Wisconsin Senate Bill SB403

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 9/8/23
• Refer: 9/8/23
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Prorated University of Wisconsin System housing and meal plan contracts. (FE)

Impact

This legislation is expected to enhance student rights by ensuring that they are fairly compensated for services that they are unable to use due to state-imposed restrictions or university decisions. The required proration of contracts aims to mitigate financial burdens on students, especially in cases where they are denied on-campus services. Additionally, the bill includes a stipulation that any reimbursement must be accompanied by a detailed statement that outlines the amounts refunded and the calculations used, providing transparency in these transactions.

Summary

Senate Bill 403 introduces a requirement for the University of Wisconsin System regarding housing and meal plan contracts offered to students. Specifically, the bill mandates that all such contracts must include a proration clause. This clause guarantees that if a student is unable to access their housing or meal plan for more than seven days due to circumstances beyond their control—imposed by the state or the university—they are entitled to a refund for the value of that unutilized contract portion. Notably, the bill clarifies that a student's inability to access these benefits due to disciplinary sanctions is not considered a circumstance beyond their control.

Contention

While the bill appears to be supportive of student rights, it may face contention regarding its details and implementation. Concerns may arise around the definitions of conditions deemed 'outside of the student's control' and how this could vary in application across different situations. Stakeholders, including university administrators and student advocacy groups, may engage in debates over the balance between protecting student interests and maintaining institutional control over housing and meal policies. Furthermore, the bill's specific exclusion of sanctions for misconduct raises questions about fairness and consistency in its application.

Notable_points

Senate Bill 403 is significant as it reflects an ongoing commitment to student welfare within the University of Wisconsin System. By requiring that housing and meal plan contracts be prorated, the legislation not only benefits students financially but also sets a precedent for other educational institutions to consider similar measures. The transparency requirements could lead to better accountability from universities, fostering a more responsive environment to student needs and making sure students understand their rights regarding these contracts.