Wisconsin Senate Bill SB209

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 4/3/23
• Refer: 4/3/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Increasing the law enforcement training reimbursement, school resource officers, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

Significantly, SB209 introduces new requirements for school resource officers, mandating that law enforcement agencies can only assign officers to schools if they have completed a training program approved by the Office of School Safety (OSS). The OSS is tasked with developing training standards that encompass de-escalation techniques and other relevant skills tailored for educational environments. Moreover, a database will be established to track the certifications and assignments of school resource officers, which will enhance accountability and ensure transparency.

Summary

Senate Bill 209 aims to enhance law enforcement training and support the deployment of school resource officers in Wisconsin. Specifically, the bill increases the reimbursement rate for law enforcement training from a minimum of $160 to at least $320 per officer. This change is designed to alleviate the financial burden on local political subdivisions, such as counties and municipalities, which are responsible for training their law enforcement personnel. The bill also expands reimbursement eligibility to include costs incurred by individuals undergoing training prior to becoming certified officers.

Contention

While supporters of SB209 emphasize the importance of properly trained law enforcement to ensure the safety of students and staff, opponents may raise concerns about the feasibility of the training requirements and the associated costs for smaller municipalities. The establishment of a database for school resource officers has been seen as a positive step for oversight; however, critics may argue that excessive regulation could hinder local decision-making autonomy regarding police presence in schools. Ultimately, the bill reflects a growing recognition of the need for specialized training in de-escalation and community engagement in educational contexts, which could reshape the role of law enforcement in schools.