WI
Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB589

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB589

Introduced
10/31/23  
Refer
10/31/23  

Caption

School mental health and pupil wellness aid and making an appropriation.

Impact

The proposed changes in AB589 would amend current laws governing state aid for pupil mental health programs. Notably, the bill removes the requirement that educational agencies increase their expenditures to qualify for reimbursement, thus allowing any qualified agency that hires pupil services professionals to receive state aid. Additionally, it eliminates the previous tiered reimbursement structure, simplifying the funding process. These updates are intended to provide schools greater flexibility in accessing funds and improving student services, aligning state support with contemporary needs around mental health care in education.

Summary

Assembly Bill 589 focuses on enhancing mental health and wellness support within schools across Wisconsin. The bill aims to provide financial aid to school districts and eligible educational institutions that employ, hire, or retain pupil services professionals, including school counselors, social workers, psychologists, and nurses. By expanding the categories of positions eligible for reimbursement, the bill seeks to ensure that more professionals are available to support student mental health and wellness, thereby addressing growing concerns regarding youth mental health in educational settings.

Contention

While the bill has garnered support for its aim to bolster mental health resources in schools, there may be debates surrounding the financial implications of the increased appropriations. The proposed funding increases of $16.5 million for fiscal year 2023-24 and an expected increase to $18 million for the following year imply significant state expenditure. Critics may argue about the sustainability of this funding and voice concerns over the prioritization of mental health budgets in comparison to other educational needs. As this bill moves through legislative channels, discussions around these financial allocations and their long-term viability are likely to emerge.

Latest AB589 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB535

School mental health and pupil wellness aid and making an appropriation.

WI AB91

The requirement that first class cities and first class city school districts place school resource officers in schools. (FE)

WI AB575

The mental health training program provided by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)

WI SB45

State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2025 legislature. (FE)

WI SB70

State finances and appropriations, constituting the executive budget act of the 2023 legislature. (FE)

WI AB754

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB720

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB48

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB67

Providing state aid to reimburse public and private schools that provide free meals to all pupils for the costs of those meals and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB591

Increasing funding for school-based mental health services grants and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB360

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2025)

MD SB181

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

MD HB200

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2024)

PA HB611

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2022.

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB290

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2023)