Relating to: nonfunctional and counterfeit airbags and providing a penalty.
SB 537 prohibits the sale, installation, or distribution of nonfunctional airbags (deployed, faulty, or misleading replacements) and counterfeit airbags (unauthorized imitations of original parts). It defines these terms clearly and applies to dealers, mechanics, and sellers who must ensure airbags meet safety standards. Violations carry fines up to $5,000 or up to one year in jail, with felony charges for repeat offenses or cases causing injury or death. The law includes limited exemptions for police vehicles, dealers without knowledge of issues, and insurance-related vehicle transfers.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Oct 2025
Committee Review
Jan 2026
Senate Passage
Nov 2025
Assembly Passage
Jan 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Oct 17, 2025
Signed Mar 13, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
This bill passed the Senate by voice vote (no roll call recorded).
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
29
Key actions
5
Committee
2
Mar 13, 2026
Signed into law
Report approved by the Governor on 3-13-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 97
upper
Jan 15, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read a third time and concurred in
lower
Jan 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Placed on calendar 1-15-2026 by Committee on Rules
lower
Nov 18, 2025
Upper · Passed
Read a third time and passed
upper
Nov 12, 2025
Upper · Passed
Report passage recommended by Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety, Ayes 8, Noes 0
upper
Oct 17, 2025
Introduced
Introduced by Senators Wanggaard, Nass and Marklein;
cosponsored by Representatives Melotik, Behnke, Dittrich, Kreibich, Maxey, Miresse, Piwowarczyk, Sinicki and Subeck
upper
3 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Howard Marklein
RRepublican
P
Steve Nass
RRepublican
P
Van Wanggaard
RRepublican
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