Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1001

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/25/24
• Refer: 1/25/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

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

Impact

AB1001 will significantly alter how school safety is financed at both public and private schools. By allocating state resources specifically for safety improvements, it encourages institutions to make physical upgrades and offer training that may be previously lacking. The program aims to select grant recipients strategically, giving preference to those schools that have not received funding from a related source, ensuring that resources are distributed to those most in need.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1001 aims to enhance school safety in Wisconsin by establishing a competitive grant program for public and private schools. This initiative is designed to provide funds specifically for improving the safety of school buildings and implementing security training for school personnel. The bill appropriates a total of $30,000,000 for these purposes, emphasizing a proactive approach to addressing safety concerns in educational settings.

Contention

While the bill supports the overarching goal of bolstering school safety, there may be debates surrounding the adequacy of the funding and the methods of grant distribution. Concerns could arise regarding the effectiveness of the program in genuinely improving safety versus the administrative burden it may place on schools, particularly with a set expiration date for funding slated for July 1, 2025. Discussions might also address whether sufficient emphasis is placed on the ongoing needs of schools versus one-time grants.