Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

Wisconsin Senate Bill SB389

Introduced
8/11/25  
Refer
8/11/25  
Report Pass
11/7/25  
Engrossed
11/18/25  
Refer
1/16/26  
Refer
1/30/26  
Refer
2/4/26  
Enrolled
2/26/26  

Caption

An Act to amend 121.905 (3) (c) 6., 121.905 (3) (c) 9., 121.91 (2m) (j) (intro.) and 121.91 (2m) (t) 1. (intro.) of the statutes; Relating to: the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits. (FE)

Impact

The elimination of the per pupil adjustment could have significant implications for school districts throughout Wisconsin. By adjusting the revenue limits, the bill intends to stabilize fiscal expectations for the future funding of public education. However, this also means that school districts may face budget constraints, which could lead to reduced financial resources for educational services, potentially impacting staffing, programs, and overall school quality. As such, the bill raises concerns among educators and advocates regarding the adequacy and equity of school funding in the future.

Summary

Senate Bill 389 seeks to amend the existing formula for calculating school district revenue limits in Wisconsin by eliminating the annual $325 per pupil adjustment starting from the 2027-28 school year. This change aims to adjust the current funding mechanism that has been upheld in legal challenges and is designed to affect how much revenue schools can collect through state aids and property taxes. The bill's goal is to provide a clearer structure for educational funding moving forward and may be seen as an effort to limit the growth of school funding over time.

Contention

The discussions and debates surrounding SB389 highlight a division of opinion regarding educational funding stability versus the potential for diminishing resources available for schools. Advocates for the bill argue that it is necessary for controlling expenditure and creating a predictable financial framework for districts. Conversely, opponents express worry that removing the adjustment could jeopardize critical funding levels and exacerbate inequities between wealthier districts and those in lower-income areas. The implications of this bill could prompt broader conversations about how education is funded in Wisconsin and whether current structures adequately support all students.

Companion Bills

WI AB391

Crossfiled An Act to amend 121.905 (3) (c) 6., 121.905 (3) (c) 9., 121.91 (2m) (j) (intro.) and 121.91 (2m) (t) 1. (intro.) of the statutes; Relating to: the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits. (FE)

Previously Filed As

WI AB391

The per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits. (FE)

WI AB495

General equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI SB491

General equalization aids, supplemental hold harmless aid, the per pupil adjustment for school district revenue limits, and making an appropriation. (FE)

WI AB1204

Local control funding formula: school districts and charter schools: pupils experiencing homelessness: supplemental and concentration grants: regional adjustment factors: grade-span adequacy adjustments.

WI AB1181

The school district revenue limit adjustment for energy efficiency projects. (FE)

WI SB0376

Education: school districts; requirements related to the retention of certain grade 3 pupils; provide for. Amends sec. 1280f of 1976 PA 451 (MCL 380.1280f).

WI SB1167

The school district revenue limit adjustment for energy efficiency projects. (FE)

WI S0774

School District Distribution of Local Revenue Per Pupil

WI SB00084

An Act Concerning Adjustments To State Revenue.

WI SB6021

Reducing introduction of contraband into Green Hill school.

Similar Bills

AR SB425

To Amend Various Provisions Of The Arkansas Code Concerning Enhanced Transportation; And To Declare An Emergency.

TX HB5663

Relating to the authority of the Wood County Central Hospital District of Wood County, Texas, to provide brain and memory care services to residents of the hospital district through the creation and operation of brain and memory health care services districts.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2026 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2025 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA HB719

Provides relative to the number of assistant district attorneys in each judicial district (RE +$2,274,000 GF EX See Note)

KY HR1

A RESOLUTION establishing the 2022 membership of the Kentucky State House of Representatives.

LA SB454

Provides for a population based allocation of assistant district attorney positions in the state. (7/1/26) (OR +$397,950 GF EX See Note)

VA HB29

Chaptered