In 1961 in Reynolds v. Dinger, the Wisconsin Supreme Court held the completion of state-approved forms by Wisconsin real estate licensees was not an unauthorized practice of law. Simply put, the court decided that no attorneys were required at real estate closings. In 2008, the State Bar of Wisconsin attempted to make it illegal for licensees to complete state-approved forms, but the Supreme Court denied the request. Today, the WRA is pursuing legislation that statutorily protects your rights confirmed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.
What's in play
Proposal: A bill to codify the Wisconsin Supreme Court’s 1961 ruling in Dinger and 2008 decision of a Wisconsin licensee’s ability to complete state-approved forms on behalf of consumers in transactions. This legislation provides another layer of protection and helps keep REALTORS® at the center of the transaction.
Introduced by: Rep. Scott Allen (R—Waukesha)
Background
This legislation statutorily protects your rights confirmed by the Wisconsin Supreme Court in 1961 and 2008.
Under this legislation, Wisconsin licensees are still not permitted to provide legal advice.
This statutory inclusion does not expand a real estate licensee’s ability beyond the right to complete state-approved forms on behalf of consumers.
Bill status
In drafting.
The WRA engages in advocacy on behalf of REALTORS® and property owners through a variety of programs including the REALTORS® Political Action Committee and the Wisconsin Homeowners Alliance.