Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB605

Introduced
10/30/25  
Refer
10/30/25  

Caption

An Act to repeal 20.445 (1) (fc), 49.1635 (1), 49.1635 (2), 49.1635 (3), 49.1635 (4) and 106.15; to renumber and amend 49.1635 (5) (a), 49.1635 (5) (b) and 49.1635 (5) (c); to amend 16.306 (2) (a), 16.3085 (2) (b) 2., 38.40 (2), 46.56 (14) (a), 49.143 (2) (a) 4m. e., 49.163 (4) (intro.), 49.175 (1) (j), 49.175 (1) (k), 49.265 (1) (b), 49.265 (3) (b) 11., 49.265 (4) (a), 49.265 (4) (b), 49.265 (4) (c), 49.79 (9) (a) 1., 60.85 (7) (a), 60.85 (7) (b), 66.1103 (6m), 66.1105 (6c) (a), 66.1105 (6c) (b), 71.07 (2dx) (a) 5., 71.07 (5r) (b) 2., 71.28 (1dx) (a) 5., 71.28 (5r) (b) 2., 71.47 (1dx) (a) 5., 71.47 (5r) (b) 2., 76.636 (1) (e) 12., 85.20 (4m) (a) 8. b., 106.11, 106.13 (2), 106.16 (2), 106.27 (1m), 109.07 (1m) (a), 115.28 (24), 238.30 (4m) and 946.13 (10); to create 13.48 (26m), 16.03 (2) (d), 16.19, 16.3065, 20.320 (2) (a), 20.435 (5) (em), 20.437 (2) (cs), 20.437 (2) (eg), 20.437 (2) (fn), 20.445 (1) (fc), 20.505 (7) (bq), 20.505 (7) (e), 20.505 (7) (fk), 36.25 (56), 46.483, 49.1632, 49.164, 49.175 (1) (x), 49.45 (31m), 49.675, 51.44 (5) (bm), 106.115, 115.28 (67), 234.253 and 281.61 (8) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

The provisions outlined in SB605 aim to enact significant changes within state laws regarding housing insecurity and poverty alleviation. By establishing an emergency rental assistance program and enhancing access to civil legal services, the bill is designed to prevent homelessness and provide critical support to low-income residents. Additionally, it promotes community action agencies that can address the socioeconomic factors contributing to poverty, indicating a shift toward a more supportive legal and economic framework for vulnerable populations.

Summary

SB605 addresses a comprehensive approach to tackling housing and homelessness issues through various initiatives including an emergency rental assistance program and funding for indigent civil legal services. This bill seeks to improve the economic security of individuals and families facing housing instability, by providing robust support mechanisms that range from financial assistance to legal help for eviction protections. Moreover, it touches on workforce development, proposing pathways that can integrate vulnerable populations into the workforce.

Contention

While SB605 has garnered support for its focus on providing aid to those in need, some points of contention arise around the funding and the implementation of the proposed programs. Critics may raise concerns regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of funding mechanisms for such expansive programs, as public resources are finite. Moreover, questions surrounding accountability and oversight on how the funds are utilized in community action agencies could spark debate during the legislative process.

Companion Bills

WI AB607

Crossfiled An Act to repeal 20.445 (1) (fc), 49.1635 (1), 49.1635 (2), 49.1635 (3), 49.1635 (4) and 106.15; to renumber and amend 49.1635 (5) (a), 49.1635 (5) (b) and 49.1635 (5) (c); to amend 16.306 (2) (a), 16.3085 (2) (b) 2., 38.40 (2), 46.56 (14) (a), 49.143 (2) (a) 4m. e., 49.163 (4) (intro.), 49.175 (1) (j), 49.175 (1) (k), 49.265 (1) (b), 49.265 (3) (b) 11., 49.265 (4) (a), 49.265 (4) (b), 49.265 (4) (c), 49.79 (9) (a) 1., 60.85 (7) (a), 60.85 (7) (b), 66.1103 (6m), 66.1105 (6c) (a), 66.1105 (6c) (b), 71.07 (2dx) (a) 5., 71.07 (5r) (b) 2., 71.28 (1dx) (a) 5., 71.28 (5r) (b) 2., 71.47 (1dx) (a) 5., 71.47 (5r) (b) 2., 76.636 (1) (e) 12., 85.20 (4m) (a) 8. b., 106.11, 106.13 (2), 106.16 (2), 106.27 (1m), 109.07 (1m) (a), 115.28 (24), 238.30 (4m) and 946.13 (10); to create 13.48 (26m), 16.03 (2) (d), 16.19, 16.3065, 20.320 (2) (a), 20.435 (5) (em), 20.437 (2) (cs), 20.437 (2) (eg), 20.437 (2) (fn), 20.445 (1) (fc), 20.505 (7) (bq), 20.505 (7) (e), 20.505 (7) (fk), 36.25 (56), 46.483, 49.1632, 49.164, 49.175 (1) (x), 49.45 (31m), 49.675, 51.44 (5) (bm), 106.115, 115.28 (67), 234.253 and 281.61 (8) (b) of the statutes; Relating to: housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB607

Housing and homelessness; emergency rental assistance program; indigent civil legal services; workforce development; community action agencies; poverty reports; mental health; economic security; reimbursement for nonemergency medical transportation services; urban mass transit aid; lead exposure and abatement services; lead service line replacement; providing an exemption from emergency rule procedures; granting rule-making authority; and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI H4189

DHEC Restructuring

WI HB434

Exempt military driver's license applicants from driver's ed

WI H3613

Executive Office of Health Policy

WI HB184

Prescribe limitations on intercollegiate athlete contracts

WI AB2478

An act to amend Sections 49069.3, 49076, 56055, and 56155.5 of the Education Code, to amend Sections 6552, 8609, 8704.5, 8708, 9201, and 9203.1 of the Family Code, to amend Sections 7930.165, 7930.190, and 30029.7 of the Government Code, to amend Sections 1501.1, 1502, 1505, 1506, 1506.1, 1506.5, 1506.9, 1507.25, 1517, 1517.2, 1517.3, 1520, 1520.3, 1522, 1522.08, 1522.1, 1522.4, 1522.44, 1523.1, 1524, 1524.01, 1527, 1527.1, 1527.2, 1527.4, 1527.5, 1530.5, 1530.7, 1536, 1536.2, 1538, 1558, 1559.110, 1568.26, and 115725 of, and to repeal Sections 1506.6, 1506.7, 1506.8, and 1517.1 of, the Health and Safety Code, to amend Section 676.7 of the Insurance Code, to amend Sections 11105.2, 11165.7, 11167.5, 11170 of the Penal Code, to amend Sections 1541 and 1543 of the Probate Code, and to amend Sections 224.1, 291, 293, 294, 295, 309, 319, 361, 361.2, 361.4, 361.45, 362.04, 366.1, 366.3, 366.31, 628, 706.5, 706.6, 727, 727.05, 727.12, 727.4, 827, 4684, 10553.12, 10952.5, 11362, 11363, 11386, 11391, 11400, 11402, 11461, 11461.3, 11461.36, 11461.6, 11462, 11462.01, 11463, 16003.5, 16119, 16161, 16501.01, 16501.02, 16501.1, 16507.5, 16514, 16519, 16519.3, 16519.5, 16519.501, 16519.502, 16519.51, 16519.52, 16519.53, 16519.54, 16519.55, 16519.555, 16519.56, 16519.57, 16519.6, 16521.6, 16563, 16565, 17710, 17730, 17731, 17736, and 18250 of, and to amend the heading of Article 2 (commencing with Section 16519.3) of Chapter 5 of Part 4 of Division 9 of, and to add Sections 16519.605 and 16519.615 to, and to repeal and add Section 16519.4 of, the Welfare and Institutions Code, relating to foster care.

WI HB368

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-234, 2.2-401.01, 2.2-1149, 2.2-1604, 2.2-2699.10, 2.2-4310, 10.1-104.02, 10.1-659, 10.1-1003, 10.1-1018, 10.1-1020, 10.1-1186.3:1, 10.1-1188, 10.1-2202.5, 10.1-2205.1, 10.1-2206.1, 10.1-2214, 10.1-2305, 15.2-4202, 15.2-4203, 18.2-423.1, 20-88.32, 20-146.1, 22.1-254, 24.2-128, 28.2-104.01, 28.2-302.5, 29.1-301, 29.1-401, 29.1-521, 32.1-272, 36-105.5, 51.1-700, 56-46.1, 56-576, 58.1-2201, 58.1-2403, 59.1-480, 62.1-266, 64.2-701, 64.2-2100, and 64.2-2600 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-6100 and 2.2-6101, relating to definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty.

WI HB1179

Transportation; changes various provisions of existing funds, etc.

WI HB1179

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 33.2-359, 33.2-371, 33.2-1526, 33.2-1526.1, 33.2-3102, 33.2-3401, 33.2-3402, 33.2-3403, 33.2-3502, 46.2-774, and 46.2-2099.48 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1904.1, by adding in Article 11 of Chapter 19 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-1937, by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 33.2 a section numbered 33.2-2402, by adding in Chapter 7 of Title 46.2 a section numbered 46.2-775, by adding a section numbered 58.1-603.3, and by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 58.1 articles numbered 13, 14, and 15, consisting of sections numbered 58.1-1749, 58.1-1750, and 58.1-1751; and to repeal § 33.2-3100.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to transportation funding.

WI HB642

An Act to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-2499.8, 2.2-2818, 2.2-2905, 2.2-3114, 2.2-3711, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 2.2-3802, 2.2-4024, 3.2-4112, 3.2-4113, 3.2-4116, 3.2-4126, 3.2-5145.1, 3.2-5145.2:1, 3.2-5145.4, 4.1-103, 4.1-105, 4.1-352, 4.1-600, 4.1-601, 4.1-603, 4.1-604, 4.1-606, 4.1-607, 4.1-611, 4.1-614, 4.1-621, 4.1-1100, 4.1-1101, 4.1-1121, 4.1-1402, 4.1-1500, 4.1-1501, 4.1-1502, 4.1-1600 through 4.1-1603.2, 4.1-1604, 5.1-13, 9.1-1101, 15.2-912.4, 16.1-69.40:1, 16.1-260, 16.1-273, 16.1-278.9, 18.2-46.1, 18.2-247, 18.2-248, 18.2-248.01, 18.2-251, 18.2-251.03, 18.2-251.1:1, 18.2-251.1:2, 18.2-251.1:3, 18.2-252, 18.2-254, 18.2-255, 18.2-255.1, 18.2-255.2, 18.2-258, 18.2-258.02, 18.2-258.1, 18.2-265.1, 18.2-265.2, 18.2-265.3, 18.2-287.2, 18.2-308.012, 18.2-308.4, 18.2-371.2, 18.2-460, 18.2-474.1, 19.2-66, 19.2-81, 19.2-81.1, 19.2-83.1, 19.2-188.1, 19.2-303.01, 19.2-386.22 through 19.2-386.25, 19.2-389, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, 19.2-389.3, 19.2-392.02, 19.2-392.6 and 19.2-392.12:1, as they shall become effective, 22.1-206, 22.1-277.08, 23.1-1301, 46.2-105.2, 46.2-347, 48-17.1, 53.1-231.2, 54.1-2903, 54.1-3401, 54.1-3443, 58.1-301, and 59.1-200 of the Code of Virginia; to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Subtitle II of Title 2.2 a part labeled D, containing a chapter numbered 61, consisting of a section numbered 2.2-6100, by adding in Chapter 6 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-629 and 4.1-630, by adding in Title 4.1 chapters numbered 7 through 10, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-700 through 4.1-1010, by adding sections numbered 4.1-1102 through 4.1-1105, 4.1-1106, 4.1-1106.1, 4.1-1113, 4.1-1114, 4.1-1115, 4.1-1117, 4.1-1118, and 4.1-1119, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 12, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1200 through 4.1-1206, by adding in Chapter 13 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1300, 4.1-1301, and 4.1-1303 through 4.1-1309, by adding in Chapter 14 of Title 4.1 sections numbered 4.1-1403 through 4.1-1407, by adding a section numbered 4.1-1602.1, by adding in Title 4.1 a chapter numbered 17, consisting of sections numbered 4.1-1700 through 4.1-1705, by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 1 of Title 6.2 a section numbered 6.2-108, and by adding in Chapter 44 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-4426; and to repeal Article 4 (§§ 3.2-4122 through 3.2-4126) of Chapter 41.1 of Title 3.2 and §§ 3.2-5145.4:1, 4.1-1101.1, 4.1-1105.1, 18.2-248.1, and 18.2-251.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to cannabis control; retail market; penalties.

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