Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB138

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/31/23
• Refer: 3/31/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Issuing a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation or a general educational development certificate. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB138 could significantly impact the existing framework for high school equivalency certification in Wisconsin. The bill's requirement for immediate declaration issuance aims to reduce bureaucratic delays for applicants who often face challenges in obtaining their diplomas. The measure reflects a broader shift towards enhancing educational access and may assist those who need these credentials for employment or further educational opportunities.

Summary

Assembly Bill 138 aims to streamline the process for issuing declarations of equivalency for high school graduation and general educational development (GED) certificates in Wisconsin. The bill stipulates that upon determining an individual's eligibility and receipt of any required fees, the state superintendent of public instruction is required to promptly issue these certificates by posting them on the Department of Public Instruction's website in a confidential manner. This change is intended to enhance accessibility for individuals seeking to obtain their high school equivalency credentials.

Contention

While the bill is likely to receive support for its intent to simplify the certificate issuance process, there may be concerns regarding the management of sensitive personal information. Ensuring that confidentiality is adequately maintained when posting information on the Department of Public Instruction's website will be crucial. Stakeholders might debate the feasibility of this confidentiality measure and whether additional safeguards should be established to protect applicants' data.