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 their energy sources. 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 these vehicles or other devices due to the energy source used for propulsion or other functions. However, it clarifies that this does not affect existing policies regarding the purchase of motor vehicles for governmental use.

The bill introduces new statutory 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 devices powered by any energy source, as long as the energy source is significant to the device's function. This legislation reflects a commitment to ensuring that energy source considerations do not hinder the availability and use of various vehicles and devices in Wisconsin.