summary
Introduced
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
In Committee
03/21/2025
03/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill prohibits the use of algorithmic software in setting rental rates or occupancy levels for residential dwelling units and prohibits persons from selling, licensing, or providing algorithmic software to a residential landlord. XAlgorithmic softwareY is defined in the bill to mean software that uses an algorithm to perform calculations on nonpublic competitor data regarding rent or occupancy levels in this state for the purpose of informing a landlord[s decision regarding residential housing occupancy rates, whether to leave a residential unit vacant, or the amount of rent that a landlord may obtain for a residential unit. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the attorney general, or a district attorney may investigate violations of this bill, and the attorney general or a district attorney may commence an action seeking an injunction or to recover a civil forfeiture of up to $1,000 per violation. In addition, a tenant may file a civil action seeking actual damages incurred as a result of a violation of the bill or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater, or for injunctive relief, or for a combination of injunctive relief and damages. Under the bill, if a landlord includes a provision in a lease that 1) waives the landlord[s obligation to comply with the prohibition on the use of algorithmic software or 2) discourages or impedes a tenant from filing an action seeking LRB-1569/1 JAM:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 142 injunctive relief or damages stemming from the landlord[s violation of the bill[s prohibitions, then the rental agreement is void and unenforceable.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits the use of algorithmic software in residential housing rental practices by defining "algorithmic software" as computer programs that use non-public competitor data to inform landlords' decisions about rental rates, occupancy levels, or unit vacancy. Specifically, the bill makes it illegal for any person to sell, license, or provide such software to residential landlords, and prohibits landlords from using algorithmic software to set rental rates or occupancy levels. The legislation allows the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the attorney general, or a district attorney to investigate potential violations and pursue legal action, with potential civil forfeitures of up to $1,000 per violation. Tenants are also empowered to file civil actions seeking damages of either $1,000 or their actual incurred damages, whichever is greater, and can seek injunctive relief. Additionally, the bill renders any lease provision that attempts to waive the landlord's obligations or discourage tenants from seeking legal recourse as void and unenforceable. The bill provides some exceptions to the definition of algorithmic software, such as publications of existing aggregated rental data and products used for establishing affordable housing rent limits.
Committee Categories
Business and Industry
Sponsors (30)
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
Sarah Keyeski (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Brad Pfaff (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Deb Andraca (D),
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Brienne Brown (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Francesca Hong (D),
Jenna Jacobson (D),
Karen Kirsch (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Sequanna Taylor (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Last Action
Representative Miresse added as a cosponsor (on 04/15/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb142 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB142.pdf |
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