Bills Strengthen Teachers Classroom Authority and Move Wisconsin Toward Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
The News: The Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL) applauded the Wisconsin State Assembly for its action in passing two important education reforms: the Wisconsin Teacher Bill of Rights (AB 614) and the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Opt-in Bill (AB 602). The passage of these bills represents meaningful progress toward stronger classroom management and expanded educational opportunities for Wisconsin families.
The Wisconsin Teacher Bill of Rights (AB 614)
AB 614 is a critical step towards restoring order in Wisconsin classrooms, where teachers increasingly report disruptions, safety concerns and insufficient administrative support. A recent Milwaukee Journal Sentinel analysis found that MPS teachers cite student behavior as a leading reason for leaving the classroom. This bill responds directly to those concerns by giving educators clear authority and backing.
What AB 614 Does:
- Classroom Removal: Clarifies when teachers can remove disruptive or violent students so learning can continue.
- Re-Entry Procedures: Requires clear plans before a removed student returns to class.
- Parental Notification: Ensures parents are notified when a student is removed from class or is involved in a serious incident.
- Teacher Protection: Protects teachers from retaliation when they act in good faith to maintain safety.
The Quote: WILL Policy Director, Kyle Koenen, stated, “For too long, teachers have been asked to manage increasingly disruptive classrooms with less support. Assembly Bill 614 restores a basic expectation: teachers should be able to teach, and students should be able to learn, without fear of violence or chaos in the classroom. This reform ensures teachers have the authority needed to keep classrooms orderly so every student can learn to their fullest potential.”
Scholarship Tax Credit Opt-in Bill (AB 602)
AB 602 moves Wisconsin towards unlocking millions in private donations for Wisconsin students as part of a new federal scholarship tax credit program. Wisconsin taxpayers can claim a 100% federal tax credit of up to $1,700 for donations to Scholarship Granting Organizations. Scholarship dollars benefit students in both public and private school settings by providing students with funds for resources like tutoring, transportation, technology, and more.
What AB 602 Does:
- No State Cost: Funded entirely by private donations, ensuring no impact on the state budget or school funding formula.
- Opt-In Requirement: States that wish to unlock scholarship funds for students must opt in to the program. The donations of Wisconsin taxpayers will otherwise flow to students in other states.
- Deadline: AB 602 requires Wisconsin to opt in before the deadline in January 2027.
The Quote: WILL Deputy Counsel, Cory Brewer, stated, “Opting into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit would open the door to significant private scholarship support that Wisconsin students will miss out on if the state doesn’t act. There is no fiscal downside, and it will result in real benefits for families statewide, including those whose children attend public schools. We appreciate this important step forward and remain hopeful Wisconsin will participate in the program and ultimately opt in.”
What’s Next: With Assembly approval secured, the bills now advance to the Wisconsin Senate. If passed, they will then go to Governor Evers for consideration.
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