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
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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.
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
Published 3-14-2026
3/13/2026SenateReport approved by the Governor on 3-13-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 97
3/13/2026SenatePresented to the Governor on 3-12-2026
3/12/2026SenateRepresentative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
2/9/2026SenateReport correctly enrolled
1/20/2026SenateReceived from Assembly concurred in
1/16/2026SenateOrdered immediately messaged
1/15/2026HouseRead a third time and concurred in
1/15/2026HouseRules suspended
1/15/2026HouseOrdered to a third reading
1/15/2026HouseRead a second time
1/15/2026HouseRules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take up
1/15/2026HousePlaced on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules
1/13/2026HouseRead first time and referred to committee on Rules
1/12/2026HouseRepresentative Penterman added as a cosponsor
1/12/2026HouseReceived from Senate
11/19/2025HouseOrdered immediately messaged
11/18/2025SenateRead a third time and passed
11/18/2025SenateRules suspended to give bill its third reading
11/18/2025SenateOrdered to a third reading
11/18/2025SenateRead a second time
11/18/2025SenateSenator Ratcliff added as a coauthor
11/18/2025SenatePlaced on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
11/14/2025SenateAvailable for scheduling
11/12/2025SenateReport passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
11/12/2025Senate
Bill Text
Bill Text
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