Wisconsin Senate Passes Bill Limiting Parents’ Liability in Teen Crashes

Parents of teen drivers who get into accidents would only be liable for up to $300,000 in claims under a bill that has passed the Wisconsin Senate.

The Senate voted 17-16 to pass the bill on Wednesday, after Democrats used a procedural move Tuesday night to delay final action.

The measure now heads to the Assembly, which plans to take it up Tuesday.

Currently, children under 18 need a parent or other adult sponsor to sign and verify their driver’s license application. That makes the parents or sponsors liable for the driver’s negligence or willful misconduct.

The bill would limit that liability to a total of $300,000. Current law has no limit on a parent’s potential liability.

Republican Sen. Dale Schultz joined Democrats in voting against the measure.