Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB697

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/27/23
• Refer: 11/27/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Discrimination in housing based on citizenship or immigration status.

Impact

The enactment of AB697 would modify several existing state laws relating to housing discrimination to include specific protections for individuals based on their citizenship or immigration status. By broadening the scope of protected characteristics, the bill reinforces the state's commitment to civil rights and equal treatment under housing laws. This could potentially influence local jurisdictions to align their regulations with state provisions, thereby improving accessibility to housing for marginalized groups and combating systemic inequities in housing opportunities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 697 addresses discrimination in housing based on citizenship or immigration status. It seeks to amend existing statutes that currently prohibit housing discrimination based on various characteristics, including sex, race, and sexual orientation, by adding citizenship and immigration status to this list. This amendment signifies a legislative move towards ensuring more comprehensive protections for individuals residing in Wisconsin and aims to create a fair housing environment that is inclusive of all residents, regardless of their immigration background.

Contention

While the bill aims to protect vulnerable populations from discrimination, it may face opposition regarding its implications for housing markets and landlords. Advocates for the bill argue that the inclusion of citizenship and immigration status is a necessary step in addressing discrimination that affects immigrant communities. However, critics might raise concerns about the feasibility of enforcing such provisions and the potential burden on property owners. The debate could center on balancing the rights of landlords with the need to ensure housing access for all individuals, regardless of their legal status.