Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB32

Introduced
2/17/25  
Refer
2/17/25  
Report Pass
10/8/25  
Refer
10/8/25  

Caption

An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 118.40 (4) (ar) 3. and 120.12 (29) of the statutes; Relating to: access to public high schools for military recruiters.

Impact

If enacted, AB32 will amend current statutes related to school policies and military recruitment. The bill's provisions will enhance the state's compliance with federal law while also aiming to streamline the recruitment process for military personnel in schools. Proponents argue that this increased access is crucial for informing students about career opportunities in the military, particularly for those who may not consider military service otherwise. The bill is positioned as a means of promoting awareness of the military as a career path among students.

Summary

Assembly Bill 32 (AB32) is a legislative proposal aimed at increasing access for military recruiters to public high schools in Wisconsin. This bill modifies existing statutes to ensure that military recruiters can access common areas in high schools, including during the school day and at school-sanctioned events. However, it specifically notes that this access does not extend to classrooms during instructional time. The bill seeks to align state law with federal requirements, which already obligate schools receiving federal assistance to grant military recruiters similar access as they would to postsecondary institutions or prospective employers.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding AB32, primarily concerning the balance between providing access to military recruiters and maintaining educational environments that prioritize student learning. Opponents may argue that unrestricted access to military recruiters, even in common areas, could distract from the educational mission of schools. Additionally, concerns may be raised regarding the implications for student privacy and the potential undue influence on students' career choices at a formative age. The debate will likely revolve around the degree of access that is appropriate while still respecting the educational integrity of the high school environment.

Companion Bills

WI SB10

Crossfiled An Act to amend 119.04 (1); to create 118.40 (4) (ar) 3. and 120.12 (29) of the statutes; Relating to: access to public high schools for military recruiters.

Previously Filed As

WI SB10

Access to public high schools for military recruiters.

WI HB1689

To Require A Public High School To Grant Access To Its Facilities To Military Recruiters; And To Require Certain State-supported Postsecondary Institutions To Grant Access To Its Facilities To Military Recruiters.

WI SB3626

SCH CD-MILITARY RECRUITERS

WI SB158

Public high schools, required to designate time and space for military recruiters to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery to students on campus on a voluntary basis

WI HB196

Public high schools, required to designate time and space for military recruiters to administer the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery to students on campus on a voluntary basis

WI SB3052

A bill to promote recruiter access to secondary schools.

WI HB75

Public high schools; students excused from class for scholarship acceptance, college commitment, military enlistment

WI HB5

Enact the Repeat Offender Act

WI SB26170

Concerning creating a task force to study how to expand access to effective public schools for Colorado students.

WI SB572

To Create The Public School Access And Transparency Act; And To Require Public Access To Learning Materials.

Similar Bills

TX HB5629

Relating to the occupational licensing of military service members, military veterans, and military spouses.

AZ SB1618

military affairs commission

NC S1060

Milit. Sexual Trauma/Study Comm./Pilot Prog

CA SB970

Military or overseas voters.

SC H5396

Month of the military child

WY SF0119

Expedited professional licensure for military members.

NJ SR63

Urges educational institutions in NJ to include veterans and active service members in discussions about military, military values, and leadership.

TX SB2255

Relating to the occupational licensing of military spouses.