Senate Bill 248 proposes amendments to Wisconsin's laws regarding ignition interlock devices (IIDs) and the eligibility for occupational licenses following operating while intoxicated (OWI) offenses. The bill mandates that if a person with an IID order has three or more violations within a 60-day period, tampers with the IID, or removes it without authorization, their operating privilege restriction will be extended by 180 days for each occurrence. Additionally, the bill eliminates the waiting periods for applying for an occupational license after a first OWI offense or refusal to take a test, allowing individuals to apply immediately upon installation of an IID on any vehicle they operate.

The bill also revises the eligibility criteria for obtaining an occupational license after OWI convictions. It removes the previous 30-day and 45-day waiting periods, instead allowing individuals to apply for an occupational license as soon as they have installed an IID. Furthermore, the bill clarifies the definition of a violation related to IID usage and requires the development of an electronic process for IID providers to report usage and violations to the department. Overall, the bill aims to enhance accountability for individuals with OWI offenses while providing them with more immediate access to occupational licenses.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 343.30(1q)(b)3, 343.30, 343.30(1q)(b)4, 343.305(10)(b)2, 343.305