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WI AB460

WI AB460
Pupil eligibility for parental choice programs based upon participation by a sibling or a dependent child of the pupil's parent or guardian. (FE)


summary

Introduced
09/26/2025
In Committee
02/25/2026
Crossed Over
02/19/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

Under this bill, a pupil is eligible to participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program, or Wisconsin Parental Choice Program (parental choice program) if the pupil[s sibling or a dependent child of the pupil[s parent or guardian participated in a parental choice program in the previous school year. Under current law, pupils must meet certain family income requirements and grade level or prior year attendance requirements to be eligible to participate in a parental choice program. Specifically, under current law, to participate in the MPCP or RPCP, a pupil[s family income cannot exceed 300 percent of the federal poverty limit, and to participate in the WPCP, a pupil[s family income cannot exceed 220 percent of the federal poverty limit. In addition, to be eligible for the RPCP or WPCP under current law, a pupil must be entering kindergarten, first grade, or ninth grade or, in the previous school year, must have been enrolled in a public school, not been enrolled in school, attended school in another state, participated in a parental choice program, or been on a waiting list to participate in a parental choice program. Under the bill, the family income and grade level or prior year attendance requirements do not apply to a pupil whose sibling or whose parent[s or guardian[s dependent child participated in a parental choice program. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.

AI Summary

This bill modifies the eligibility requirements for Wisconsin's parental choice programs (which include the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, Racine Parental Choice Program, and Wisconsin Parental Choice Program) by allowing students to participate if a sibling or a dependent child of their parent or guardian attended a private school through these programs in the previous school year, regardless of the family's income or the student's grade level. Currently, students must meet specific family income thresholds (ranging from 220% to 300% of the federal poverty limit) and have specific grade-level or prior school enrollment conditions to qualify. The new provision effectively creates a "sibling preference" that waives these traditional income and grade-level restrictions, enabling more students to access these school choice programs. The bill will first apply to school year 2026-27 and covers students in kindergarten through 12th grade residing in school districts other than Milwaukee's first-class city school district, as well as students within Milwaukee city limits.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (20)

Last Action

Senate Education Executive Session (10:00:00 3/6/2026 415 South) (on 03/06/2026)

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