Alerts
Consumer Choice - AB161
Public Hearing - April 9th, 2025
Is the ability to purchase a vehicle or equipment with an engine that operates on the fuel source
of your choice important to you?
Consumers in Wisconsin should be able to choose whether they need an internal combustion
engine or an electric motor. Wisconsin’s AB161 is a bill written to protect a consumer’s ability to
purchase a vehicle or equipment with any engine type, regardless of policies written by other
states.
On Wednesday, April 9th, at 10:30 AM, the State Assembly Committee on State Affairs is
holding a Public Hearing on AB161 in room 225 Northwest of the State Capitol. This hearing is
our chance to voice our support for protecting internal combustion engines and electric motors.
Are you part of a snowmobile club, ATV/UTV club, landscape company, or car club? Make your
voice heard! Are you willing to let policies drafted in other states, like California, dictate the type
of engine you will have in your next vehicle? Your next lawn mower, chainsaw, snowmobile,
UTV… anything?
Plan to attend this hearing! ABATE of Wisconsin will be there, representing the motorcyclists of
this state and we will be available to help when you get there. We cannot be successful without
everyone’s voices!
Thank you! We will see you in Madison on April 9th .
Steve Panten
ABATE of Wisconsin – Legislative Committee Chair
04/05/2025
Right to Repair - AB135
Coming off a successful ABATE Lobby Day in Madison last month, our Right to Repair bill is on the move!
Now known as AB135, this bill would give consumers a choice of where to take their vehicles and other products for repairs when needed. It would require manufacturers to make the tools and technology available for consumers to repair their own vehicles and products or have the ability to take it to a repair facility of their choice rather than going back to the dealer, or manufacturer’s authorized repair shop.
Many states have passed a version of this legislation mainly to target companies like Apple and farm equipment manufacturers, AB135 would be for all products, including vehicles. With some motorcycle dealers no longer servicing vehicles older than 10 years, we feel this is important to protect our ability to make the necessary repairs.
We would like to thank Representative Penterman and Senator Jacque for recognizing how important this is to consumers in the state and sponsoring this bill. Because this bill affects small businesses and independent shops, we will need to get those companies on board to help us be successful in passing AB135. Already, large companies and manufacturer groups are lobbying to stop this legislation, so now is the time to organize. We need to build a coalition of small businesses and independent shops to speak up at the Public Hearings when they are scheduled. If you know of someone that can help, please reach out to ABATE of Wisconsin’s Legislative Committee Chair, Steve Panten at legis@abatewis.org.
Steve Panten
ABATE of Wisconsin – Legislative Committee Chair