Wisconsin Senate Bill SB597

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/30/23
• Refer: 10/30/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Parental notification related to school library materials. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, SB 597 would amend existing statutes regarding library records confidentiality, ensuring that custodial parents have access to the borrowing records of their children under the age of 16. Currently, library records identifying who borrows materials are generally kept confidential, but exceptions exist for custodial parents requesting this information. This shift in policy would mean an expansion of parental rights to monitor their child's academic resources, potentially fostering a more engaged approach to children's education. School boards would also be tasked with notifying parents about electronic resources and services that are available through public funding.

Summary

Senate Bill 597 introduces new parental notification requirements for school library materials, mandating that school boards develop policies to notify custodial parents or guardians of pupils under the age of 16 each time their child borrows materials from a school library. This notification must occur as promptly as possible, within 24 hours of the checkout. The bill aims to enhance parental involvement concerning the materials accessed by their children, responding to calls from certain advocacy groups for improved oversight of children's reading selections within educational settings.

Contention

The bill is likely to generate discussions around parental rights, privacy, and the role of education institutions in guiding children's access to information. Proponents argue that such transparency is necessary for parental control and engagement, while opponents may raise concerns regarding the implications this has for student privacy and the autonomy of library professionals in selecting age-appropriate materials. It poses questions about the balance between educational freedom and parental oversight, making it a contentious topic in educational policy debates.