Assembly Bill 1097 proposes the establishment of local fair housing departments by cities, villages, towns, or counties in Wisconsin. These departments would be responsible for providing public education on housing rights, assisting residents in filing discrimination complaints, and enforcing local housing discrimination ordinances. The bill also creates a local fair housing grant program, funded by a $10,000,000 continuing appropriation, to support the creation or designation of these departments. The Department of Workforce Development (DWD) will administer the grant program, which will be regionally allocated, ensuring that no single region receives more than 12.5% of the total grant funds. The grant program is set to expire on June 30, 2029.

The bill includes new statutory provisions, specifically creating sections 20.445 (1) (fb), 66.1012, and 106.50 (9) to outline the functions and funding mechanisms for the local fair housing departments and the grant program. These sections define the roles of the departments, the criteria for grant applications, and the limitations on funding distribution. The legislation aims to enhance fair housing practices and provide necessary resources to local governments to combat housing discrimination effectively.