined as vehicles showing warning lights, flares, or attended by people). Drivers must either safely change lanes away from the stopped vehicle if possible, or slow down and proceed at a reduced speed until clear. The law applies to all drivers approaching these stopped vehicles within 12 feet of a roadway. It creates clear, specific actions for drivers to improve safety around roadside stops without changing existing penalties.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances highway safety by mandating driver caution near stopped vehicles, directly strengthening transportation safety standards per legislative intent.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 66: Relating to: registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty.

SB 66 prohibits the use of devices designed to conceal, obstruct, or alter vehicle license plates, such as mechanical switches, moving covers, or altered plates that obscure numbers. It bans possessing, selling, installing, or using these devices and requires impounding vehicles equipped with them (with costs paid by the owner for towing/impoundment). Violations carry penalties of up to $1,000 in fines, 90 days in jail, or both. This law directly affects vehicle owners who might attempt to obscure license plates, and it became effective under 2025 Wisconsin Act 37.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationProhibits plate concealment devices to enhance vehicle identification and safety, directly supporting transportation safety standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Vehicle Registration

signed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 19, 2026

SB 678: Relating to: the use of oral fluids for preliminary screening of a person suspected of operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated.

SB 678 allows law enforcement officers to request a sample of a person's oral fluids (or breath) as a preliminary screening tool when they suspect someone is driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This applies before an arrest for DUI violations, and the test results can only be used to decide whether to arrest the driver or request a formal chemical test later. The bill specifies that refusal to take this oral fluid screening does not trigger penalties under other statutes, and the results cannot be used as evidence in court except to establish probable cause for an arrest. It directly affects drivers suspected of DUI and officers conducting roadside screenings.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances road safety by enabling preliminary DUI screening via oral fluids, directly supporting transportation safety standards without infrastructure/funding aspects.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Traffic Safety

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 419: Relating to: a sales and use tax exemption for ski lifts. (FE)

AB 419 creates a sales and use tax exemption for ski lifts and related equipment used exclusively to operate them. The bill exempts the purchase price of ski lifts, machines, equipment, accessories, and parts specifically for ski lift operations from state sales and use taxes. This directly affects ski resort operators and businesses that buy or maintain ski lift infrastructure. The exemption applies to the equipment itself, not the lift services or user fees, and takes effect three months after publication. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on modifying tax law to remove this tax burden for qualifying equipment.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationTax exemption for ski lift infrastructure directly supports transportation infrastructure maintenance by reducing costs for operators, aligning with transportation infrastructure policies.85% confidence

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