Wisconsin Legislative Council
AMENDMENT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Memo published: November 13, 2023 Contact: Dan Schmidt, Deputy Director
2023 Senate Bill 241
Senate
Amendment 2
2023 SENATE BILL 241
Senate Bill 241 creates a school psychologist loan program that is to be administered by the Higher
Educational Aids Board (HEAB). Eligible students:
Are residents of this state enrolled at least half-time as sophomores, juniors, or seniors in an
institution of higher education, as defined in 20 U.S.C. s. 1001 (a) and (b), located in this state.
Are enrolled in programs of study leading to a school psychologist career.
Have a grade point average of at least 3.0 on a four-point scale or the equivalent.
Students who meet all of the qualifications may be awarded loans of up to $10,000 annually for up to
three years, with a maximum of $30,000 in loans under the program per student. The loans generally
must be repaid at an annual interest rate of five percent, unless the recipient is employed as a full-time
school psychologist by a public or private elementary or secondary school in an urbanized area or in a
school district in a rural county. In such cases, HEAB is required to forgive 25 percent of the loan and
25 percent of the interest on the loan for each school year the recipient is employed in the required
location. The bill defines a school psychologist as a psychologist licensed under s. 455.04 (1) or (2)
Stats.
1
, who practices in a school-based setting, or an individual who is licensed as a school psychologist
under rules promulgated by the Department of Public Instruction.
The bill also makes an appropriation to fund the program.
SENATE AMENDMENT 2 TO SENATE BILL 241
Senate Amendment 2 eliminates the appropriation language of the bill and substitutes a provision
which requires HEAB to include a request for funding for the program in the 2025-27 biennial budget.
The amendment also modifies students eligible for the loans from “sophomores, juniors, or seniors” to
“graduate students.”
BILL HISTORY
Senate Amendment 2 was offered by Senator Cowles on October 30, 2023. The Senate Committee on
Universities and Revenue recommended adoption of Senate Amendment 2 and passage of Senate Bill
241, as amended, by votes of Ayes, 8; Noes, 0; on November 9, 2023.
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
1
Section 455.04, Stats., generally pertains to the licensure of psychologists for the purposes of practice in Wisconsin.