Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1103

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/20/24
• Refer: 2/20/24
• Engrossed: 2/22/24
• Refer: 2/26/24
• Enrolled: 3/18/24
• Chaptered: 3/29/24
• Passed: 3/29/24

Caption

Requirements for school breakfast reimbursement and repealing a teaching license requirement (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Public Instruction).

Impact

The repeal of the historical educational requirement for teaching licenses, specifically for teachers who taught prior to 1938, is designed to modernize the state’s educational regulations. This will remove barriers that may have previously influenced teacher retention and licensure, ultimately impacting the pool of qualified teachers in Wisconsin schools. Moreover, aligning state breakfast reimbursement rates to current federal regulations simplifies compliance for schools and ensures that they remain eligible for federal assistance related to nutritional programs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1103 aims to revise certain education statutes concerning school breakfast reimbursement and teaching licensing requirements. Specifically, the bill proposes the repeal of an outdated teaching license provision that has been obsolete since the 1971-72 school year, thereby streamlining the licensing process for educators. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutory references to federal regulations regarding school breakfast reimbursement, ensuring that state reimbursements align with current federal guidelines.

Contention

While the bill is presented as a remedial measure to update educational statutes, some stakeholders may raise concerns over the implications of easing teacher licensing requirements. Critics might argue that repealing long-standing educational criteria without introducing new standards could potentially lower the qualifications for teaching personnel, impacting educational quality. Additionally, the bill's amendments to reimbursement regulations may be scrutinized for their potential effects on school funding and budgeting, particularly for schools that rely heavily on breakfast program reimbursements.