AB589: Bill Text

2009 - 2010 LEGISLATURE

2009 Assembly BILL 589

November 18, 2009 - Introduced by Representatives Pope-Roberts, Berceau, Kerkman, Kestell, Townsend, Gunderson, Petersen, M. Williams, Mursau, Brooks and Ripp, cosponsored by Senators Erpenbach, Holperin, Grothman, Kedzie, S. Fitzgerald, Lassa, Taylor, Hansen, Harsdorf, Sullivan, Schultz and Kreitlow. Referred to Committee on Transportation.

AB589,1,3 An Act to renumber and amend 341.266 (1) (c); to amend 341.266 (2) (a) and 341.266 (2) (e) 2.; and to create 341.266 (1) (am) and 341.266 (1) (c) 1. of the statutes; relating to: registration of former military vehicles.

Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau

Under current law, an owner of a special interest vehicle that is 20 or more years old may, under specified circumstances, register the vehicle as a special interest vehicle. A special interest vehicle, commonly known as a "collector vehicle," is a motor vehicle that has not been changed from its original manufacturer's specifications and that is being preserved for its historic interest. Vehicles registered as special interest vehicles are issued distinctive registration plates, commonly known as "collector plates," that identify the vehicle as a special interest vehicle owned by a Wisconsin vehicle collector and that display the vehicle owner's collector's identification number. A special interest vehicle may be reregistered for no additional fee if, with an exception, the vehicle is not operated on the highways during the month of January. Collector vehicles that are trucks may not haul material weighing more than 500 pounds.

Also under current law, the Department of Transportation (DOT) must refuse registration of any vehicle that is originally designed and manufactured for off-highway operation unless the vehicle meets certain federal motor vehicle safety standards.

This bill allows former military vehicles to be registered as a type of special interest vehicle. The bill defines a former military vehicle as a vehicle, including a trailer but excluding a tracked vehicle, that is at least 25 years old, was manufactured for use in any country's military forces, and is maintained to accurately represent its military design and markings, regardless of the vehicle's size or weight. A former military vehicle may be registered as a special interest vehicle even if it is originally designed and manufactured for off-highway operation and does not meet certain federal motor vehicle safety standards. Former military vehicles registered as collector vehicles are not subject to the 500 pound weight limitation for hauling material.

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:

AB589, s. 1 Section 1. 341.266 (1) (am) of the statutes is created to read:

AB589,2,5 341.266 (1) (am) "Former military vehicle" means a vehicle, including a trailer but excluding a tracked vehicle, that is at least 25 years old, was manufactured for use in any country's military forces, and is maintained to accurately represent its military design and markings, regardless of the vehicle's size or weight.

AB589, s. 2 Section 2. 341.266 (1) (c) of the statutes is renumbered 341.266 (1) (c) (intro.) and amended to read:

AB589,2,8 341.266 (1) (c) (intro.) "Special interest vehicle" means a any of the following:

AB589,2,11 2. A motor vehicle of any age which has not been altered or modified from original manufacturers specifications and, because of its historic interest, is being preserved by hobbyists.

AB589, s. 3 Section 3. 341.266 (1) (c) 1. of the statutes is created to read:

AB589,2,13 341.266 (1) (c) 1. A former military vehicle.

AB589, s. 4 Section 4. 341.266 (2) (a) of the statutes is amended to read:

AB589,3,6 341.266 (2) (a) Any person who is the owner of a special interest vehicle that is a former military vehicle, or that is not a former military vehicle and is 20 or more years old at the time of making application for registration or transfer of title of the vehicle, and who, unless the owner is an historical society that is exempt from federal income taxes, owns, has registered in this state, and uses for regular transportation at least one vehicle that has regular registration plates may upon application register the vehicle as a special interest vehicle upon payment of a fee under par. (b). A former military vehicle may be registered under this paragraph notwithstanding s. 341.10 (6).

AB589, s. 5 Section 5. 341.266 (2) (e) 2. of the statutes is amended to read:

AB589,3,11 341.266 (2) (e) 2. Trucks may not haul material weighing more than 500 pounds, not including the weight of a camper, lid or cap that is mounted on the truck or the weight of any persons or pets riding within the driver's compartment, unless the truck is a former military vehicle.

AB589, s. 6 Section 6. Initial applicability.

AB589,3,14 (1) This act first applies to applications received by the department of transportation on the effective date of this subsection.

AB589, s. 7 Section 7. Effective date.

AB589,3,17 (1) This act takes effect on the first day of the 3rd month beginning after publication.

AB589,3,18 (End)