An Act to create 165.503 of the statutes; Relating to: requiring the Department of Justice to conduct a public awareness campaign. (FE)
Summary
AB966 creates a new Wisconsin statute requiring the Department of Justice to conduct a children’s online digital safety awareness campaign. The campaign’s purpose is to raise awareness about the potential dangers children may face on the internet and to provide information on steps that can help prevent exposure to harmful online content.
The bill directs DOJ to use a mix of communication channels, including the department’s website, social media, digital newsletters, and print materials if available. It also requires DOJ to provide campaign materials free of charge to schools upon request, making the outreach materials available for educational use.
Impact
AB966 adds s. 165.503 to the Wisconsin statutes and imposes a new public education duty on the Department of Justice. It does not create criminal penalties or regulatory requirements for private parties, but it does formalize a state-run internet safety outreach program and makes those materials available to schools at no cost. The practical effect is to expand state involvement in child online safety education and provide schools with ready-made prevention and awareness resources.
Sentiment
No committee transcripts or recorded votes were provided, so there is no direct evidence of debate or opposition in the available record. Based on the bill text, the measure appears to be broadly preventive and informational in nature, which typically draws neutral to positive support because it focuses on child safety and public awareness rather than enforcement or restrictions. The published status suggests the bill advanced to enactment without documented controversy in the materials provided.
Contention
The main potential point of contention is the scope and effectiveness of the Department of Justice’s role in public education, including whether a DOJ-led campaign is the best vehicle for children’s digital safety messaging. Another possible issue is implementation: the bill requires use of multiple digital platforms and print materials if available, which could raise questions about cost, staffing, and how widely the materials will reach schools and families. However, no specific objections, amendments, or opposing viewpoints are included in the provided record.
Renaming the Kansas governmental ethics commission to the Kansas public disclosure commission, defining terms in the campaign finance act, requiring the filing of statements of independent expenditures, prohibiting agreements requiring contributions in the name of another and requiring the termination of unused campaign finance accounts.
Public financing of campaigns for the offices of justice of the supreme court, court of appeals judge, and circuit court judge, and making an appropriation. (FE)