Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB602

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 10/29/25
• Refer: 10/29/25
• Report Pass: 11/13/25
• Refer: 11/13/25
• Engrossed: 11/19/25
• Refer: 11/20/25
• Refer: 1/21/26
• Enrolled: 1/23/26
• Vetoed: 3/30/26

Caption

Participating in the federal tax credit program for contributions to scholarship granting organizations.

Impact

If enacted, AB602 would amend state laws to formally recognize and implement the federal tax credit program within the state. This would potentially encourage more donations towards scholarship organizations, which could lead to an increase in the number of students receiving scholarships. The measure is expected to enhance educational funding and support diversity in school choice, ultimately promoting a more equitable educational landscape. Supporters assert that this would provide critical assistance to families seeking quality education options for their children.

Summary

AB602 aims to facilitate participation in the federal tax credit program by enabling contributions to scholarship granting organizations. This legislative proposal is designed to increase the financial resources available to students, particularly those from underserved communities, thereby enhancing their access to educational opportunities. The bill seeks to align state tax incentives with the federal program, making it more attractive for individuals and businesses to contribute financially to these scholarship organizations.

Contention

The proposal may face scrutiny regarding its impact on state tax revenue and the equitable distribution of scholarships among students. Critics may argue that while the intention is to help underserved communities, there is a risk that the program could benefit more affluent families who are already in a position to take advantage of such tax incentives. Concerns around transparency and accountability in how the scholarship organizations allocate their funds and the resultant impact on public education could also arise, prompting a complex discourse around educational funding fairness in the state.