Housing

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1139: Relating to: disposition of property left behind by a tenant and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

This bill modifies how landlords handle personal property left behind by tenants who move out or are evicted. It allows landlords to presume abandoned property is abandoned unless the tenant provides written notice or agreement stating otherwise, giving landlords discretion to dispose of such items. The bill also limits fees landlords can charge tenants for storage, removal, or disposal of abandoned property, requiring these costs to be set at reasonable rates by the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill weakens tenant protections by allowing landlords to presume property is abandoned without notice and limiting tenant fees, reducing security for renters.85% confidence

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 1140: Relating to: actions for relief from extrajudicial eviction in small claims court. (FE)

This Wisconsin bill modifies small claims court procedures for eviction cases by adjusting timeframes for legal notices and service of process. It shortens the required notice period for eviction summons from 8 days to 5 days and reduces the maximum return date from 30 days to 25 days. The legislation also mandates the use of certified mail with return receipt for serving eviction-related documents and requires courts to complete possession trials within 30 days after the defendant appears. These changes apply specifically to residential eviction actions and actions seeking relief from extrajudicial evictions in Wisconsin small claims courts.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill shortens eviction notice periods and accelerates court timelines, weakening tenant protections and increasing risk of displacement.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Tenant Rights

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 1029: Relating to: local regulation of landlords.

SB 1029 repeals Section 66.0104 of the statutes, which previously allowed local governments to regulate landlords. This bill directly affects cities and counties that had authority under this statute to create local rules for rental housing. The key provision is the removal of this specific legal authority, meaning local governments would no longer be able to enact ordinances under this section. The bill does not create new regulations but eliminates an existing framework for local landlord oversight.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingRepeals local authority to regulate landlords, removing existing tenant protection framework under Section 66.0104.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Landlords Renters Tenant Rights

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 202: Relating to: local guaranteed income programs.

SB 202 prohibits cities, towns, and counties (political subdivisions) from using public funds - such as tax revenue, shared state money, or fees - to fund guaranteed income programs. It defines a "guaranteed income program" as one providing regular cash payments to individuals with no work or training requirements. The bill explicitly blocks local governments from spending taxpayer dollars on such programs, including funds from state shared revenue or local taxes. This directly affects all municipalities and counties considering implementing cash payment programs for residents. (SB 202, Section 1, 66.0601(1)(d))

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesProhibits using public funds (tax revenue, state shared money) for guaranteed income programs, directly defunding such initiatives under budget/tax policy.95% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingDefunds guaranteed income programs, a tool for housing affordability, by blocking public funds for cash payments without work requirements.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

AB 194: Relating to: modifications to housing programs under the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. (FE)

AB 194 modifies Wisconsin's housing programs under the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority. It redefines "developer" to include tribal housing authorities (Section 3) and clarifies "residential housing" to include tax-exempt reservation or trust lands (Section 4). The bill reduces maximum loan limits for housing projects from 33% to 20% of development costs (Section 10) and from 25% to 10% (Section 11). It also requires local governments to submit cost-reduction analyses showing how zoning or fee changes lowered housing costs (Section 7), directly affecting developers, tribal entities, and local governments administering housing programs.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesReduces maximum loan limits for housing projects (33%→20%, 25%→10%), directly restricting government funding allocation under housing programs.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingReduces maximum loan limits for housing projects (33%→20%, 25%→10%), directly cutting funding capacity for affordable housing development.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Property Development Zoning

passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 455: Relating to: a condominium conversion reimbursement grant program. (FE)

AB 455 establishes a grant program to reimburse owners of multifamily housing for costs incurred when converting properties to condominiums. The program covers specific expenses like attorney fees, permitting costs, and other project-related fees. Grants are limited to $50,000 per property and a total of $10 million from the existing Main Street Housing Rehabilitation Fund. The bill requires detailed reporting on each grant awarded, including recipient information, project descriptions, and location. This directly affects multifamily housing owners seeking to convert their properties to condominiums.

Topics ✗ HousingOpposes HousingReimburses condo conversions of multifamily rentals, reducing rental housing stock and contradicting affordable housing goals.85% confidence

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passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 451: Relating to: residential tax incremental districts. (FE)

AB 451 creates new rules for "residential tax incremental districts" (RTIDs) in cities, limiting these districts to 3% of a city's total taxable property value (down from a 12% cap for other districts). It requires RTIDs to fund only infrastructure for residential developments meeting strict size limits: single-family homes under 7,500 sq ft lots, two-family homes under 15,000 sq ft lots, and strict setbacks/sizes for homes (e.g., max 1,500 sq ft for single-story). Project costs are restricted to district-wide infrastructure (like stormwater systems), not individual lots, and must be paid from tax increments or developer financing. The bill directly affects cities creating RTIDs and developers building qualifying residential projects.

Topics ✗ Budget & TaxesOpposes Budget & TaxesBill reduces RTID cap from 12% to 3% and restricts eligible projects, limiting tax tool expansion for residential development funding.90% confidence ✗ HousingOpposes HousingBill imposes strict size limits (max 1,500 sq ft) and caps RTIDs at 3% of taxable value, restricting housing development options.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Tax Incentives Affordable Housing Historic Preservation Housing Finance

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