Lead Paint Hazards 

(AB 806)
AB 806 provides incentives for property owners to address lead paint hazards in their property by providing conditional immunity from lawsuits for owners who act to remove or control lead paint problems. The legislation was made necessary by a recent state Supreme Court ruling that created a substantial new risk for landlords regarding lead paint litigation. Under the bill, property owners must act only if a child has an elevated blood lead level. For all other owners, the provisions of the bill are voluntary. Only those property owners seeking liability protections are required to perform lead paint hazard controls. The bill: (1) provides for the establishment of clear standards for training and certifying lead rental property owners/workers to work with LBP affecting their properties; (2) provides for the establishment of clear standards that property owners must meet in order to receive a certificate indicating their property is lead free or lead safe; (3) establishes clear liability limits for residential property owners who effectively remove or control lead hazards. This legislation constitutes a reasonable balance between the protection of both innocent children and innocent property owners in addressing the threat of lead paint poisoning. AB 806 passed both Houses unanimously.

Honorable Mention (Did not pass)

• AB 711 – Termination of Tenancy
  Currently Wisconsin landlords may terminate a tenancy by use of a five-day notice when it is determined that a nuisance exists in a rental unit because the property is being used for drug-related or criminal gang-related purposes. AB 711 extends the use of the five-day procedure to situations where a tenant’s behavior posses a direct threat to the safety of other tenants, guests, the landlord, or the landlord’s agents. The procedure can also be used if the tenant’s behavior posses a substantial risk of physical damage to the property of other tenants, guests, the landlord or the landlord’s agent. The bill passed the state Assembly on a voice vote but was not considered by the Senate prior to adjournment of the session.