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AB 1136

Relating to: housing discrimination.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ryan Clancy and 4 co-sponsors

AB 1136 prohibits housing discrimination based on receipt of third‑party rental or housing assistance, expanding protections while exempting small landlords (4 or fewer units).

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · AB 1136

Summary of Assembly Bill 1136 (2025-2026) – Wisconsin

Jurisdiction: Wisconsin | Bill: AB 1136 | Session: 2025-2026
Status: Introduced March 13, 2026; referred to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate

Purpose and Intent

  • AB 1136 is designed to prohibit discrimination in housing based on receipt of rental or housing assistance from a third party.
  • The bill clarifies and expands the protections against housing discrimination to explicitly include “receipt of rental or housing assistance” as a protected characteristic.

Key Provisions and Changes

  1. Expanded Prohibited Basis for Discrimination (106.50(1m)(g) and related)

    • The statute will explicitly prohibit discrimination in housing based on “receipt of rental or housing assistance” (a third-party contribution specifically for housing support).
    • This expands current Wisconsin housing nondiscrimination protections, which already cover protected classes such as sex, race, color, disability, religion, national origin, marital status, family status, veteran status, status as a victim of domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking, lawful source of income, age, and ancestry.

  2. Definition of “Discriminate” (106.50(1m)(h))

    • The term “discriminate” is amended to include acts that segregate, separate, exclude, or otherwise treat a person or class unequally on the basis of the newly added protected category (receipt of rental or housing assistance) as well as existing protected characteristics.

  3. New Term: “Rental or Housing Assistance” (106.50(1m)(rm))

    • Defines “rental or housing assistance” as any form of financial contribution from a third party intended to create or maintain affordable housing for tenants in buildings other than those owned by small landlords, including:
      • Assistance under 42 USC 1437f (federal Section 8)
      • HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HUD)
      • Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) (HUD)

  4. New Term: “Small Landlord” (106.50(1m)(tm))

    • Defines “small landlord” as an owner of 4 or fewer dwelling units that are offered for rent.

  5. Policy Declaration and Local Authority (66.1011(1))

    • Reaffirms the declaration of policy against housing discrimination and states that both state and local authorities share responsibility to prevent or remove discrimination in housing.
    • Clarifies that enactment of state protections does not preempt local ordinances prohibiting housing discrimination, and that political subdivisions retain authority to enact broader protections.

  6. Single-Family Owner-Occupied New Coverage (within 106.50(1))

    • The bill extends the state’s equal housing opportunity protections to cover single-family residences that are owner-occupied. This reflects the Legislature’s view that the sale and rental of single-family homes is a significant portion of housing activity and warrants regulation.

Who and What Is Affected

  • Potentially Affected Actors:

    • Landlords and property managers (except those who own four or fewer units, per the small landlord definition in 106.50(1m)(tm)).
    • Prospective tenants and current tenants seeking housing who rely on third-party rental/housing assistance programs (e.g., Section 8, HOME, CDBG-supported housing).
    • Housing developers and owners of rental properties that participate in or rely on third-party housing assistance programs.

  • Geographic/Jurisdictional Scope:

    • Statewide, with explicit recognition that local units of government may enact ordinances that provide protections beyond the state protections.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Drafting and Introduction:
    • Introduced March 13, 2026, by Representatives Clancy, Moore Omokunde, Madison, Stubbs, and Sinicki; co-sponsored by Senators Roys and Larson.
  • Referral:
    • Referred to the Committee on Housing and Real Estate for consideration.
  • Status as of Introduction:
    • The measure is in the early stage of the legislative process; no final passage or effective date provided in the text available.

Practical Impact

  • If enacted, AB 1136 would heighten protections against housing discrimination by explicitly prohibiting discrimination based on receipt of third-party rental or housing assistance.
  • It would place a broader shield around tenants reliant on federal, state, or local housing assistance programs, while excluding landlords with four or fewer units from the new protections (per the small landlord rule).
  • It clarifies definitions to reduce ambiguity about what constitutes “rental or housing assistance” and who qualifies as a “small landlord.”
  • By reinforcing local authority, it supports continued or expanded local anti-discrimination ordinances beyond what the state imposes.

Note: This summary reflects the bill as introduced and the text provided. Further amendments or committee actions could modify provisions, scope, or enforcement.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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