Collegiate and DPI Bills
This week’s update looks at education bills related to college education and DPI requirements. Following the last update, we are finishing up the last 15 education bills from January and February.
AB663 prohibits the UW System Board of Regents and all UW institutions from engaging in activities with any foreign adversary, principal, or college or university located in a country controlled by a foreign adversary. I am disappointed that the Governor vetoed this bill that would have helped protect our citizens from foreign adversary.
AB486 I wrote this bill to prohibit colleges from reducing a student’s institutional aid as a result of receiving private scholarships of up to $5,000 a semester. This law already exists in several other states and we should be protecting our students in Wisconsin as well.
To hear my thoughts on AB486, click here.
SB498 establishes standards related to free speech and academic freedom at UW-Wisconsin institutions and technical colleges. The bill also requires public notice of violations, and establishes a civil cause of action and certain due process standards in disciplinary proceedings at UW schools and technical colleges. While we attempted to protect the constitutional rights of students, the Dems voted “no” and the governor vetoed the bill.
SB532 requires the Board of Regents to ensure that a UW institution does not charge a fee for enrolling in a course offered exclusively online. The bill also requires a course format disclosure. One of the major reasons to even have online classes is a cost savings for the university and yet it was very frustrating that Evers vetoed a bill that would have saved students money.
SB652 modifies race-based education programs to apply to disadvantaged students rather than minority students. This bill acknowledges the reality that students of every racial background may have hurdles in pursuing their education. Frustratingly, Evers vetoed the bill, continuing to treat people based solely on their race.
AB750 authorizes the technical college district board to reserve program spaces for students who are sponsored by an employer in law enforcement, paramedic, emergency medical technician, and firefighting programs. The Governor vetoed this bill.
AB757 changes the definition of faculty. Faculty under this bill means an individual who has more than a 50 percent appointment and whose duties consist primarily of teaching or research or who is serving as an academic department, center, or program chairperson or director. The Governor vetoed this bill.
AB1005 requires the Board of Regents to ensure that undergraduate admissions at UW-Madison is primarily based on applicants’ performance in the ACT or SAT. The Governor vetoed this bill.
SB501 was signed into law by the Governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 177. This law establishes a grant program to help veterinarians who provide care to farm animals at least 50 percent of the time.
AB659 was signed into law by the Governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 155. This law makes various changes to tuition and fee remission or grants for veterans and their dependents enrolled at an institution of higher education.
AB1034 was signed into law by the Governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 203. This law modifies requirements, conditions, and makes fiscal changes regarding the compensation of student-athletes in the UW system.
AB109 creates a process for an American Indian tribe or band to decide whether each applicant for a lifetime license to teach the American Indian language associated with the tribe or band in an American Indian language program is qualified to receive the lifetime license.
SB785 was signed into law by the Governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 185. This law requires DPI to maintain a portal on their website that allows the public to search and access license information by name and license number. The portal must include information about revoked licenses and those under investigation.
AB1003 ensures that DPI finishes an investigation with clear determination about whether the teacher will have their license revoked or terminated. The bill also ensures that if a licensee surrenders their license during an investigation for immoral conduct, the surrender is permanent, and the circumstances of the surrender must be clearly posted on DPIs website.
AB1004 was signed into law by the Governor as 2025 Wisconsin Act 186. This law prohibits schools that participate in a parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship Program from entering any agreement that: suppresses or destroys information about immoral conduct by an employee; suppresses the employer or employees from reporting immoral conduct; or, requires the expunging of information about allegations or findings of immoral conduct. The bill also provides civil immunity for education employers for providing requested information about the conduct of an employee by a prospective employer.
In-District Events
Sunday, April 26, Menchalville Fire Department Pancake Breakfast at 15331 County Road K, Reedsville from 8:00 a.m. to noon. More information can be found here.
Sunday, May 3, Pancake & Porkie Breakfast at Larrabee Sportsman’s Club, Mishicot from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Friday, May 8, Mishicot FFA Plant Sale at 660 Washington Street, Mishicot from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. More information can be found here.
Saturday, May 9, Kellnersville First Responders Spring Raffle and Brat Fry at 807 Main St, Kellnersville from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
Saturday, May 9, Riverside Rally Car Show at Riverside Park, Kaukauna from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
Friday, May 15, Trivia Nigh Benefiting Mishicot Agriscience and FFA at K-City Pub and Grill, Kellnersville from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. More information can be found here.
Sunday, May 26, Pancake & Porkie Breakfast at 15331 County Road K, Reedsville from 8:00 a.m. to noon. More information can be found here.
Sunday, May 31, Tractor Pull at Larrabee Sportsman’s Club, Mishicot from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
