Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB528

Introduced
10/15/25  
Refer
10/15/25  

Caption

School district employee participation in state group health insurance and making an appropriation. (FE)

Impact

Should AB528 be enacted, it could significantly transform the landscape of employee benefits within school districts across the state. By enabling school employees to participate in a state-sponsored health insurance plan, the legislation intends to address existing disparities in health insurance access for educational workers. The uniformity in health benefits may also aid in attracting and retaining qualified individuals in the teaching profession, ultimately benefiting student outcomes and educational quality.

Summary

AB528 proposes to integrate school district employees into the state's group health insurance program. This bill aims to provide these employees with access to comprehensive health insurance options, which may enhance their overall job satisfaction and retention rates within the educational sector. The measure outlines provisions for appropriations related to funding this initiative, signifying a commitment to the welfare of school personnel and their families. Furthermore, the bill aligns with broader efforts to ensure that educational staff have equitable access to health benefits comparable to those available in other state sectors.

Contention

As with any legislative measure that involves state funding and employee benefits, AB528 is likely to generate discussions regarding its financial implications. Critics may express concerns over the budgetary impact of expanding the state's group health insurance system to include school employees. Furthermore, there may be debates on whether such a move is necessary or if it could lead to potential disparities in benefits among various state employee groups.

Notable_points

The bill is framed as a step forward in recognizing the critical role that school employees play in the education system. Advocates for AB528 underscore the importance of providing adequate health insurance as a means to support educators and staff, which can lead to improved performance and stability in schools. Nevertheless, the necessity for funding and the management of existing health insurance resources will likely be focal points in the legislative discussions surrounding this proposal.

Companion Bills

WI SB516

Crossfiled School district employee participation in state group health insurance and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB697

Crossfiled School district employee participation in state group health insurance and making an appropriation. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI SB516

School district employee participation in state group health insurance and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB697

School district employee participation in state group health insurance and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB1096

Allowing private individuals, families, and private employers to elect health care coverage through plans offered by the Group Insurance Board, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SF2909

Public employees insurance program participation by certain school employers requirement

WI HF2904

Public employees insurance program regulated, participation by certain school employers required, and money appropriated.

WI HF5087

Public employees insurance program regulated, participation by certain school employers required, and money appropriated.

WI SF2102

A bill for an act relating to health care coverage of certain public school district personnel under the state health insurance plan, providing fees, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

WI HF2029

A bill for an act relating to health care coverage of public school district personnel under the state health insurance plan, providing fees, making appropriations, and including effective date provisions.

WI HM44

School Employee Insurance Premium Work Group

WI AB593

Collective bargaining for employees of the University of Wisconsin System, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

Similar Bills

SC H3802

Participation in school activities and programs

TX HB3505

Relating to the continuation and operation of a health care provider participation district created by certain local governments to administer a health care provider participation program.

TX HB3126

Relating to the election of certain entities to participate in the uniform group coverage program for active school employees; imposing a fee.

NJ A3213

Requires public school to allow certain students not enrolled in school to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A448

Permits certain students not enrolled in public schools to participate in interscholastic athletics.

NJ A1632

Requires school districts to allow home-schooled students to participate in school-sponsored extracurricular activities in student's resident district; directs Commissioner of Education to establish guidelines.

TX HB2911

Relating to participation in the uniform group coverage program for active school employees and additional state aid for public schools that do not participate in that program.

NJ A2040

Establishes Grow Your Own Teacher Loan Redemption Program in Higher Education Student Assistance Authority.