Wisconsin Senate Bill SB968

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Notice to the parent or guardian of a habitually truant child.

Impact

The passage of SB968 would modify state statutes related to truancy and the responsibilities of schools in identifying students who may need special education services. By requiring school officials to explicitly state the rights of parents to request evaluations, the bill places greater emphasis on child welfare and individualized support. This could lead to increased identification of learning disabilities and more personalized education plans for affected students. Consequently, it may also promote better attendance as schools take a proactive approach to support rather than simply penalize parents for truancy.

Summary

Senate Bill 968 seeks to amend the requirements placed on school attendance officers regarding their communication with parents or guardians of habitually truant children. Specifically, the bill introduces a provision that mandates these officers to inform parents or guardians of their right to request an evaluation of whether their child has a disability. This is significant as it ensures that families are aware of their options and can seek the necessary evaluations that may affect their child's educational experience and support structures.

Contention

Potential points of contention around SB968 could arise from differing opinions on the role of schools in addressing truancy versus disability evaluations. Some may argue that this bill adds unnecessary administrative burdens to schools, while others might believe it is a critical step towards ensuring that potentially at-risk students receive appropriate evaluations and support. Furthermore, there may be concern about how effectively this communication will be implemented and whether parents will be adequately informed regarding their rights under the new provisions.