Housing

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 473: Relating to: local regulation of accessory dwelling units. (FE)

SB 473 requires local governments to allow at least one accessory dwelling unit (ADU) per single-family lot as a "permitted use" without special permits, directly affecting homeowners in residential and mixed-use zones. Localities may still set reasonable limits on ADU size (capped at the main house's square footage), height, and setbacks, but cannot impose additional approvals for standard ADUs. The bill also prohibits new ADUs created after its effective date from being used as short-term rentals (like Airbnb), while allowing existing ADUs to remain unaffected. This standardizes ADU access across the state while giving communities flexibility to manage development.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingMandates ADUs on single-family lots without special permits, increasing housing supply and affordability while prohibiting short-term rentals for new ADUs.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Property Development Zoning

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 69: Relating to: the sales and use tax exemption for electricity and natural gas sold for residential use. (FE)

AB 69 amends Wisconsin law to expand the sales and use tax exemption for residential electricity and natural gas to cover the winter months of November through April. Currently, the exemption applies only to certain months, but this bill adds those six winter months to the list of qualifying periods for residential energy purchases. The change directly affects homeowners and renters who purchase electricity or natural gas for home use during these months, removing the tax on those purchases. The bill is a straightforward policy adjustment to the existing tax code, not a new program or funding measure.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands sales tax exemption for residential energy use, reducing tax burden on households during winter months, providing direct tax relief.90% confidence ✓ EnergySupports EnergyExpands tax exemption for residential electricity/natural gas, reducing consumer costs during winter months, aligning with protecting utility consumers.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands sales tax exemption for residential utilities during winter months, reducing living costs for renters/homeowners and directly increasing housing affordability.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Tax Incentives Oil & Gas

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Jul 8, 2025

AB 140: Relating to: limitations on the total value of taxable property that may be included in a tax incremental financing district created in the city of Port Washington. (FE)

AB 140 creates a specific exception in Wisconsin statute for Port Washington's Tax Incremental District Number 5, removing a standard 12% limit on the total taxable property value that can be included in such districts. This bill directly affects the city of Port Washington and its Tax Incremental District Number 5, allowing that district to exceed the usual property value cap. The key mechanism is adding a new statutory provision (66.1105 (17) (h)) that explicitly states the 12% limit does not apply to this specific district. The bill was enacted as 2025 Wisconsin Act 16 after approval by the Governor.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesRemoves 12% cap on TIF district property value, enabling Port Washington to use expanded fiscal tools for local economic development projects, strengthening municipal budget flexibility.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingRemoves 12% property value cap for Port Washington's TIF district, enabling expanded development financing which typically supports housing projects and growth.85% confidence

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 33: Relating to: declaration of the Economic Justice Bill of Rights.

Assembly Joint Resolution 33 (AJR 33) declares an "Economic Justice Bill of Rights" for the people of Wisconsin. This resolution aims to renew the state's progressive tradition and address historical disparities for various communities. It outlines ten specific rights, including the right to a job paying a living wage, adequately funded public education, affordable healthcare, a clean environment, and safe, affordable housing. The resolution also includes rights to a union, equitable access to capital, and a fair justice system, regardless of a person's background or status.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill explicitly declares 'adequately funded public education' as a core right, directly advancing school funding support.95% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentExplicitly includes 'clean environment' as a core right in the Economic Justice Bill of Rights, directly advancing environmental protection as a fundamental entitlement.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill explicitly declares 'affordable healthcare' as a right, directly advancing access and cost reduction goals.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingDeclares 'safe, affordable housing' as a specific right, directly aligning with tenant protections and affordable housing initiatives per the resolution's stated goals.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentExplicitly declares right to living wage and union rights, directly advancing labor protections and workers' economic security per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Collective Bargaining Minimum Wage

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 365: Relating to: local and private regulation of accessory dwelling units. (FE)

AB 365 requires cities, towns, and homeowners' associations to allow accessory dwelling units (ADUs) - small secondary homes on existing properties - as a "permitted use" without special permits on eligible parcels. It prohibits local governments and HOAs from charging extra fees (beyond standard building permits), imposing stricter design rules than for main homes, requiring separate utilities or parking, or banning ADUs via deed restrictions. The bill permits size limits (capping ADUs at 75% of the main home's square footage on single-family parcels) but bans all other restrictive rules. It directly affects local zoning authorities, municipal ordinances, and HOA covenants governing residential properties.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill explicitly removes barriers to ADU construction, increasing housing supply and affordability. Requires local governments to permit ADUs without extra fees or restrictions, directly advancing housing development.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Building Codes Zoning

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 9, 2026

AB 454: Relating to: a workforce home loan program. (FE)

AB 454 establishes a statewide "workforce home loan" revolving loan program to help low-to-moderate income workers purchase homes. It creates a new fund that will provide loans to first-time homebuyers whose household income is at or below 100% of the local area median income, with requirements including no prior residential property ownership in the past three years and meeting specific debt-to-income and credit score standards (minimum 580 FICO score for deferred payment options). The program uses repayments from existing loans to replenish the fund, allowing it to serve more borrowers over time. This directly affects eligible workforce households in housing markets across the state who qualify under the defined income and underwriting criteria.

Topics ✓ HousingSupports HousingEstablishes statewide loan program for low-income first-time homebuyers, directly funding affordable housing access through income-based home purchase assistance.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Affordable Housing Homeownership Mortgages

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 52: Relating to: expanding the homestead income tax credit. (FE)

AB 52 expands the homestead income tax credit for homeowners with low to moderate income. It establishes new income-based limits: households earning $8,060 or less get credit covering 80% of property taxes, while higher earners get credit on taxes exceeding 5.614% of income over $8,060. The credit is unavailable if household income exceeds $35,000. The law also adds automatic inflation adjustments to these thresholds starting in 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExpands tax credit for low-income homeowners, reducing property tax burden - direct tax relief for target group per bill's income-based thresholds.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingExpands tax credit for low-income homeowners, reducing property tax burden to improve housing affordability for targeted households.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax State Budget Tax Credits Affordable Housing Housing Finance Property Taxes

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 404: Relating to: the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 404 establishes and funds the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, which provides direct support services to veterans in need. The bill appropriates state funds to cover outreach, counseling, and recovery resources for veterans facing challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, or unemployment. It directly affects veterans seeking these services and the state agencies or community organizations delivering them. The program’s implementation is contingent on the approved budget allocation, with no policy changes beyond the funding mechanism. As a fiscal bill, it focuses on resource allocation rather than new legal requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for veterans' program, directly funding essential services through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds counseling and recovery resources for veterans' mental health issues, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses veteran homelessness through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAddresses veteran unemployment through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly aiding employment recovery for a specific workforce group.65% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program for homelessness, mental health, and unemployment support services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Unemployment Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 631: Relating to: use of public lands to provide temporary residence for the homeless and providing a penalty. (FE)

AB 631 creates "structured camping facilities" on designated public lands (excluding parks and fairgrounds) to provide temporary housing for homeless individuals and families. Local governments or the state department can designate these facilities, requiring residents to complete mental health or substance use evaluations, with a waiting list system when capacity is reached. The bill also establishes penalties for unauthorized camping on public property, classifying second or subsequent violations as Class C misdemeanors. It mandates data collection on facility usage, including occupancy and referrals for services, while ensuring safety and sanitation at all sites.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires mental health/substance use evaluations for residents of structured camping facilities, linking housing access to healthcare services and improving access to mental health support.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingCreates structured camping facilities on public lands for homeless temporary housing, directly addressing homelessness through new housing solutions.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Homelessness

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 383: Relating to: the veterans housing and recovery program and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 383 increases funding for Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It allocates an additional $900,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,050,000 for 2026-27 to cover program supplies, services, and leasing costs for the Chippewa Falls-based program. This adjustment addresses space and facility deficiencies at the current location by enabling a facility move. The bill directly affects veterans utilizing this housing program in Chippewa Falls. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new program requirements or policy shifts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates additional state funds ($900k/$1.05M) for veterans housing program, directly increasing fiscal support for a state program per budget appropriation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases funding for veterans' housing program, directly advancing housing services and facility needs through fiscal allocation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases funding for veterans housing program, addressing facility deficiencies to improve services and program accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Veteran Housing

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