Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1140

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/13/26
• Refer: 3/13/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to amend 799.05 (3) (b), 799.05 (7), 799.06 (3) (a), 799.12 (3), 799.16 (4) (c), 799.20 (4), 799.206 (3), 799.21 (3) (a), 799.21 (3) (b), 799.25 (10) (b) and 799.27 (1); to create 799.01 (1) (ag) and 799.47 of the statutes; Relating to: actions for relief from extrajudicial eviction in small claims court. (FE)

Impact

If passed, AB1140 would significantly impact state housing laws, particularly those regarding eviction processes. It would modify existing laws to allow courts to grant temporary injunctions against landlords who attempt to remove tenants or their possessions without proper legal proceedings. The proposed bill establishes clear timelines for hearings and trials in eviction cases, mandating that they occur within specific periods to expedite the legal process. This change could protect tenants from unlawful eviction practices, providing them with a more formal legal recourse to contest such actions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1140, introduced in March 2026, aims to reform the legal framework governing evictions in the state of Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill allows tenants to file actions for relief from extrajudicial evictions—often referred to as self-help evictions—in small claims court. This legislative initiative addresses a gap in existing laws that did not provide tenants with a clear avenue for relief against unlawful eviction practices. By enabling such actions to be heard in a more accessible court setting, the bill seeks to enhance tenant protections and ensure that landlords adhere to due legal process in eviction matters.

Contention

Debate surrounding AB1140 reflects broader tensions in landlord-tenant relationships. Proponents argue that the bill is crucial for safeguarding tenant rights and preventing further instances of unlawful evictions. They emphasize that current laws do not adequately protect vulnerable tenants from retaliatory or self-help measures taken by landlords. Conversely, some opponents express concerns that the new provisions could impose undue restrictions on landlords and complicate the eviction process, potentially resulting in delays for property recovery. The balance between tenant protections and landlord rights remains a central point of contention as the bill progresses through the legislative process.