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WI SB452

WI SB452
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
09/29/2025
In Committee
03/06/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/23/2026

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 LRB-4076/1 KMS:cjs 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 452 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 Wisconsin's school choice programs to allow additional student eligibility based on family participation. Specifically, the bill creates new provisions in sections 118.60 and 119.23 that permit students in kindergarten through 12th grade to attend participating private schools if a sibling or a dependent child of the student's parent or guardian previously attended a private school through the state's choice programs. The bill applies to students in school districts outside of Milwaukee (for section 118.60) and within Milwaukee (for section 119.23), expanding access to school choice programs by creating a family-based pathway for enrollment. A "dependent child" is defined according to existing state welfare statute language. The changes will first be applicable to school choice program applications for the 2026-27 school year, giving schools and families time to understand and prepare for the new eligibility criteria. This legislation aims to make school choice programs more accessible by allowing students to more easily follow family members into private school education.

Committee Categories

Education

Sponsors (20)

Last Action

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 (on 03/23/2026)

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