Robert G. Donovan, Wisconsin State Representative for 81st District | Official Website
Robert G. Donovan, Wisconsin State Representative for 81st District | Official Website
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill amends Wisconsin state law to increase the penalties for allowing an unlicensed person to operate a motor vehicle. It raises the maximum fine from $100 to $1,000 for a first offense and up to $10,000 for second or subsequent offenses. The bill applies these penalties regardless of whether the person authorizing or permitting the operation had actual knowledge of the operator's authorization status under current motor vehicle operation laws. This legislation also includes provisions related to the rental of motor vehicles and applies the same penalty structure. The bill takes effect on the date of its enactment for violations occurring from that date forward.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Julian Bradley (Republican-28th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Rick Gundrum (Republican-58th District), Representative Nate L. Gustafson (Republican-55th District), Representative Brent Jacobson (Republican-87th District).
Bob G. Donovan has co-authored or authored another 35 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Donovan graduated from St. Francis De Sales Seminary and again from the University of Wisconsin- Milwaukee.
Donovan, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 61st Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Amanda Nedweski.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB143 | 03/17/2025 | Allowing an unlicensed person to use a motor vehicle and providing a penalty |
| AB138 | 03/17/2025 | Jailers and protective occupation annuitants in the Wisconsin Retirement System who are rehired by a participating employer. (FE) |
| AB91 | 02/28/2025 | The requirement that first class cities and first class city school districts place school resource officers in schools. (FE) |
| AB85 | 02/28/2025 | Recommendation to revoke extended supervision, parole, or probation if a person is charged with a crime. (FE) |
| AB78 | 02/28/2025 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain reckless driving offenses. (FE) |
| AB77 | 02/28/2025 | Registration plate concealment devices and providing a penalty |
| AB75 | 02/28/2025 | Department of Justice collection and reporting of certain criminal case data. (FE) |
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