Assembly Bill 258 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 the restriction of a person's operating privilege under an IID order be extended by 180 days for each instance of specific violations detected by the IID, such as multiple violations within a short period, tampering with the device, or unauthorized removal of the IID. Additionally, the bill eliminates the existing 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 includes several amendments to existing statutes. Notably, it removes the 30-day waiting period for individuals whose operating privileges are revoked due to a first offense of refusing a test, and it similarly eliminates the 45-day waiting period for those with prior OWI offenses. Instead, individuals can apply for an occupational license as soon as they have installed an IID. The bill aims to streamline the process for obtaining occupational licenses while enhancing the consequences for violations related to IIDs, thereby promoting safer driving practices among individuals with OWI convictions.

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