Bill
Bill > SB602
summary
Introduced
10/30/2025
10/30/2025
In Committee
10/30/2025
10/30/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, in order to participate in the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program, or the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program, a private school must submit an intent to participate and meet various eligibility criteria. This bill adds to the eligibility criteria that the private school is not a virtual school. Current law defines a Xvirtual schoolY as a school in which all or a portion of the instruction is provided through means of the Internet, and the pupils enrolled in and instructional staff employed by the school are geographically remote from each other.
AI Summary
This bill prohibits virtual schools from participating in three Wisconsin parental choice programs: the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program, and the Wisconsin Parental Choice Program. A virtual school, as defined in state law, is an educational institution where instruction is primarily delivered via the internet, and both students and instructional staff are geographically dispersed. The bill adds a new eligibility criterion to these programs, stating that any private school seeking to participate must not be a virtual school. Specifically, the bill modifies two sections of Wisconsin statutes (118.60 and 119.23) to include this new restriction. The changes will first take effect in the 2026-27 school year, giving virtual schools and choice program administrators advance notice of the new requirement. By implementing this provision, the bill aims to limit online schools' participation in these school choice programs, potentially encouraging in-person educational models.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (21)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Clint Anderson (D),
Ryan Clancy (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Joan Fitzgerald (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Tara Johnson (D),
Karen Kirsch (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Representative Subeck added as a cosponsor (on 01/12/2026)
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/sb602 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB602.pdf |
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