Wisconsin Senate Bill SB911

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/24
• Refer: 1/11/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

School safety grants for public and private schools and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

This bill has the potential to significantly impact law relating to school safety by creating a structure for funding essential safety improvements that can vary widely among schools. Preference in grant awards is given to schools that have not previously received safety grants through the Department of Justice, which may encourage equal opportunities for schools across different socio-economic backgrounds. However, the grant program is set to sunset after June 30, 2025, limiting its long-term impact unless further extensions or funding are secured.

Summary

Senate Bill 911, introduced in the Wisconsin Legislature, establishes a new competitive grant program aimed at enhancing the safety of public and private schools. The bill mandates the Department of Administration to launch this program, and it specifically allocates $30,000,000 for grants that fund improvements in school safety infrastructure and provide security training for school personnel. The program will be administered by the cooperative educational service agency known as CESA 6.

Contention

While SB911 is anticipated to enhance security, it hasn’t been without its points of contention. Critics may raise concerns regarding the allocation of funds and whether $30 million is adequate given the varied needs of school districts. Additionally, there could be debates about the effectiveness of such programs in truly improving school safety, especially in the context of rising concerns over school violence. Questions about transparency in the grant awarding process and the oversight mechanisms to ensure funds are effectively utilized are also likely to arise.