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: "requiring periodic inspections of parking structures".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates periodic inspections of parking structures in Wisconsin to ensure their structural integrity. Owners must hire registered professional engineers to inspect each structure at least once within five years after the bill's effective date and subsequently at least every five years. Inspection reports must be submitted to the relevant regulatory authority, either the Department of Safety and Professional Services or the local government with plan review authority. If an inspection is not conducted as required, owners face a forfeiture of $200 per month, starting six months after the inspection was due. Should a parking structure remain uninspected one year after the due date, the department will close it until compliance is met. The department is also responsible for notifying local authorities of closures and reopenings.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Cory Tomczyk (Republican-29th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Francesca Hong (Democrat-76th District), Representative Jenna Jacobson (Democrat-50th District), Representative Alex R. Joers (Democrat-81st District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District), Senator Mark Spreitzer (Democrat-15th District), and Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District), along 14 other co-sponsors.
Bob G. Donovan has co-authored or authored another 39 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 |
|---|---|---|
| AB175 | 04/15/2025 | Requiring periodic inspections of parking structures |
| 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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