10/17/01-Rep. Peggy Krusick (D-Milwaukee) introduced a bill earlier this month that would require all bulk materials loads on commercial vehicles to be covered. The bill also requires mudguards be applied to trucks with dump bodies.
AB526 requires that a load of bulk material, such as sand, gravel or dirt that is not in containers be covered to prevent the load from dropping or sifting from the vehicle. Failure to comply could result in a $20 to $400 fine. Privately owned motor trucks and semis equipped with dump bodies are required to be equipped with mudguards. Failure to comply could result in a $100 to $200 fine. To contact Rep. Krusick, call (608) 266-1733.

10/16/01-A Wisconsin state lawmaker plans to propose legislation this month requiring a federal criminal background check for drivers who haul hazardous materials. Rep. Rob Kreibich (R-Eau Claire) is concerned no safeguards exist to prevent terrorists or criminals from hauling potentially deadly substances.

The bill would require those seeking hazmat endorsements to pay an extra $34 for a criminal background check and undergo additional checks every four years, the Minneapolis Star Tribune reported. Kreibich, citing background checks for teachers and bus drivers currently done by the state, believes checks on truckers also would be a prudent step. To contact Rep. Kreibich's office, call (608) 266-0660.

7/27/01-A bill requiring all drivers approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped on or within 12 feet of a highway with lights flashing to move into a lane not nearest the authorized vehicle until safely passing that vehicle has passed the legislature and is awaiting Gov. Scott McCallum's signature. SB10 requires that if the road has only one lane or the driver is unable to change lanes, you must slow until after safely passing the vehicle. Failing to comply could result in fines between $30 and $300 and a suspension of driving privilege for 90 days to one full year.

5/14/2001 - SB10, introduced by Sen. Bryan Burke, would require all drivers approaching emergency vehicles or tow trucks stopped on or within 12 feet of a highway with lights flashing to move into a lane not nearest the authorized vehicle until safely passing that vehicle. If the road has only one lane or the driver is unable to change lanes, you must slow until after safely passing the vehicle. Failing to comply could mean fines between $30 and $300 and a suspension of driving privilege for 90 days to one full year. The bill has passed the Senate and has been referred to the General Assembly's Rules Committee.
A bill requiring loads of loose bulk materials, such as sand, gravel, or dirt to be covered also is proposed. If AB78 becomes law, drivers in violation would be fined between $10-$200. The bill has been referred to the House Transportation Committee.
The bill status number is (608) 266-1803.

4/24/01 - Windshield wipers and headlights would go hand in hand under SB19, a proposed Wisconsin law requiring drivers to turn on their lights when visibility is poor enough to require wipers. Current state law requires headlights only when it's dark. Fines of $10 to $20 for a first offense are proposed for violators. The law would require secondary enforcement, meaning police could only issue tickets if a driver was pulled over for a different offense. The bill, sponsored by Sen. James Baumgart has been referred to the committee on Highway Safety.
The bill status number for the Wisconsin Senate is (608) 266-1803.

3/26/01 - Windshield wipers and headlights would go hand in hand under a proposed Wisconsin law requiring drivers to turn on their lights when visibility is poor. Current state law requires headlights only when it's dark.
The state Senate passed SB19 making it mandatory for drivers to turn on their lights whenever weather is poor enough to require windshield wipers. The law makes an exception for drivers using wipers to clean their windshields on fair-weather days. According to the bill's sponsor, Sen. James Baumgart of Sheboygan, an assembly hearing on a version of the bill is expected within the next month.
Fines of $10 to $20 for a first offense are proposed for violators. The law would require secondary enforcement, meaning police could only issue tickets if a driver was pulled over for a different offense. The bill has been referred to the committee on Highway Safety.
The general information number for the Wisconsin State Assembly is (608) 266-1501.