summary
Introduced
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
In Committee
01/15/2026
01/15/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill creates a climate change scholarship program to be administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board. The program provides scholarships to students who are enrolled in an institution of higher education and who are engaged in studies directly related to programs preparing the students for careers in occupational areas addressing or responding to climate change. A student may not receive more than $5,000 in scholarships under this program per academic year. For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill establishes a climate change scholarship program, to be managed by the Higher Educational Aids Board, which is an agency responsible for student financial aid in Wisconsin. The program will provide scholarships to students enrolled in eligible Wisconsin higher education institutions, including University of Wisconsin System campuses, technical colleges, tribally controlled colleges, and private, nonprofit institutions, who are pursuing studies directly related to careers that address or respond to climate change. To ensure a balanced approach, half of the scholarships awarded each academic year will be based on merit, and the other half will be based on financial need. Students can receive a maximum of $5,000 per academic year, and scholarships will be funded through a specific appropriation. A provision is also included to prevent scholarships from being awarded to students with outstanding child support obligations unless they have an approved payment agreement.
Committee Categories
Education
Sponsors (20)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Jill Billings (D),
Ben DeSmidt (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Darrin Madison (D),
Supreme Moore Omokunde (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Sequanna Taylor (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Robyn Vining (D),
Last Action
Representative Clancy added as a cosponsor (on 02/02/2026)
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/sb856 |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB856.pdf |
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