Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB32

Introduced
2/17/25  

Caption

Access to public high schools for military recruiters.

Impact

If enacted, AB32 will amend current statutes related to school policies and military recruitment. The bill's provisions will enhance the state's compliance with federal law while also aiming to streamline the recruitment process for military personnel in schools. Proponents argue that this increased access is crucial for informing students about career opportunities in the military, particularly for those who may not consider military service otherwise. The bill is positioned as a means of promoting awareness of the military as a career path among students.

Summary

Assembly Bill 32 (AB32) is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing access for military recruiters to public high schools in Wisconsin. This bill modifies existing statutes to ensure that military recruiters can access common areas in high schools, including during the school day and at school-sanctioned events. However, it specifically notes that this access does not extend to classrooms during instructional time. The bill seeks to align state law with federal requirements, which already obligate schools receiving federal assistance to grant military recruiters similar access as they would to postsecondary institutions or prospective employers.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding AB32, primarily concerning the balance between providing access to military recruiters and maintaining educational environments that prioritize student learning. Opponents may argue that unrestricted access to military recruiters, even in common areas, could distract from the educational mission of schools. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the implications for student privacy and the potential undue influence on students' career choices at a formative age. The debate will likely revolve around the degree of access that is appropriate while still respecting the educational integrity of the high school environment.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI AB15

Pupil or minor access to harmful material in public libraries and to harmful material or offensive material in public schools. (FE)

WI SB10

Pupil or minor access to harmful material in public libraries and to harmful material or offensive material in public schools. (FE)

WI AB370

Guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges and requiring high schools to prepare class rankings for certain pupils. (FE)

WI SB367

Guaranteed admission to University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges and requiring high schools to prepare class rankings for certain pupils. (FE)

WI AB898

Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE)

WI SB837

Required instruction in civics in the elementary and high school grades, high school graduation requirements, and private school educational program criteria. (FE)

WI AB321

Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI SB329

Reading instruction in public schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs, an early literacy assessment and intervention program, providing an exemption from rule-making procedures, and granting rule-making authority. (FE)

WI AB592

Allowing representatives of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations to provide information to pupils on public school property.

WI SB549

Allowing representatives of certain federally chartered youth membership organizations to provide information to pupils on public school property.

Similar Bills

CA SB614

California Military Department Support Fund activities.

CA AB481

Law enforcement and state agencies: military equipment: funding, acquisition, and use.

TX HB3841

Relating to military duty of a conservator of a child in a suit affecting the parent-child relationship.

CA AB361

Military Department: support programs.

NJ AJR198

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR106

Designates April 14 of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Day" in NJ.

NJ SJR74

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.

NJ AJR109

Designates month of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Month" in NJ; designates last full week of April of each year as "Military Child Appreciation Week" in NJ.