Assembly Bill 143 proposes significant changes to the penalties associated with allowing unlicensed individuals to operate motor vehicles in Wisconsin. The bill amends existing statutes to increase the penalties for violations from a maximum forfeiture of $100 to a fine not exceeding $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for subsequent offenses. Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions stating that these prohibitions apply regardless of whether the person permitting the operation of the vehicle had actual knowledge of the operator's authorization status.

Specifically, the bill creates new subsections in statutes 343.45 and 343.46, which clarify that the prohibitions on allowing unlicensed operation of motor vehicles and renting vehicles to unlicensed individuals apply irrespective of the knowledge of the person permitting the operation. This change aims to strengthen enforcement against violations related to unlicensed driving and vehicle rentals. The bill is currently under review by the Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 343.45(3), 343.45, 343.46(4), 343.46