Kristin Alfheim, Wisconsin State Senator for 18th District | www.facebook.com
Kristin Alfheim, Wisconsin State Senator for 18th District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "algorithmic software for residential housing, and providing a penalty".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill prohibits the use of algorithmic software in setting rental rates or occupancy levels for residential units and bars selling, licensing, or providing such software to landlords. Defined in the bill, "algorithmic software" refers to programs using algorithms to analyze nonpublic competitor data to guide landlords on occupancy rates, vacancies, or rent amounts. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the attorney general, or a district attorney can investigate violations, with penalties including civil forfeitures up to $1,000 per violation. Tenants may sue for actual damages or $1,000 per violation, whichever is greater, and seek injunctive relief. Rental agreements with clauses waiving landlord compliance or discouraging tenant action are void.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Brienne Brown (Democrat-43rd District), Senator Dora E. Drake (Democrat-4th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District), Senator Sarah Keyeski (Democrat-14th District), and Senator Chris Larson (Democrat-7th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), and Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), along with 20 other co-sponsors.
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim has co-authored or authored another 19 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Alfheim, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2025 to represent the state's 18th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Dan Feyen.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| SB142 | 03/21/2025 | Algorithmic software for residential housing, and providing a penalty |
| SB69 | 02/26/2025 | An income tax subtraction for certain expenses paid by a school teacher. (FE) |
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