Wisconsin Senate Bill SB97

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/7/25
• Refer: 3/7/25

Caption

Parental notification of alleged sexual misconduct by a school staff member. (FE)

Impact

The bill aligns with existing laws that classify sexual misconduct against students as a Class I felony. By legally mandating the reporting of such incidents to parents, the bill seeks to provide parents with the necessary information that equips them to support their children during potentially traumatic experiences. This approach not only aims to protect students but also holds educational institutions accountable for their involvement in the handling of misconduct allegations. This could lead to changes in school policies to ensure compliance with the new notification requirements.

Summary

Senate Bill 97 focuses on enhancing the response to incidents of sexual misconduct involving school staff members towards students. It requires mandatory parental notification of any credible reports of alleged sexual misconduct by school staff, ensuring that parents or guardians of affected pupils are informed by the end of the day the report is received. This requirement extends to all forms of educational institutions, including public schools, private schools, and charter schools within Wisconsin. This legislation aims to ensure transparency and prompt communication between schools and families during delicate situations involving student victims.

Contention

While the bill emphasizes child protection and parental rights to information regarding their children's safety, it may raise concerns about the implications for school staff and operations. Critics may argue that immediate parental notification could potentially compromise the integrity of investigations into allegations of misconduct. There is also the challenge of ensuring parents receive accurate information without jumping to conclusions before a thorough investigation is conducted. Balancing the need for urgent communication with the rights of staff members accused of misconduct presents a complex scenario for schools and legislative bodies.