1/4/08-SB240 remained in the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Insurance Committee when the 2007 session closed. It can be brought back for consideration during the session that begins Jan. 15.

7/31/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Insurance Committee would prohibit drivers under age 18 from talking on cell phones or sending text messages while behind the wheel when they have an instruction permit or are holding a probationary license. It would exempt emergency phone calls.
Sponsored by Sen. Luther Olsen, R-Ripon, SB240 would allow violators to face fines between $50 and $100.
The distracted driving provisions would be added to other restrictions under Wisconsin’s graduated driver’s license program. Existing rules prohibit probationary license holders under age 18 from driving unsupervised between midnight and 5 a.m. and transporting more than one passenger in the vehicle under age 18, unless they are relatives.
For Senate bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.
An identical Assembly bill – AB464 – is in the Assembly Transportation Committee.

7/9/07-A bill in the Senate Transportation, Tourism and Insurance Committee would permit police to pull over drivers in who are not buckled up. Currently, law enforcement in the state can issue seat-belt citations to drivers only after stopping a vehicle for another traffic violation, such as speeding.
Sponsored by Sen. Fred Risser, D-Madison, SB120 would allow for primary enforcement of the state’s seat belt law. It also would increase the fine for failure to adhere to the stricter rule from $10 to $25. No points would be assessed against violators’ driver’s licenses.
For Senate bill status, call (608) 266-1803. In Wisconsin, call 1-800-362-9472.
The Assembly version – AB113 – is in the Assembly Transportation Committee.