Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB309

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 6/9/23
• Refer: 6/9/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prohibiting the use of common school fund income distributions for the purchase of obscene material.

Impact

The implications of AB309 are significant for state laws regarding the utilization of educational funding. This bill seeks to amend existing statutes to assert clearer guidelines on how school libraries can utilize funds intended for instructional materials. By restricting funds to only those purchases that adhere to specific content standards, the bill could affect the variety of resources accessible in school libraries, thereby shaping the educational narrative and aligning it with community expectations. Additionally, it serves to reinforce the role of state oversight in educational material procurement.

Summary

Assembly Bill 309 proposes that school districts in Wisconsin cannot use income distributions from the common school fund for purchasing any items deemed obscene. This move is positioned as part of a broader effort to maintain educational integrity and uphold community values within schools. The bill’s primary aim is to clarify the permissible expenditures of the funds received from the common school fund, reinforcing a commitment to appropriate content in educational spaces. The legislation explicitly prohibits any allocation of these funds towards items that would fall under the category of obscene, drawing attention to its focus on content standards in education.

Contention

There are notable areas of contention surrounding AB309. Advocates of the bill may argue that it is a necessary step towards protecting children from exposure to inappropriate material at school, emphasizing the need for parental and community oversight in educational content. Conversely, critics may view the bill as a restrictive measure that undermines academic freedom and the availability of diverse perspectives in educational resources. Concerns may arise regarding what constitutes obscenity, potentially leading to conflicts over the interpretation of the law, thereby impacting decision-making at the local school district level.