Assembly Bill 188 proposes an amendment to Wisconsin statute 757.05 (1) (a) regarding the imposition of penalty surcharges on fines or forfeitures for violations of state law or local ordinances. Currently, a penalty surcharge of 26 percent is added to these fines, and if a fine is suspended, the surcharge is reduced proportionally. The bill seeks to extend this proportional reduction to cases where a fine or forfeiture is reduced, ensuring that the penalty surcharge is adjusted accordingly.

The specific legal language changes include the insertion of "or reduced" to clarify that the surcharge must be reduced not only when a fine is suspended but also when it is reduced. This amendment 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