LRB-2493/1
TNF:cjs:pg
2003 - 2004 LEGISLATURE
November 13, 2003 - Introduced by Representatives Kaufert, Hines and Lothian,
cosponsored by Senator Ellis. Referred to Committee on Transportation.
AB662,1,4
1An Act to create 347.482 and 347.50 (4m) of the statutes;
relating to: requiring
2the use of wheelchair securement devices in motor vehicles being used in urban
3mass transit systems, granting rule-making authority, and providing a
4penalty.
Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau
This bill prohibits an operator of a motor vehicle being used in an urban mass
transit system from transporting a person in a wheelchair, or loading or unloading
such person onto the vehicle in a wheelchair lift, unless the wheelchair is secured and
its wheels locked to the vehicle body or wheelchair lift by use of a wheelchair
securement device of sufficient strength to prevent the wheelchair from moving or
overturning. Any person who violates this prohibition may be required to forfeit not
less than $50 nor more than $200.
For further information see the state and local 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:
AB662, s. 1
5Section
1. 347.482 of the statutes is created to read:
AB662,1,6
6347.482 Wheelchair securement devices.
(1) In this section:
AB662,2,2
1(a) "Wheelchair" means any specially constructed wheeled device that is
2intended to be used for the movement of a physically disabled person.
AB662,2,53
(b) "Wheelchair lift" means a lift that travels in a vertical or inclined direction
4and that is designed to be used for the loading or unloading of a person in a
5wheelchair.
AB662,2,86
(c) "Wheelchair securement device" means a strap, webbing, or other device
7that is designed to be used to secure a wheelchair, and to lock its wheels, to a vehicle
8body or wheelchair lift, including all necessary bases and other fasteners.
AB662,2,14
9(2) No person may operate a motor vehicle operated in an urban mass transit
10system, as defined in s. 85.20 (1) (e) and (L), that is transporting a person in a
11wheelchair, or that is loading or unloading such person in a wheelchair lift, unless
12the wheelchair is secured, and its wheels locked, to the vehicle body or wheelchair
13lift with a wheelchair securement device with sufficient strength to do all of the
14following:
AB662,2,1515
(a) Retain the wheelchair in the event the vehicle overturns.
AB662,2,1616
(b) Prevent the wheelchair from moving.
AB662,2,1817
(c) Prevent the wheels of the wheelchair from leaving the vehicle body or
18wheelchair lift in the event of a sudden stop or start.
AB662,2,21
19(3) The department shall promulgate rules regarding standards and
20specifications for the installation, use, and operation of wheelchair securement
21devices required under this section.
AB662, s. 2
22Section
2. 347.50 (4m) of the statutes is created to read:
AB662,2,24
23347.50 (4m) Any person violating s. 347.482 may be required to forfeit not less
24than $50 nor more than $200.
AB662,3,2
1(1)
This act takes effect on the first day of the 7th month beginning after
2publication.
