Wisconsin Legislature: SB432, s. 3

LRB-3353/1

ARG:wlj:rs

2011 - 2012 LEGISLATURE

2011 Senate BILL 432

February 6, 2012 - Introduced by Senator Hansen, cosponsored by Representatives
Turner, Fields and Rivard. Referred to Committee on Transportation and
Elections.

SB432,2,11 1An Act to amend 27.01 (7) (f) 1., 27.01 (7) (f) 2., 27.01 (7) (f) 3., 27.01 (7) (f) 4.,
227.01 (7) (gm) 3., 27.01 (7) (gm) 4., 100.51 (5) (b) 1., 121.53 (4), 167.31 (4) (cg)
35., 341.09 (1) (a), 341.09 (1) (b), 341.09 (2) (a), 341.09 (2) (d), 341.09 (9), 341.11
4(4), 341.12 (1), 341.12 (2), 341.13 (2), 341.13 (2r), 341.14 (1), 341.14 (1a), 341.14
5(1m), 341.14 (1q), 341.14 (2), 341.14 (2m), 341.14 (5), 341.14 (6) (c), 341.14 (6)
6(d), 341.14 (6m) (a), 341.14 (6m) (b), 341.14 (6m) (d) 1., 341.14 (6m) (d) 2., 341.14
7(6m) (d) 3., 341.14 (6r) (b) 1., 341.14 (6r) (b) 2., 341.14 (6r) (g), 341.14 (7),
8341.142, 341.145 (1g) (a), 341.145 (1g) (b), 341.145 (1g) (c), 341.145 (1g) (d),
9341.145 (1g) (e), 341.145 (1r), 341.145 (2) (intro.), 341.145 (3), 341.145 (7),
10341.145 (8), 341.15 (1) (intro.), 341.15 (1) (b), 341.15 (2), 341.16 (1) (a), 341.16
11(1) (b), 341.16 (2), 341.16 (2e), 341.16 (2m), 341.16 (3), 341.16 (4), 341.265 (1),
12341.265 (1m), 341.266 (2) (a), 341.266 (2) (c), 341.266 (2) (d), 341.266 (2) (e) 3.,
13341.266 (3), 341.268 (2) (a) (intro.), 341.268 (2) (c), 341.268 (2) (d), 341.268 (2)
14(e) 3., 341.268 (3), 341.269 (2) (c), 341.27 (3) (a), 341.27 (3) (b), 341.28 (2) (intro.),

1341.28 (2) (a), 341.28 (2) (b), 341.28 (3), 341.28 (4) (intro.), 341.29 (2), 341.295
2(3) (a), 341.295 (3) (b), 341.31 (1) (b) 5., 341.31 (4) (b), 341.31 (4) (c), 341.32 (1),
3341.33 (2), 341.33 (3), 341.335 (1), 341.41 (8) (a), 341.51 (2), 341.625 (1), 341.63
4(3) (a), 341.63 (3) (b) (intro.), 341.65 (1) (b), 342.05 (5), 342.15 (4) (a), 342.15 (4)
5(b), 342.15 (4) (c), 342.34 (1) (c), 342.34 (2) (c), 343.51 (1), 344.45 (1), 344.55 (2),
6346.50 (2), 346.50 (2a) (intro.), 346.50 (2a) (a), 346.50 (2a) (b), 346.50 (2a) (c),
7346.50 (2a) (d), 346.50 (2a) (e), 346.50 (3), 346.503 (1), 346.505 (2) (a), 346.505
8(2) (b), 346.505 (2) (c), 349.13 (1m) and 885.237 (2); and to create 85.57 and
9341.15 (1g) of the statutes; relating to: a single registration plate for motor
10vehicles registered with the Department of Transportation and transfers from
11the transportation fund to the general fund.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) issues two
registration plates for most motor vehicles. The owner of the motor vehicle must
display one plate on the front of the vehicle and one plate on the rear of the vehicle.

This bill directs DOT to issue only one registration plate for most motor
vehicles. With limited exceptions, the registration plate must be displayed on the
rear of the motor vehicle.

Under current law, moneys may not be transferred from the transportation
fund to any other fund.

The bill requires that, beginning in fiscal year 2012-13, the secretary of
administration transfer from the transportation fund to the general fund an amount
in each fiscal year equal to the savings realized in the change to a single registration
plate for motor vehicles.

For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as
an appendix to this bill.

The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do
enact as follows:

SB432, s. 1 12Section 1. 27.01 (7) (f) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,3

127.01 (7) (f) 1. Except as provided in par. (gm), the fee for an annual vehicle
2admission receipt is $24.50 for each vehicle that has a Wisconsin registration plates
3plate, except that no fee is charged for a receipt issued under s. 29.235 (6).

SB432, s. 2 4Section 2. 27.01 (7) (f) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,75 27.01 (7) (f) 2. Except as provided in subds. 3. and 4. and par. (gm) 4., the fee
6for a daily vehicle admission receipt is $6.85 for any vehicle which has a Wisconsin
7registration plates plate.

SB432, s. 3 8Section 3. 27.01 (7) (f) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,109 27.01 (7) (f) 3. Subject to par. (gm) 5., the fee for a daily vehicle admission
10receipt for a motor bus that has a Wisconsin registration plates plate is $9.85.

SB432, s. 4 11Section 4. 27.01 (7) (f) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,1512 27.01 (7) (f) 4. Notwithstanding subd. 3. and subject to par. (gm) 5., the fee for
13a daily vehicle admission receipt for a motor bus which primarily transports
14residents from nursing homes located in this state is $3.35, for any motor bus which
15has a Wisconsin registration plates plate.

SB432, s. 5 16Section 5. 27.01 (7) (gm) 3. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,1917 27.01 (7) (gm) 3. Notwithstanding par. (f) 1., the fee for an annual vehicle
18admission receipt for a vehicle that has a Wisconsin registration plates plate and that
19is owned by a resident senior citizen, as defined in s. 29.001 (72), is $9.50.

SB432, s. 6 20Section 6. 27.01 (7) (gm) 4. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,3,2321 27.01 (7) (gm) 4. Notwithstanding par. (f) 2., the fee for a daily vehicle
22admission receipt for a vehicle that has a Wisconsin registration plates plate and that
23is owned by a resident senior citizen, as defined in s. 29.001 (72), is $2.85.

SB432, s. 7 24Section 7. 85.57 of the statutes is created to read:

SB432,4,6

185.57 Transfers from transportation fund to general fund.
2Notwithstanding s. 25.40 (3) (a), in fiscal year 2012-13, and in each fiscal year
3thereafter, the secretary of administration shall transfer from the transportation
4fund to the general fund an amount equal to the savings realized in that fiscal year
5by the department as a result of issuing a single registration plate for motor vehicles
6under s. 341.12 (1) instead of 2 registration plates.

SB432, s. 8 7Section 8. 100.51 (5) (b) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,4,128 100.51 (5) (b) 1. The motor vehicle displays a special registration plates plate
9issued under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), or (1q) or a special identification card issued
10under s. 343.51 or is a motor vehicle registered in another jurisdiction and displays
11a registration plate, card or emblem issued by the other jurisdiction that designates
12that the vehicle is used by a physically disabled person.

SB432, s. 9 13Section 9. 121.53 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,5,214 121.53 (4) Every school board shall require that there be filed with it and with
15the department of transportation a certificate of insurance showing that an
16insurance policy has been procured and is in effect which covers the owner and
17operator of the school bus and the school board or shall procure an insurance policy
18and file such certificate with the department of transportation. Unless such
19certificate is on file with the department of transportation, no registration plates
20plate for a school bus may be issued by the department of transportation. No such
21policy may be terminated prior to its expiration or canceled for any reason, unless
22a notice thereof is filed with the department of transportation and with the school
23board by the insurer at least 10 days prior to the date of termination or cancellation.
24The department of transportation shall revoke the registration of a school bus on

1which the policy has been terminated or canceled, effective on the date of termination
2or cancellation.

SB432, s. 10 3Section 10. 167.31 (4) (cg) 5. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,5,64 167.31 (4) (cg) 5. The vehicle bears a special registration plates plate issued
5under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1e), or (1m) or displays a sign that is at least 11 inches
6square on which is conspicuously written "disabled hunter".

SB432, s. 11 7Section 11. 341.09 (1) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,5,178 341.09 (1) (a) The department shall issue a temporary operation plates plate
9as provided under subs. (2), (2m) and (9) and may issue a temporary operation permit
10or plate for an unregistered vehicle as otherwise provided under this section. Except
11as provided in par. (b), the permits or plates plate shall contain the date of expiration
12and sufficient information to identify the vehicle for which and the person to whom
13it is issued. The department may place the information identifying the vehicle and
14the person to whom the permit or plate is issued on a separate form. Except as
15provided in subs. (3) to (5), a temporary operation plate issued under this section is
16valid for a period of 90 days or until the applicant receives the regular registration
17plates plate, whichever occurs first.

SB432, s. 12 18Section 12. 341.09 (1) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,6,219 341.09 (1) (b) The department shall specify by rule the size, color, design, form
20and specifications of temporary operation plates issued under sub. (2m) or (9) for an
21automobile or motor truck automobiles or motor trucks having a registered weight
22of 8,000 pounds or less, and the system to be used to identify the date of issuance of
23such plates. All temporary operation plates issued under sub. (2m) or (9) for an
24automobile or motor truck automobiles or motor trucks having a registered weight

1of 8,000 pounds or less shall contain a registration number numbers composed of
2letters or numbers.

SB432, s. 13 3Section 13. 341.09 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,6,84 341.09 (2) (a) Upon request therefor by a person who has made a verifiable
5application for registration and paid the registration fee, the department shall issue
6a temporary operation permit or plate if it appears that the person would otherwise
7be unable to lawfully operate the vehicle pending receipt of the registration plates
8plate.

SB432, s. 14 9Section 14. 341.09 (2) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,6,1610 341.09 (2) (d) The department may issue a temporary operation plates plate
11for use on any vehicle except buses, for-hire vehicles and vehicles which are subject
12to registration under the international registration plan if the state is a party to such
13plan or vehicles which are subject to registration under s. 341.41 (9). The department
14shall determine the size, color, design, form and specifications of the plate. The
15department shall charge a fee of $3 for each temporary operation plate issued under
16this subsection.

SB432, s. 15 17Section 15. 341.09 (9) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,6,2518 341.09 (9) Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, the department
19shall issue a temporary operation plate or a temporary permit without charge for an
20automobile or motor truck having a registered weight of 8,000 pounds or less upon
21receipt of a complete application accompanied by the required fee for registration of
22the vehicle, including evidence of any inspection under s. 110.20 when required, if
23the department does not immediately issue the regular registration plates plate for
24the vehicle and the department determines that the applicant has not otherwise
25been issued a temporary operation plate or a temporary permit under this section.

SB432, s. 16

1Section 16. 341.11 (4) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,7,112 341.11 (4) In the case of a vehicle registered on the basis of gross weight for
3which a special registration plates have plate has been issued under s. 341.14 (2), (6),
4(6m) or (6r) or for which a personalized registration plates have plate has been issued
5under s. 341.145, or any motor bus, motor home, dual purpose motor home, motor
6truck, truck tractor or road tractor, the certificate of registration shall be displayed
7in a prominent place in the driver's compartment of the vehicle to which the
8certificate refers. Any person who operates and any person in whose name the
9vehicle is registered who consents to the operation of any such vehicle without the
10certificate of registration being so displayed may be required to forfeit not more than
11$200.

SB432, s. 17 12Section 17. 341.12 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,7,1913 341.12 (1) The department upon registering a vehicle pursuant to s. 341.25 or
14341.30 shall issue and deliver prepaid to the applicant 2 registration plates for an
15automobile, motor truck, motor bus, school bus, motor home, or dual purpose motor
16home and one plate for other vehicles. The department upon registering a vehicle
17pursuant to any other section shall issue one plate unless the department
18determines that 2 plates will better serve the interests of law enforcement one
19registration plate.

SB432, s. 18 20Section 18. 341.12 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,8,321 341.12 (2) The department shall purchase plates from the Waupun
22Correctional Institution unless otherwise approved by the governor. Subject to any
23specific requirements which may be imposed by statute, the department shall
24determine the size, color and design of any registration plates plate with a view
25toward making them the plate visible evidence of the period for which the vehicle is

1registered and the fee class into which the vehicle falls as well as making them the
2plate a ready means of identifying the specific vehicle or owner for which the plates
3were plate was issued.

SB432, s. 19 4Section 19. 341.13 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,8,155 341.13 (2) In addition to the matter specified in s. 341.12 (3), the registration
6plates plate for a vehicle registered on the basis of gross weight except a dual purpose
7motor home or a motor home, motor truck, farm truck, or dual purpose farm truck
8registered under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (6m), or (6r) or 341.145 (1) (a), (b),
9(c), (d), or (e) or a motor truck or dual purpose farm truck registered under s. 341.14
10(6) shall indicate the weight class into which the vehicle falls in a manner prescribed
11by the department. The gross weight which determines the registration fee for a dual
12purpose motor home or a motor home, motor truck, farm truck, or dual purpose farm
13truck registered under s. 341.14 (1), (1a), (1m), (1q), (2), (6m), or (6r) or 341.145 (1)
14(a), (b), (c), (d), or (e) or a motor truck or dual purpose farm truck registered under
15s. 341.14 (6) shall be shown on its certificate of registration.

SB432, s. 20 16Section 20. 341.13 (2r) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,8,2217 341.13 (2r) In addition to the matter specified in s. 341.12 (3), the registration
18plates plate for a vehicle registered under s. 341.14 (6r) (f) 32. shall display the words
19"combat-wounded veteran." The department shall specify one combination of colors
20and design for a plate issued under s. 341.14 (6r) (f) 32., except that the department
21may not specify the colors or design unless the colors and design are approved in
22writing by the department of veterans affairs.

SB432, s. 21 23Section 21. 341.14 (1) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,9,1424 341.14 (1) If any resident of this state who is registering or has registered an
25automobile, or a motor truck, dual purpose motor home or dual purpose farm truck

1which has a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds, a farm truck which has a
2gross weight of not more than 12,000 pounds or a motor home submits a statement
3once every 4 years, as determined by the department, from the U.S. department of
4veterans affairs certifying to the department that the resident is, by reason of
5injuries sustained while in the active U.S. military service, a person with a disability
6that limits or impairs the ability to walk, the department shall procure, issue and
7deliver to the veteran, plates a plate of a special design in lieu of the plates plate
8which ordinarily would be issued for the vehicle, and shall renew the plates plate.
9The plates plate shall be colored red, white, and blue and the department shall
10consult the department of veterans affairs before specifying the design of the plates
11plate. The plates plate shall be so designed as to readily apprise law enforcement
12officers of the fact that the vehicle is owned by a disabled veteran and is entitled to
13the parking privileges specified in s. 346.50 (2). No charge in addition to the
14registration fee shall be made for the issuance or renewal of such plates the plate.

SB432, s. 22 15Section 22. 341.14 (1a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,9,2516 341.14 (1a) If any resident of this state, who is registering or has registered an
17automobile, or a motor truck, dual purpose motor home or dual purpose farm truck
18which has a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds, a farm truck which has a
19gross weight of not more than 12,000 pounds or a motor home, submits a statement
20once every 4 years, as determined by the department, from a physician licensed to
21practice medicine in any state, from an advanced practice nurse licensed to practice
22nursing in any state, from a public health nurse certified or licensed to practice in
23any state, from a physician assistant licensed or certified to practice in any state,
24from a podiatrist licensed to practice in any state, from a chiropractor licensed to
25practice chiropractic in any state, or from a Christian Science practitioner residing

1in this state and listed in the Christian Science journal certifying to the department
2that the resident is a person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to
3walk, the department shall procure, issue and deliver to the disabled person plates
4a plate of a special design in lieu of plates the plate which ordinarily would be issued
5for the vehicle, and shall renew the plates plate. The plates plate shall be so designed
6as to readily apprise law enforcement officers of the fact that the vehicle is owned by
7a nonveteran disabled person and is entitled to the parking privileges specified in s.
8346.50 (2a). No charge in addition to the registration fee shall be made for the
9issuance or renewal of such plates the plate.

SB432, s. 23 10Section 23. 341.14 (1m) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,11,511 341.14 (1m) If any licensed driver submits to the department a statement once
12every 4 years, as determined by the department, from a physician licensed to practice
13medicine in any state, from a public health nurse certified or licensed to practice in
14any state, from an advanced practice nurse licensed to practice nursing in any state,
15from a physician assistant licensed or certified to practice in any state, from a
16podiatrist licensed to practice in any state, from a chiropractor licensed to practice
17chiropractic in any state, or from a Christian Science practitioner residing in this
18state and listed in the Christian Science journal certifying that another person who
19is regularly dependent on the licensed driver for transportation is a person with a
20disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk, the department shall issue and
21deliver to the licensed driver plates a plate of a special design in lieu of the plates
22plate which ordinarily would be issued for the automobile or motor truck, dual
23purpose motor home or dual purpose farm truck having a gross weight of not more
24than 8,000 pounds, farm truck having a gross weight of not more than 12,000 pounds
25or motor home, and shall renew the plates plate. The plates plate shall be so designed

1as to readily apprise law enforcement officers of the fact that the vehicle is operated
2by a licensed driver on whom a disabled person is regularly dependent and is entitled
3to the parking privileges specified in s. 346.50 (2a). No charge in addition to the
4registration fee may be made for the issuance or renewal of the plates plate. The
5plates plate shall conform to the plates plate required in sub. (1a).

SB432, s. 24 6Section 24. 341.14 (1q) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,11,257 341.14 (1q) If any employer who provides an automobile, or a motor truck, dual
8purpose motor home or dual purpose farm truck which has a gross weight of not more
9than 8,000 pounds, a farm truck which has a gross weight of not more than 12,000
10pounds or a motor home, for an employee's use submits to the department a
11statement once every 4 years, as determined by the department, from a physician
12licensed to practice medicine in any state, from an advanced practice nurse licensed
13to practice nursing in any state, from a public health nurse certified or licensed to
14practice in any state, from a physician assistant licensed or certified to practice in
15any state, from a podiatrist licensed to practice in any state, from a chiropractor
16licensed to practice chiropractic in any state, or from a Christian Science practitioner
17residing in this state and listed in the Christian Science journal certifying that the
18employee is a person with a disability that limits or impairs the ability to walk, the
19department shall issue and deliver to such employer plates a plate of a special design
20in lieu of the plates plate which ordinarily would be issued for the vehicle, and shall
21renew the plates plate. The plates plate shall be so designed as to readily apprise
22law enforcement officers of the fact that the vehicle is operated by a disabled person
23and is entitled to the parking privileges specified in s. 346.50 (2a). No charge in
24addition to the registration fee may be made for the issuance or renewal of the plates
25plate. The plates plate shall conform to the plates plate required in sub. (1a).

SB432, s. 25

1Section 25. 341.14 (2) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,12,132 341.14 (2) Upon compliance with the laws relating to registration of
3automobiles and motor homes; motor trucks, dual purpose motor homes, and dual
4purpose farm trucks which have a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds; and
5farm trucks which have a gross weight of not more than 12,000 pounds, including
6payment of the prescribed registration fees therefor plus an additional fee of $15
7when a registration plates are plate is issued accompanied by an application showing
8satisfactory proof that the applicant is the holder of an unexpired amateur radio
9station license issued by the federal communications commission, the department
10shall issue a registration plates plate on which, in lieu of the usual registration
11number, shall be inscribed in large legible form the call letters of such applicant as
12assigned by the federal communications commission. The fee for reissuance of a
13plate under this subsection shall be $15.

SB432, s. 26 14Section 26. 341.14 (2m) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,13,215 341.14 (2m) Upon compliance with laws relating to registration of motor
16vehicles, including payment of the prescribed fee, and an additional fee of $15 when
17the original or new registration plates are plate is issued and accompanied by an
18application showing satisfactory proof that the applicant has a collector's
19identification number as provided in s. 341.266 (2) (d), the department shall issue a
20registration plates plate on which, in lieu of the usual registration number, shall be
21inscribed the collector's identification number issued under s. 341.266 (2) (d). The
22words "VEHICLE COLLECTOR" shall be inscribed across the lower or upper portion
23of the plate at the discretion of the department. Additional registrations under this
24subsection by the same collector shall bear the same collector's identification number

1followed by a suffix letter for vehicle identification. Registration plates issued under
2this subsection shall expire annually.

SB432, s. 27 3Section 27. 341.14 (5) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,13,74 341.14 (5) Upon application by any person awarded the congressional medal
5of honor and submission of proper proof thereof, the department shall issue a special
6plates plate so designed as to indicate such award. No charge whatever shall be made
7for the issuance of such plates the plate.

SB432, s. 28 8Section 28. 341.14 (6) (c) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,13,119 341.14 (6) (c) A person who maintains no more than one registration under this
10subsection at one time shall not be charged a fee for registration of the vehicle or
11issuance of the plates plate.

SB432, s. 29 12Section 29. 341.14 (6) (d) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,13,1713 341.14 (6) (d) For each additional vehicle, a person who maintains more than
14one registration under this subsection at one time shall be charged a fee of $15 for
15issuance or reissuance of the plates plate in addition to the annual registration fee
16for the vehicle. Except as provided in par. (c), a motor truck or dual purpose farm
17truck registered under this subsection shall be registered under this paragraph.

SB432, s. 30 18Section 30. 341.14 (6m) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,14,519 341.14 (6m) (a) Upon application to register an automobile or a motor home,
20or a motor truck, dual purpose motor home, or dual purpose farm truck which has
21a gross weight of not more than 8,000 pounds, or a farm truck which has a gross
22weight of not more than 12,000 pounds, by any person who is a resident of this state
23and a member or retired member of the national guard, the department shall issue
24to the person a special plates plate whose colors and design shall be determined by
25the department and which have has the words "Wisconsin guard member" placed on

1the plates plate in the manner designated by the department. The department shall
2consult with or obtain the approval of the adjutant general with respect to any word
3or symbol used to identify the national guard. An additional fee of $15 shall be
4charged for the issuance or reissuance of the plates plate. Registration plates issued
5under this subsection shall expire annually.

SB432, s. 31 6Section 31. 341.14 (6m) (b) of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,14,117 341.14 (6m) (b) Except as provided in par. (c), if an individual in possession of
8a special plates plate under this subsection or of a personalized plates plate under
9s. 341.145 (1) (b) does not maintain membership in the national guard during a year
10which is not a plate issuance year, the individual shall dispose of the special plates
11plate in a manner prescribed by the department.

SB432, s. 32 12Section 32. 341.14 (6m) (d) 1. of the statutes is amended to read:

SB432,14,1913 341.14 (6m) (d) 1. If an applicant for initial issuance of a special plates plate
14under this subsection identifies himself or herself in the application as a member or
15former member of a Wisconsin national guard unit identified by the department of
16military affairs under subd. 5., the department shall provide to the applicant, to be
17affixed to one of the plates the plate issued under this subsection, a decal that
18includes a symbol associated with the unit of which the applicant is or was a member
19and instructions for placement of the decal on the special plate.