Kenosha Reporter

The new bill authored by State Rep. Bob G. Donovan seeks to strengthen penalties for permitting unlicensed driving to enhance road safety, according to the Wisconsin State Assembly.

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)