Rep. Ryan Spaude, D-Ashwaubenon, today argued that a bill requiring Milwaukee Public Schools to place police officers in schools or risk losing state funding was “rotten” and unnecessary.
Meanwhile the bill’s author, Rep. Bob Donovan, R-Greenfield, argued there is “no excuse” for MPS not having school resource officers already.
The Assembly today passed 53-44 along party lines AB 91, which would impose a penalty on Milwaukee Public Schools and the city if 25 school resource officers are not in schools within 30 days of the bill becoming law. If the city and schools do not comply, the city of Milwaukee would lose 10% of its shared revenue, and MPS would lose 20% of its per-pupil aid.
The bill had originally dictated the school district pay 75% of the costs, and the city 25%.
Ahead of the hearing, the city of Milwaukee and the school reached an agreement to pay the costs 50-50. So the bill was amended ahead of today’s vote to match that split.
MPS had not complied with a 2023 law ordering the district to have 25 school resource officers in schools by January 2025. In October 2024, a parent sued the district for not complying, and a judge ordered the school district to place school resource officers in schools by the end of February.
Rep. Sequanna Taylor, D-Milwaukee, argued that the Legislature should be more focused on funding schools and ensuring students have a quality education.
“Safety isn’t about the county officers in the hallway. It’s about ensuring those individuals are properly trained to support our students, our staff, our schools in our district. If we’re going to have SRO’s in our schools. Let’s ensure that they are equipped to have a diverse situations with care we understand”
Rep. Cindi Duchow, R-Town of Delafield, said having SRO’s in schools improves student safety.
“SRO’s do wonderful things in schools,” Duchow said. “They develop relationships with students, they can diffuse situations before they get out of hand. Parents want them back in school, teachers want them back…This is probably the best way we can do it, and I’m thrilled to work in this direction.”
The Assembly also passed by a voice vote with support from both parties AB 74, which would create a requirement for school boards to notify parents if there is a report that their child is a victim of sexual assault by school staff.
Under the bill, the school board would be required to notify the parent on the same day they receive the report.
The bill also requires the school district to annually provide parents with information on how to access records related to school employee discipline under the public records law. The bill was amended, after bipartisan discussion, to clarify when the parent should be notified.
Rep. John Spiros, R-Marshfield, said this bill is important for “ensuring students have a safe place to learn.”
Rep. Priscilla Prado, D-Milwaukee, expressed support for the bill, citing examples of sexual misconduct in her district. She said there needs to be a process in place to inform families and protect children.
“This bill is important for transparency, accountability, and most importantly, ensuring that parents remain informed and empowered when it comes to the safety of children in schools,” Prado said.
The chamber also voted:
- 53-44 along party lines to pass AB 66, which would require court approval for prosecutors to dismiss or amend criminal charges for certain crimes. That includes: domestic abuse or a violation of a domestic violence temporary restraining order or injunction; automobile theft; abuse of an individual at risk or a violation of an individual-at-risk temporary restraining order or injunction; first, second or third-degree sexual assault; a crime against a child; illegal possession of a firearm by those who commit, solicit, conspire or attempt to commit a violent felony; and reckless driving that results in great bodily harm.
The bill would require all amendments and dismissals to be submitted to the Legislature in an annual report. It would also prohibit prosecutors from entering into deferred prosecution agreements with defendants if a complaint or information is filed alleging they committed any of the crimes listed in the bill.
- 54-43 to pass AB 75 to require the Department of Justice to create an online database with information about criminal cases, including charging recommendations from law enforcement, whether the defendant was released without bail, and whether the case resulted in a conviction, among other details. Rep. Russell Goodwin, D-Milwaukee, joined Republicans in favor.
- By voice vote to pass AB 78 to expand law enforcement authority to impound vehicles in certain political subdivisions. The bill would allow police to impound vehicles used for reckless driving offenses regardless of whether the vehicle owner committed the offense or has an outstanding fine for a prior reckless driving conviction.
- 53-43 to pass AB 85 to require the Department of Corrections to recommend revoking a person’s extended supervision, parole or probation if they are charged with a crime while on release. Rep. Shae Sortwell, R-Two Rivers, joined Dems in opposing it.
- By voice vote to pass AB 86 to change the classification of sex trafficking of a child from a Class C to a Class A felony, which carries a penalty of life imprisonment, in cases involving at least three child victims.
- 53-44 along party lines to pass AB 87, to require defendants sentenced or placed on probation for human trafficking to pay restitution immediately. It would also add requirements those convicted of treason, felony or bribery would have to meet to have their right to vote restored.
- 71-26 to pass AB 89 to allow multiple instances of retail or property theft in a six-month period to be prosecuted as one property or retail theft crime. Fifteen Dems joined Republicans in favor.
- By voice vote to pass AB 61 to increase the penalties for injuring or killing a police or fire animal.
