Van H. Wanggaard, Wisconsin State Senator from 21st district | www.facebook.com
Van H. Wanggaard, Wisconsin State Senator from 21st district | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill establishes a protocol for the impoundment of vehicles involved in specific traffic offenses. Law enforcement officers can immediately impound a vehicle if the driver commits certain violations, including second-time driving without a proper license, speeding more than 25 mph over the limit, fleeing from an officer, or racing on a highway. The standard impoundment period is set at 90 days, but local jurisdictions can impose shorter impoundment times. Vehicle owners can request release if they prove they did not consent to the vehicle's use during the offense. Courts can adjust impoundment terms based on subsequent legal findings and may require violators to cover impoundment costs. Unclaimed vehicles following the impoundment period can be disposed of under the same procedures for abandoned vehicles. The bill is applicable to violations committed from its effective date.
The bill was co-authored by Representative William Penterman (Republican-38th District) Senator Cory Tomczyk (Republican-29th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Brent Jacobson (Republican-87th District), Representative Daniel Knodl (Republican-24th District), and Representative David Murphy (Republican-56th District), along two other co-sponsors.
Van H. Wanggaard has co-authored or authored another two bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Wanggaard graduated from Gateway Technical College.
Wanggaard, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2015 to represent the state's 21st Senate district, replacing previous state senator John Lehman.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB6 | 01/24/2025 | Impoundment of vehicles used in certain traffic offenses |
| SB5 | 01/24/2025 | Battery or threat to jurors and providing a penalty |
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