An Act to create 20.255 (2) (fi) and 115.403 of the statutes; Relating to: grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE)
Summary
AB316 would create a new state grant program administered by the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to help school boards provide training on LGBTQIA+ rights for school counselors and school social workers. The bill defines LGBTQIA+ broadly to include lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and other nonheterosexual or noncisgender orientations, identities, or expressions. The training would have to be part of a program developed or approved by DPI.
The bill also appropriates $2 million in general purpose revenue in each of two fiscal years, 2025-26 and 2026-27, to fund the grants. It creates a new statutory section, 115.403, establishing the grant authority, and amends the state aid schedule in section 20.255 to provide the funding line item for these grants. The act would take effect after publication, or after the 2025 biennial budget act is published, whichever is later.
Impact
AB316 would expand DPI’s responsibilities by authorizing and funding a new grant program for local school boards, specifically tied to professional development for school counselors and school social workers. It would not directly regulate student conduct or school curriculum, but it would add a new state-funded training initiative focused on LGBTQIA+ rights awareness and support in schools. The bill would also create a new statutory reference in Wisconsin law and dedicate state general funds to the program.
Sentiment
The available context shows the bill was introduced with substantial legislative support from a large group of Assembly and Senate cosponsors, suggesting strong backing among its authors. However, there is no committee transcript or recorded vote history provided, and the bill ultimately failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. Based on the text alone, the measure appears to have been framed as a supportive training and inclusion initiative, but the lack of recorded debate prevents a fuller assessment of public or legislative sentiment.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns the bill’s focus on LGBTQIA+ rights training in public schools and the use of state funds for that purpose. Supporters would view the grants as a way to improve school staff preparedness and support for LGBTQIA+ students and families, while opponents may object to the subject matter of the training, the role of DPI in approving programs, or the $4 million total appropriation over two years. Because no committee discussion or votes are included, the specific arguments on either side are not documented in the provided materials.
Crossfiled
An Act to create 20.255 (2) (fi) and 115.403 of the statutes; Relating to: grants for LGBTQIA+ rights training for school counselors and school social workers and making an appropriation. (FE)