Positions for the Office of School Safety. (FE)
If enacted, AB120 will not only solidify the roles within the Office of School Safety but also ensure ongoing financial support for crucial safety initiatives within schools. This transition from a temporary to a permanent staffing model is aimed at establishing a more robust and consistent approach to managing school safety. By funding positions through general revenue, the act seeks to alleviate dependency on fluctuating fee income, which could otherwise undermine the office’s ability to maintain its operational capabilities.
Assembly Bill 120, known as the Positions for the Office of School Safety Act, seeks to enhance school safety initiatives within the state of Wisconsin by creating permanent positions in the Office of School Safety. Currently, the office operates with 14.2 project positions funded through fees obtained from background checks related to handgun sales and concealed carry licenses. This bill proposes to secure these positions' funding through general purpose revenue instead, starting on October 1, 2025, at the expiration of the existing project positions.
While the bill is primarily aimed at enhancing school safety, it may become a point of contention regarding the source of its funding and the allocation of general purpose revenue. Opponents might raise concerns about prioritizing safety positions over other essential state services or programs, particularly in times of budget constraints. Moreover, debates may arise over the effectiveness of expanded staffing in truly improving safety outcomes, and whether the resources could be better utilized through alternative safety measures or community programs.