Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1232

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 3/19/26
• Refer: 3/19/26
• Failed: 3/23/26

Caption

An Act to create 36.27 (2) (cr) of the statutes; Relating to: a University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption. (FE)

Summary

AB1232 creates a new nonresident tuition exemption within the University of Wisconsin System for students who have lived in Wisconsin for at least 12 months immediately before the semester or session in which they enroll and who are in approved deferred action status under the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Under current law, the UW Board of Regents may charge different tuition rates for resident and nonresident students, and some nonresident students already qualify for resident tuition under existing exemptions. This bill adds DACA recipients who meet the residency requirement to that list. The bill is narrow in scope and does not change general tuition policy for all nonresident students. Instead, it creates a specific statutory entitlement to resident-rate tuition for a defined group of students at UW System institutions, beginning with the first semester or session after the effective date. The measure would likely reduce tuition costs for eligible students and could affect university revenue and state fiscal obligations, which is why a fiscal estimate accompanies the bill.

Impact

AB1232 would amend Wisconsin statutes by creating s. 36.27 (2) (cr), adding a new tuition exemption category for UW System students in DACA deferred action status who have established 12 months of Wisconsin residency. The practical effect is to require UW institutions to treat qualifying students as eligible for resident tuition rates, rather than charging them nonresident rates. The bill affects the UW System, eligible DACA students, and potentially institutional finances through reduced tuition revenue and any associated state fiscal impacts.

Sentiment

The available context suggests generally supportive or favorable sentiment toward the bill, as reflected by the number of bipartisan cosponsors and the absence of recorded opposition in the provided materials. The bill appears to be framed as a targeted higher-education access measure for long-term Wisconsin residents with DACA status. No committee transcript or vote record is provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate, but the sponsorship pattern indicates at least some cross-party interest in the proposal.

Contention

The main point of contention is likely to be whether DACA recipients should receive resident tuition treatment under state law and whether the state should extend this benefit beyond existing nonresident tuition exemptions. Supporters would emphasize residency, educational access, and fairness for students who have lived in Wisconsin for a year or more, while critics may focus on immigration status, the scope of state benefits, and any fiscal impact on the UW System. Because no committee discussion or vote history is included, specific arguments from either side are not available in the record provided.