Chippewa Valley Times

A new bill authored by State Sen. Stafsholt in the Wisconsin Senate seeks to update and expand regulations governing off-road vehicle use to enhance safety and clarify operational rules, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.

According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual".

The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.

In essence, this bill seeks to amend and expand existing laws related to the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles (OHMs), and snowmobiles in Wisconsin. It prohibits careless, reckless, or negligent operation of ATVs and UTVs, allowing for treble damages and property restoration if property is impaired. The bill removes the 1,000-foot restriction for crossing bridges, culverts, and railroad rights-of-way and mandates working brake lights on ATVs and UTVs. Operators must provide aid after an accident. Emergency use provisions allow ATVs and UTVs on any roadway during declared emergencies. The bill classifies these vehicles as emergency vehicles for specific government agencies. Patrol definitions for these vehicles are introduced, exempting them from certain operational limits when responding to emergencies. The Department of Transportation is directed to revise its highway maintenance manual, particularly removing stipulations against state highway use for ATV routes connecting to businesses. The bill becomes effective upon enactment.

The bill was co-authored by Representative Jeffrey Mursau (Republican-36th District), Senator Dan Feyen (Republican-20th District), Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Russell Goodwin (Democrat-12th District), Representative Chanz J. Green (Republican-74th District), and Representative Dean Kaufert (Republican-53rd District), along two other co-sponsors.

Rob Stafsholt has authored or co-authored another 27 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with all of them being adopted.

Stafsholt, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2021 to represent the state's 10th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Patty Schachtner.

In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.

Bill Number	Date Introduced	Short Description
SB331	06/19/2025	Operation of all-terrain and utility terrain vehicles, off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles and revision of the Department of Transportation highway maintenance manual
SB323	06/12/2025	Establishing a dairy cattle innovation program. (FE)
SB315	06/06/2025	The minimum net worth requirement for licensed mortgage brokers
SB250	05/09/2025	Prohibiting abandonment of a boat and providing a penalty
SB219	04/25/2025	Limitations on ownership of real property in this state by foreign persons. (FE)
SB218	04/25/2025	The amount and distribution of the real estate transfer fee, grants under the land information program, real property recording notification systems, and making an appropriation. (FE)
SB214	04/16/2025	Registration of out-of-state health care providers to provide telehealth services. (FE)
SB158	03/27/2025	County forest administration grant eligibility