February 24, 2020 - Introduced by Representatives Thiesfeldt, Horlacher, C.
Taylor, Emerson, Gundrum, Sanfelippo, Skowronski, Wichgers and Subeck,
cosponsored by Senators Jacque, Carpenter and Ringhand. Referred to
Committee on Housing and Real Estate.

AB957,1,4 1An Act to amend 704.16 (1) (b) (intro.), 704.16 (1) (b) 1., 704.16 (1) (b) 2., 704.16
2(1) (b) 3., 704.16 (1) (b) 4., 704.16 (1) (b) 5., 704.16 (1) (b) 6., 704.16 (1) (b) 7. and
3704.16 (2); and to create 704.01 (3e), 704.16 (1) (b) 8. and 704.16 (2m) of the
4statutes; relating to: terminating a tenancy for fear of imminent violence.

This bill allows a residential tenant to terminate his or her tenancy if the tenant
or the tenant's child fears imminent violence and faces an imminent threat of serious
physical harm from another person if the tenant remains on the premises. To
terminate tenancy under the bill, a tenant must provide the landlord with written
notice and a written statement by a social worker, victim advocate, or child victim
advocate who has a reasonable basis to believe that the tenant is a victim of sexual
assault, stalking, or an act of domestic abuse. The bill requires the written statement
to be made on a form created by the Department of Children and Families. The bill
also prohibits a landlord from disclosing certain information in the notice or written
statement provided by a tenant. If the tenant leaves the premises because of fear of
imminent violence under the bill, the tenant is not liable for any rent after the end
of the month that the tenant leaves the premises or provides notice to the landlord,
whichever is later.

Under current law, a residential tenant may terminate his or her tenancy if the
tenant or child of the tenant faces an imminent threat of serious physical harm from
another person if the tenant remains on the premises and if the tenant provides the

landlord with written notice and a certified copy of certain injunction orders,
criminal complaints, or bail conditions related to the person.