Democrats in the Legislature have introduced a bill that would guarantee state-funded legal representation for tenants at risk of eviction.
A group of Democratic lawmakers has introduced legislation that would guarantee state-funded legal representation for residential tenants at risk of eviction, seeking to address disparities in housing court proceedings.
The bill is led by Sen. Kelda Roys and Rep. Ryan Clancy. In a co-sponsorship memo, the sponsors highlighted the bill’s importance in preventing evictions from worsening homelessness. They noted that legal assistance remains out of reach for many due to financial barriers, especially in areas with high eviction rates. “Evictions have devastating consequences, often turning housing insecurity into outright homelessness for low-income families,” the memo stated, citing Milwaukee County statistics where Black women face a disproportionate share of filings despite making up less than a third of the population.
Under the proposal, tenants would gain the right to appointed counsel at state expense, with priority given to cases in counties with elevated eviction numbers and to individuals identified as at-risk. To implement this, the bill establishes an Office of Civil Legal Aid within the Department of Administration, along with a nine-member Civil Legal Aid Board. Board members are barred from owning or renting out residential properties to avoid conflicts of interest.
Attorneys appointed under the program would receive $100 per hour, with rates adjusted annually based on the consumer price index. Funding availability would determine appointments, and the board is tasked with securing pro bono services through partnerships with the State Bar of Wisconsin, local bar associations, and private law firms. This structure aims to expand access without solely relying on taxpayer dollars, though critics in similar national debates have raised concerns about potential costs to the state budget.
