New car sharing legislation drives Wisconsin forward
By: Selina Leitner, Turo host and Wisconsin local
In the heart of Wisconsin, I am a 28-year-old entrepreneur rooted in Appleton, having grown up in the charming town of West Allis. I've spent my whole life connecting with this community— first as a kid in Chilton, then as a student at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, and now working in both real estate and car sharing.
Both of my trades hold true to who I am at my core– a proud Midwest girl who loves people, community, and creativity. That’s why I want to share with you the importance and essence of car sharing legislation, Assembly Bill 395 (SB 386 in the Senate), as these measures align perfectly with the values Wisconsinites hold dear: community, fairness, and innovation.
Why this bill matters to me
If you're wondering why I care so much about this, let me share a bit more about myself. I've always been someone who jumps right in, whether it was volunteering at a homeless shelter during my college years or becoming a solo real estate agent just six months after getting my license.
I love being involved in the day-to-day lives of the people in my community—helping families find homes, making meals more nutritious and affordable, or even just providing a reliable car
through Turo.
I got into car sharing during a Las Vegas vacation, when I used the Turo app on my phone to find a car in town. Then, when I became a Turo host myself, the simple idea of having my car pay for itself while simultaneously providing mobility options for a neighbor or tourist came to life; and it's been an incredible journey! From helping traveling nurses to assisting families in transition, I've found that my small Turo side business not only helps pay for my Jeep, but also strengthens our Wisconsin community in its own little way.
What car sharing legislation really means
That brings me back to Assembly Bill 395 and SB 386; these legislative measures are being considered right now by policymakers and they are crucial for the well-being of the entire car sharing community here in Wisconsin. The measure is being spearheaded by Rep.Cindy Dushow and Sen. Rob Stafsholt with the goal of giving car sharing locals like me a real chance in the marketplace while also cementing appropriate regulations and insurance requirements. This isn’t just about car sharing; it’s about turning Wisconsin into a thriving hub for small businesses and entrepreneurs, and creating a fair marketplace for everyone who participates in the industry.
Building Trust and Empowering Communities
Trust is the foundation of any strong community, and these bills are the architects of that trust in the car sharing community. As a dedicated Turo host and proud Wisconsinite, I want lawmakers in my state to make sure Wisconsin is a place where fairness reigns. This legislation focuses on consumer protection, plus ensures clarity and uniformity in the local car sharing marketplace. This bill is not just a set of rules; it's a shield against potential disparities, ensuring that everyone in my community is treated with the fairness and respect they deserve.
I know what it's like to be part of this community—I was born here, my mom (A.K.A. my best friend) still lives here, I met my partner here, and I serve my neighbors daily through car sharing here- and I don’t take the responsibility lightly. Lawmakers should be just as determined to protect our community by implementing a car sharing framework that would prevent newcomers with lax rules from exploiting my community.
Car ownership: From financial drain to financial driver
Remember the last time you bought a car and the sting of the car note and sales tax? I sure do—paying willingly for my Jeep. But imagine the thrill when I stumbled upon a platform that lets my car pay for itself while giving others a ride. That's the magic of car sharing apps like Turo. And now, lawmakers are waking up to the reality that car sharing entrepreneurs like me are here to stay, adding mobility and economic value to Wisconsin.
This legislative bill isn't just about common-sense regulations for car sharing; it's about embracing the values we all hold dear: hard work, fairness, and building a close-knit community.
How can you help?
Now, we're at a turning point. Assembly Bill 395 and SBl 386 and can set the stage for even greater community involvement and fairness in how we conduct business.
So what can you do? Support the bill, as intended. Talk to your local representatives. Share this message with your friends and family.
If I've learned one thing from my mom and from my years of connecting with people, it's that a single voice can make a difference. Let's use ours to drive Wisconsin forward.