'This is a serious issue': Tougher laws on unlicensed drivers debated in Madison

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Victims impacted by unlicensed drivers called on state lawmakers to impose stricter driving laws during a public hearing on Wednesday, April 9. 

The Assembly Committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety held testimony on a bill that would impose stiffer penalties on unlicensed drivers and car owners.

Under current law, most drivers without a license who cause accidents receive citations or a misdemeanor charge and no jail time.

Rep. David Maxey (R-New Berlin) is proposing legislation that would increase penalties on unlicensed drivers from $100 to $1,000. The proposal also targets car owners by issuing $1,000 citations if they knowingly let someone without an active license borrow their vehicle.

"We need to stop the enablers," said Chad Crull, father of six-year-old Declan Crull who was hit by a motorist while waiting for a school bus in New Berlin.

Tyler Pudleiner also testified after being struck by a red SUV driven by Darrell Brooks while marching in the Waukesha Christmas Parade in 2021. In 2022, Brooks was found guilty of killing six and injuring dozens more during the attack.

In both incidents involving Crull and Pudleiner, the drivers didn't have an active driver's license and we're operating vehicles registered under someone else's name.

"There's so many different scenarios and it's starting to affect a lot of people," said Pudleiner. "We have to find a way to stop it."

Milwaukee activist Tracey Dent, who seen firsthand reckless driving throughout the city as an Uber driver, also testified in support of the bill.

“I’ve seen so much, and people just don’t care," Dent said. "We have to put a stop to this. This is a serious issue."

Some Democrats and Republicans on the committee expressed concerns the bill goes too far by issuing citations to car owners who might be unaware of someone's driving history.

"If a grandson lies to his grandma about his license and borrows her car, she'll get a $1,000 fine? I think that seems a bit excessive," said Rep. Tip McGuire (D-Kenosha).

Maxey defended his proposal by arguing stiffer fines should encourage people to think twice before having others borrow their car.

"It doesn't matter if the vehicle owner knew if the person wasn't allowed to drive or not," he said. "The owner should still be held accountable."

Crull and Pudleiner believe the bill could prevent future tragedies.

"The people who are dangerous and refuse to abide by the law can have their access to vehicles restrained by firmly penalizing those who knowingly provide it," Crull said.