Wisconsin Assembly Approves GOP Housing Bills; Senate Review Pending

The Republican-controlled Wisconsin Assembly approved a GOP housing package intended to expand affordable housing by exempting certain in-process projects from a new commercial building code, mandating rezoning for some residential developments, and allowing more accessory dwelling units. The package creates a zero‑percent starter home loan of up to $60,000 and establishes grants to reimburse condominium conversions, with recent amendments expanding eligibility to housing cooperatives. Proponents said the bills would prevent delays for ongoing building projects and provide clarity after a recent Supreme Court ruling; Democrats criticized the package as rushed and insufficiently bipartisan. Some amendments won cross‑party support, but the measures still must clear the Wisconsin Senate before becoming law.