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Capitol Update Dec. 6, 2023
By Wisconsin School Administrators Alliance staff | December 6, 2023
This week, the Assembly Education Committee held a public hearing on the five bills below.
AB 640 / SB 608 (Rep. Dittrich/Sen. Knodl) – This bill creates a pathway for paraprofessionals to become licensed. Under the bill DPI must issue a provisional license to teach to an individual who meets certain standards. There was significant discussion on this proposal specifically around the provision of lifetime licenses. At this time, the committee has requested that the authors work with DPI on amendments that address the concerns raised by committee members and stakeholders.
AB 308 / SB 305 (Rep. Allen/Sen. Jacque) – The proposal eliminates the protection from prosecution for employees of libraries and education institutions. Significant concerns were raised about the effect this would have on professionals. Concerns were raised by committee members from the majority and minority parties regarding the criminal prosecution that could be imposed under this bill.
AB 341 / SB 333 (Rep. Spiros/Sen. James) – This legislation has amended by a substitute amendment (ASA 1). The goal of the legislation is to close a loophole between sexual abuse and sexual harassment in state statutes. Given the bipartisan support, it seems likely the bill will continue to move forward. It will need to be reviewed by the Joint Review Committee on Criminal after it moves out of the Education Committee.
AB 644 / SB 605 (Rep. Penterman/Sen. Knodl) – Under this bill, school districts would have the option to exceed the number of seats previously allocated for Open Enrollment for a nonresident student who is the child of a teacher. The authors indicated at the hearing that this could be a tool used for recruitment and retention. There was significant discussion on this proposal including questions about the number of students and districts this could impact and if it would be expanded to include all licensed full-time staff members. This proposal will be monitored for potential amendments.
AB 652 / SB 611 (Rep. Wittke/Sen. Jagler) – Under this proposal if a School District chooses to administer the state assessment (Forward Exam) remotely, they must adhere to the requirements in the bill. Currently, remote proctoring is not available through the state assessment vendor. Based on the questions heard during the public hearing, it seems additional conversations will likely occur between DPI and the bill’s supporters representing our virtual school students. Additional updates will be forthcoming based on those conversations.
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