Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB669

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/27/23
• Refer: 11/27/23
• Report Pass: 1/16/24
• Refer: 1/16/24
• Engrossed: 1/18/24
• Refer: 1/19/24
• Enrolled: 3/15/24
• Vetoed: 3/29/24
• Failed: 5/15/24

Caption

A liability exemption for motor vehicle sellers after sale.

Impact

If enacted, AB669 would significantly alter the liability landscape for individual motor vehicle sellers. By providing immunity from local ordinance violations and civil liabilities, the bill attempts to protect sellers from unforeseen legal repercussions related to vehicle usage post-sale. This change is particularly aimed at encouraging private sales and fostering a more streamlined vehicle transfer process. However, the bill excludes additional protections for scenarios where harm is caused by the intentional actions of the seller, thus balancing liability concerns with necessary consumer protections.

Summary

Assembly Bill 669 aims to provide a liability exemption for sellers of motor vehicles after the sale has been completed. The bill stipulates that once a seller who holds legal title to a motor vehicle transfers possession to the buyer and signs the title over, they are exempt from civil and criminal liability for any incidents involving the vehicle that occur after this transfer. This exemption applies despite whether all formalities of the ownership transfer have been fulfilled, thus aiming to simplify and reduce the burden on private sellers in the vehicle market.

Contention

While AB669 may offer some clarity and certainty for private vehicle sellers, it raises notable points of contention regarding public safety and accountability. Critics argue that the bill could potentially undermine local ordinances designed to regulate vehicle sales and operations within municipalities. They express concerns about the implications for consumer protection and the responsibility of sellers to ensure that vehicles are safe and compliant before transferring ownership, particularly in cases where the vehicle may be involved in accidents or violations post-sale. As such, there may be intense discussions surrounding the balance between facilitating commerce and ensuring public safety.