Wisconsin Senate Bill SB725

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/21/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Discrimination in housing based on citizenship or immigration status.

Impact

If enacted, SB725 would significantly impact housing practices at both state and local levels. The amendment to the open housing law would empower individuals facing discrimination based on their citizenship or immigration status to seek legal recourse. This legislative change is expected to foster a more inclusive environment in the housing market, providing a sense of security to immigrants who have often been vulnerable to housing discrimination. Advocates argue that this bill is a necessary step towards fostering community equity and justice, ensuring that all residents have the opportunity to secure housing without fear of bias.

Summary

Senate Bill 725 seeks to amend existing housing laws in Wisconsin to include citizenship and immigration status as protected characteristics against discrimination. By doing so, the bill intends to broaden the scope of the open housing law, making it explicitly unlawful for housing providers to discriminate based on these criteria, alongside existing protected classes such as race, color, sex, sexual orientation, disability, and religion. The bill introduces protective measures that aim to ensure equal access to housing irrespective of an individual's immigration status or citizenship, reflecting a growing recognition of the rights of immigrants within housing law.

Contention

While support for SB725 may come from various advocacy groups focusing on immigrant rights and housing equity, it is important to note potential points of contention. Critics may argue that adding citizenship and immigration status to protected classes could complicate housing regulations and enforcement for landlords and other housing providers. These opponents might express concerns about the practicality of implementing such a bill and how it may affect the housing market dynamics, especially regarding compliance and potential litigation. Additionally, there may be a broader debate about the implications of such laws on local governance and housing authority zoning practices.