Legislative Report - December 2025

Steve Panten

Vetoed

It’s difficult to start an article with that, but last month, Governor Evers chose to veto our bill that would have prevented any State or local government agency from banning the sale of vehicles or devices based solely on its fuel source. By vetoing SB 184, he is making it clear that the government should be able to restrict future sales of any vehicle or device based on the fuel it needs, even if a consumer feels that it is appropriate for their needs.

In his veto memo he stated that “Signing this bill would not only jeopardize our State’s and our communities’ ability to meet current and future consumer needs and demands….”, I am struggling with how, by giving a consumer the freedom to choose what type of fuel their next vehicle or device uses without government regulations, is taking away a consumers needs and demands. The rest of that sentence says, “but would also diminish our collective ability to help combat climate change by moving toward new, innovative industries and technologies.” ABATE has always had the position of recognizing that battery technology and charging ability are constantly advancing and improving. We argued during Public Hearings that allowing a consumer to choose the type of fuel source needed for their vehicle or device is freedom, and that decision should be based on a consumer’s own research and budget.

One of the best feelings is riding a motorcycle around the state, breathing in the fresh, clear air that our state offers. A consumer should be educated to purchase the correct vehicle or device for their needs, considering the environment. If an electric vehicle is correct for you and within your budget, by all means, it should be available to you, but if you feel that it is not appropriate for what you need it for, it should not be banned by the government. The same holds true for your small engine needs. Yes, I have a battery lawn trimmer, leaf blower, and chainsaw. But I also have a gas-powered lawn trimmer and chainsaw for areas where it is needed.

Passing this bill would have protected the sale of electric vehicles and devices as much as it would an internal combustion engine. It would also have protected the sale and advancement of hydrogen or propane-powered vehicles.

Battery technology is improving. Working in construction as an electrician, I have seen the advancement of that technology. We went from showing up on job sites, and the first thing we did was pull a generator out of the truck to run extension cords, but we don’t do that anymore. Now we grab our battery tools and go to work. We still have a generator and corded tools because sometimes, that is what is needed. The ability to have the right tool for the job is also reflected in our vehicle. The one big difference that I noticed on job sites is that now every trade does not need its own generator running because we can use one to charge everyone’s batteries.

I would like to thank Senator Tomczyk and Representative Tucker for helping us by taking the lead on SB 184 and AB 161. I would also like to thank all the members of the legislature who voted to support this legislation. It is frustrating because of all the effort our members put into trying to get this signed into law. Thank you, and we are not done yet. It is a freedom thing.

Our Right to Repair legislation AB 135/SB129 is still in a holding pattern waiting for a Public Hearing to be scheduled. We have been communicating with Representative Swearingen’s office, requesting the hearing. We feel that, at a minimum, the citizens in this state should have the ability to express their voice in regard to where we have to take our vehicles or devices to get them repaired. If the tools and technology are not available to small businesses, how are they going to be able to keep people employed? How can they stay in business when the only one who has these tools are the manufacturers? We will continue to push the committee to schedule a public hearing, and we will be there to have our voice heard.

John Reblin and I have been traveling around the State holding grassroots training seminars for our members and anyone else interested. So far, we have had 2 seminars, and they have been well attended and free with discussions and thoughts. We are looking to hold 2 more in December, one on December 6th at the VFW in Springbrook, beginning at 9 am, and one on December 7th at Bateman’s in Chippewa Falls, that one starting at 9 am as well.

If you are interested in learning the steps needed to get legislation passed and how to feel comfortable talking to your elected officials, please try to attend one of these sessions.

Don’t forget to schedule your time off from work or clear your calendar on February 17th for our Lobby Day! We will need a large showing in Madison to have the motorcyclists’ voices heard. We will be briefly discussing our disappointment in the veto of SB 184, and we will definitely have a big push to move our Right to Repair bills.

Please, invite your friends and family and hop on the bus, or drive yourself and take advantage of the shuttle from the CC Rider’s Clubhouse. However you decide to get there, please make it a priority to join us. And don’t forget that you can bring your kids or grandkids along. This is a great opportunity for them to see that any citizen in the country has a right to address their elected officials. John Stumpner, who leads the Junior Patriots Program for ABATE, will even have handouts especially made for the younger Freedom Fighters. After the meetings, even the young attendees can receive an “I Lobbied Madison” patch simply by filling out the exit survey and writing who they saw and what the legislators said about our issues.

Final thoughts from Steve. It’s the holiday season, time for family and friends. I look forward to spending time with my biological family and with my ABATE family and friends. Reach out and check on members that you haven’t seen in a while. Let’s take care of each other.

That’s it.

Steve