Assembly Bill 161 aims to prohibit state agencies and local governmental units in Wisconsin from imposing restrictions on the use or sale of motor vehicles and other devices based on the energy source that powers them. Specifically, the bill defines "motor vehicle" as a self-propelled device designed for transportation and outlines that no governmental body can limit the use or sale of such vehicles or other devices due to their energy sources. However, it clarifies that this does not affect existing policies regarding the purchase of motor vehicles for governmental use.

The bill introduces new legal language under section 995.80, which includes definitions for "local governmental unit," "motor vehicle," and "state agency." It explicitly states that restrictions cannot be placed on the use or sale of motor vehicles or devices based on their energy sources, ensuring that any significant function of a device powered by or consuming an energy source is protected from regulation. This legislation reflects a commitment to maintaining freedom in the use of various energy sources for transportation and other applications.