Senate Bill 188 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin statute 757.05 (1) (a) regarding the imposition of penalty surcharges on fines or forfeitures for certain violations of state law or local ordinances. Currently, a penalty surcharge of 26 percent is added to the fine or forfeiture amount, and if a fine or forfeiture is suspended, the surcharge is reduced proportionally. The bill expands this provision to include cases where a fine or forfeiture is reduced, ensuring that the penalty surcharge is also reduced in proportion to the reduction of the fine or forfeiture.

The specific legal language amended in the bill includes the insertion of "or reduced" to clarify that the penalty surcharge must be adjusted not only when a fine or forfeiture is suspended but also when it is reduced. This change aims to create a fairer system for individuals facing fines or forfeitures by ensuring that the financial burden of the penalty surcharge is consistent with any adjustments made to the original fine or forfeiture amount.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 757.05(1)(a), 757.05