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WI SB53
WI SB53Requiring the display of the national motto in public schools and on public buildings. (FE)
summary
Introduced
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
In Committee
02/21/2025
02/21/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill requires, within 6 months of the effective date of the bill, that each public building in this state display the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y in a location that is visible to the public if the building is open to the public, and in a location where notices for employees are regularly posted if it is a building that is not open to the public. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the bill also requires that the national motto, XIn God We Trust,Y be displayed in each public school classroom, including charter school classrooms. Under current law, each school board and governing body of a private school must display the U.S. flag in the schoolroom or from a flagstaff on the school grounds during the school hours of each school day. Under the bill, the required displays in both public buildings and public schools must 1) be at least 11 inches by 14 inches, 2) be on a poster, in a framed document, or inscribed on a wall, and 3) be presented in English in a legible font. For further information see the local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill. LRB-1631/1 FFK & MIM:klm 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 53
AI Summary
This bill requires all public buildings in Wisconsin to display the national motto "In God We Trust" within six months of the bill's effective date. The displays must be at least 11 inches by 14 inches, presented in English in a legible font, and positioned in a visible location for public buildings open to the public or in employee notice areas for non-public buildings. Beginning in the 2026-27 school year, the bill also mandates that all public school classrooms, including charter school classrooms, display the national motto using the same specifications. The bill modifies existing statutes related to flag and motto displays, expanding the requirements for government buildings and educational institutions. The national motto display can be implemented through a poster, framed document, or wall inscription, ensuring that the phrase is prominently and consistently visible in public spaces across the state. This legislation builds upon existing requirements for displaying the U.S. flag in schools and aims to promote national unity and recognition of the country's historical motto.
Committee Categories
Government Affairs
Sponsors (13)
Steve Nass (R)*,
Cory Tomczyk (R)*,
Elijah Behnke (R),
Lindee Brill (R),
Joy Goeben (R),
Rick Gundrum (R),
Nate Gustafson (R),
Dan Knodl (R),
Rob Kreibich (R),
Dave Murphy (R),
Paul Tittl (R),
Ron Tusler (R),
Chuck Wichgers (R),
Last Action
Fiscal estimate received (on 02/26/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb53 |
| Fiscal Note - SB53: Fiscal Estimate From DPI | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb53/sb53_dpi.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB53.pdf |
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