Wisconsin Senate Bill SB696

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/21/23
• Refer: 11/21/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Teen dating violence prevention education. (FE)

Impact

The bill is aimed at significantly enhancing the education and support system for teens in grades 6 through 12 regarding issues of dating violence. It implements mandatory training for school district employees who directly interact with students, requiring them to undergo training on the prevention of and response to teen dating violence and sexual violence. Schools are mandated to notify parents about the educational content concerning dating violence, ensuring that families are involved in discussions surrounding this sensitive topic.

Summary

Senate Bill 696 mandates comprehensive measures for preventing teen dating and sexual violence in schools across Wisconsin. It requires the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to work collaboratively with the Department of Children and Families and the Department of Health Services, among others, to create a policy that outlines how schools should prevent and respond to incidents of such violence. This policy must be made available to school districts by July 1, 2024. Additionally, DPI is tasked with incorporating a curriculum focused on prevention education into the model health education program, addressing various types of abusive behavior, stalking, and healthy relationships.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support from various educational and advocacy groups, potential contention may arise regarding the implementation of these new requirements and the extent of impact they may have on local schools. Critics may express concerns about the adequacy of resources and training provided to educators, which are crucial for effectively addressing and responding to incidents of violence in educational settings. The requirement for schools to adopt and integrate the prevention curriculum into health programs could also face challenges in terms of logistical execution and curriculum development.