WisconsinSB5372025-2026 Wisconsin Legislature (Biennial Session)SenateWALLET

An Act to renumber and amend 347.475 (1); to amend 347.475 (2) and 347.50 (2); to create 347.475 (1) (b) to (d), 347.475 (5), 347.475 (6) and 347.50 (2e) of the statutes; Relating to: nonfunctional and counterfeit airbags and providing a penalty.

Sponsored By: Howard Marklein (Republican), Steve Nass (Republican), Van Wanggaard (Republican)

Became Law

Sen Bill 537Crime and criminals -- FelonyFinesFraudLegislature -- Criminal PenaltiesJoint Review Committee onMotor vehicle -- Equipment

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Ban on fake or unsafe airbags

The law bans importing, making, selling, installing, or giving out any counterfeit airbag, any previously deployed airbag, or any nonfunctional replacement airbag. A nonfunctional airbag includes one already deployed or damaged, one that fails the car’s diagnostic check after install, one with sham parts meant to trick you, or one illegal to sell under federal law. A counterfeit airbag is a replacement part that copies a maker’s mark without permission. You may still sell a whole car with a deployed airbag if the deployment is not hidden or disguised. Limited exceptions apply for police-only vehicles, dealers or owners who did not know a part was fake or nonworking before sale, total‑loss transfers to insurers, and lawful salvage or recycling.

Harsher penalties for unsafe airbag sales

Breaking these airbag rules is a crime. Each violation can mean up to a $5,000 fine, up to one year in county jail, or both. Penalties rise to felonies: a second offense is a Class I felony; harm to a person is Class H; great bodily harm is Class G; a death is Class F. These penalties apply to acts committed on or after the law’s effective date.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Howard Marklein

    Republican • Senate

  • Steve Nass

    Republican • Senate

  • Van Wanggaard

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Elijah Behnke

    Republican • House

  • Barbara Dittrich

    Republican • House

  • Jenna Jacobson

    Democratic • House

  • Rob Kreibich

    Republican • House

  • Dave Maxey

    Republican • House

  • Paul Melotik

    Republican • House

  • Vincent Miresse

    Democratic • House

  • William Penterman

    Republican • House

  • Jim Piwowarczyk

    Republican • House

  • Melissa Ratcliff

    Democratic • Senate

  • Christine Sinicki

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Subeck

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. Published 3-14-2026

    3/13/2026Senate
  2. Report approved by the Governor on 3-13-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 97

    3/13/2026Senate
  3. Presented to the Governor on 3-12-2026

    3/12/2026Senate
  4. Representative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor

    2/9/2026Senate
  5. Report correctly enrolled

    1/20/2026Senate
  6. Received from Assembly concurred in

    1/16/2026Senate
  7. Ordered immediately messaged

    1/15/2026House
  8. Read a third time and concurred in

    1/15/2026House
  9. Rules suspended

    1/15/2026House
  10. Ordered to a third reading

    1/15/2026House
  11. Read a second time

    1/15/2026House
  12. Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up

    1/15/2026House
  13. Placed on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules

    1/13/2026House
  14. Read first time and referred to committee on Rules

    1/12/2026House
  15. Representative Penterman added as a cosponsor

    1/12/2026House
  16. Received from Senate

    11/19/2025House
  17. Ordered immediately messaged

    11/18/2025Senate
  18. Read a third time and passed

    11/18/2025Senate
  19. Rules suspended to give bill its third reading

    11/18/2025Senate
  20. Ordered to a third reading

    11/18/2025Senate
  21. Read a second time

    11/18/2025Senate
  22. Senator Ratcliff added as a coauthor

    11/18/2025Senate
  23. Placed on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)

    11/14/2025Senate
  24. Available for scheduling

    11/12/2025Senate
  25. Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0

    11/12/2025Senate

Bill Text

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