The bill requires DPI to pay the $30 testing service fee for an individual who
takes a content area test given under the general educational development test
(commonly called the GED test). The GED test consists of four separate content area
tests that cover mathematical reasoning, reasoning through language arts, social
studies, and science. Under the bill, an individual who takes a GED content area test
to earn a High School Equivalency Diploma (commonly called an HSED) is also
eligible for the payment. Under the bill, DPI will pay for an individual to take all four
content area tests in each calendar year.
In order to be eligible for the payment, an individual must satisfy DPI's
requirements for the individual to receive a Certificate of General Educational
Development or an HSED from DPI. Among other things, DPI requires that the
individual meet certain residency and minimum age requirements and attend a
counseling session. The individual also must obtain a passing score on a GED
practice test for the content area (commonly called a GED Ready practice test).
Grants to replace race-based nicknames, logos, mascots, or team names
associated with American Indians
The bill authorizes DPI to award a grant to a school board that terminates the
use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name that is associated with a
federally recognized American Indian tribe or American Indians, in general. Under
the bill, a school board is eligible for a grant whether or not the school board decides
to terminate the use of a race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name
voluntarily or in response to an objection to its use or in compliance with an order
issued by the Division of Hearings and Appeals to terminate the use of the
race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name. The bill specifies that the amount
of the grant may not exceed the greater of $50,000 or the actual cost incurred by the
school board to replace the race-based nickname, logo, mascot, or team name. Under
the bill, these grants are funded from Indian gaming receipts.
American Indian studies; curriculum and instruction
Current law provides a list of standards, including standards relating to
curriculum and instruction, by which school boards must abide. The list of standards
includes a requirement that each school board provide, as part of its social studies
curriculum, instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the federally
recognized American Indian tribes and bands in Wisconsin at least twice in the
elementary grades and at least once in the high school grades.
Under the bill, beginning on September 1, 2022, each school board must
provide, as part of its social studies curriculum, instruction in the culture, tribal
sovereignty, and contemporary and historical significant events of the federally
recognized American Indian tribes and bands in Wisconsin at least four times in the
elementary grades. The bill specifically requires that the instruction be provided at
least once in grades kindergarten to two, at least once in grades three to five, and at
least twice in grades six to eight. The bill also requires that the instruction be
provided as part of the high school curriculum at least once in each of the high school
grades, including at least once as part of the high school social studies curriculum.
Beginning in the 2022-23 school year, the bill also requires that each private
school participating in a parental choice program and each independent charter
school include instruction in the culture, tribal sovereignty, and contemporary and
historical significant events of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and
bands in Wisconsin in its curriculum at least twice in the elementary grades and at
least once in the high school grades.
American Indian studies; teaching license requirement
Current law generally prohibits DPI from issuing a teaching license to an
individual unless the individual has received instruction in minority group relations,
including instruction in the history, culture, and tribal sovereignty of the federally
recognized American Indian tribes and bands in Wisconsin. Under the bill, the
minority group relationship instruction required for a teaching license must include
instruction in the culture, tribal sovereignty, and contemporary and historical
significant events of the federally recognized American Indian tribes and bands in
Wisconsin.
Climate change in model academic standards
The bill requires DPI to incorporate an understanding of climate, the
interconnected nature of climate change, the potential local and global impacts of
climate change, and individual and societal actions that may mitigate the harmful
effects of climate change into DPI's model academic standards for science;
agriculture, food and natural resources; english language arts; environmental
literacy and sustainability; social studies; nutrition education; and mathematics.
While not required by current law, DPI has adopted model academic standards in
each of these subjects. Under current law, DPI must incorporate the history of
organized labor and the collective bargaining process into its model academic
standards for social studies.
Prohibiting vaping on school property
The bill prohibits individuals from vaping on school premises. Under the bill,
“school premises” is defined as any real property owned by, rented by, or under the
control of a school board, operator or governing board of an independent charter
school, or governing body of a private school. “School premises” includes outdoor
spaces such as playgrounds and athletic fields. The bill defines vaping as inhaling
or exhaling vapor from a vapor product, regardless of whether the liquid or other
substance being heated to produce the vapor contains nicotine. Under current law,
a school board, operator or governing board of an independent charter school, and
governing body of a private school may prohibit vaping on school premises under its
respective control.
Grants to support City Year Milwaukee
The bill requires DPI to annually distribute to City Year, Inc., to support City
Year Milwaukee all amounts appropriated to DPI for that purpose. City Year, Inc.,
is a nonprofit organization that partners with systemically under-resourced public
schools in communities across the United States and abroad to help pupils graduate
from high school with the skills necessary for success in college, career, and life.
Bullying prevention grants
Under current law, DPI must award grants to a nonprofit organization to
provide training and an online bullying prevention curriculum for pupils in grades
kindergarten to eight. Beginning in the 2021-22 fiscal year, the bill requires DPI to
award a bullying prevention grant to the nonprofit organization that received a
bullying prevention grant in the 2019-20 and 2020-21 school years. In the 2019-20
and 2020-21 fiscal years, DPI awarded a bullying prevention grant to the Children's
Hospital of Wisconsin.
Mental health training program for school districts and independent
charter schools
Under current law, DPI must provide trainings to school districts and
independent charter schools on three specific evidence-based strategies to address
student mental health: Screening, Brief Interventions, and Referral to Treatment;
Trauma Sensitive Schools; and Youth Mental Health First Aid. The bill adds social
and emotional learning to the list of evidence-based strategies on which DPI must
provide trainings to school districts and independent charter schools.
Recollection Wisconsin
The bill creates a sum certain appropriation to provide GPR funding to
Wisconsin Library Services, Inc., commonly known as WiLS, to support the
digitization of historic materials in public libraries throughout the state. The bill
also requires DPI to distribute annually the amount appropriated for this purpose
to WiLS. The collaborative administered by WiLS to digitize and make available
historic materials throughout the state is known as Recollection Wisconsin.
Truancy abatement and burglary suppression; Milwaukee public schools
Under current law, all school boards are authorized to establish one or more
youth service centers for the counseling of children who are taken into custody for
truancy. Current law also provides specific requirements that apply only to the
school board of MPS related to these youth service centers and truancy abatement.
Under current law, the MPS school board is required to establish two youth
service centers to provide counseling to children who are taken into custody for
truancy and must contract with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Milwaukee to
operate these youth service centers. Additionally, current law requires the MPS
school board to pay to the City of Milwaukee the amount of funding necessary to
employ four law enforcement officers to work on truancy abatement and burglary
suppression on a full-time basis. The bill eliminates these requirements.
Fees for licensing school and public library personnel; appropriation
changes
Under current law, 90 percent of the fees collected by DPI for licensing school
and public library personnel and for school districts to participate in DPI's teacher
improvement program are credited to an annual sum certain appropriation. The
remaining 10 percent of these fees are deposited into the general fund under current
law. The bill changes this annual sum certain appropriation to a continuing
appropriation and requires that 100 percent of the total fees collected by DPI be
credited to the appropriation. Under current law and the bill, the purposes of the
appropriation are for 1) DPI's administrative costs related to licensing school and
public library personnel; 2) if DPI exercises its authority to provide information and
analysis of the professional school personnel supply in this state, the costs of
providing that information and analysis; and 3) DPI's teacher improvement
program.
Report on homeless children and youths
The bill requires DPI to annually submit a report to the legislature on the
number of homeless children and youths in the public schools of this state. Under
the bill, “homeless children and youths” is defined by reference to federal law
providing homeless assistance.
Higher education
Resident undergraduate tuition freeze
The bill prohibits the Board of Regents of the UW System from charging
resident undergraduate academic fees in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 academic years
that are more than the fees charged in the 2020-21 academic year.
Tuition promise grant program
The bill creates a new grant program administered by the Board of Regents.
This program provides grants in the form of “last-dollar awards” to supplement the
gap between any scholarships or grants that an eligible student receives outside of
this program and the full cost of tuition and segregated fees during either eight
consecutive semesters for incoming freshmen or four consecutive semesters for
incoming transfer students. Summer terms are not counted in the consecutive
semester count, and students may not receive the grants for summer terms.
Students eligible for the grants must be new incoming students enrolled in their first
bachelor's degree whose household federal adjusted gross income is equal to or less
than $60,000 a year, and must be enrolled in an on-campus program at a UW System
institution other than UW-Madison. The bill requires the Board of Regents to
promulgate rules to implement and administer the grant program.
Student loan servicers; Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman
The bill creates an Office of the Student Loan Ombudsman (office) in DFI and
requires student loan servicers to be licensed by this office. The bill contains a
variety of provisions governing student education loans, student loan borrowers, and
student loan servicers. Under the bill, a “student education loan" means a loan that
is extended to a student loan borrower expressly for postsecondary education
expenses or related expenses. A “student loan borrower" means a resident of this
state who has received or agreed to pay a student education loan or a person who
shares legal responsibility for repaying the loan. A “student loan servicer" means a
person responsible for the servicing of a student education loan, but excludes certain
state-regulated financial service providers. “Servicing” means receiving scheduled
periodic payments from a student loan borrower; applying payments received from
a student loan borrower; and performing other administrative services with respect
to a student education loan.
The bill requires a student loan servicer, wherever located, to be licensed by the
office before directly or indirectly engaging in servicing student education loans in
this state. A student loan servicer must hold a separate license for each of its places
of business and the student loan servicer may not act under any name or at any place
of business that is not identified in the license.
The bill imposes numerous requirements on student loan servicers, including
requirements relating to all of the following:
1. Responding to written inquiries from student loan borrowers.
2. Handling and applying “nonconforming payments," defined as payments on
student education loans that are different from the required payments.
3. Responsibilities if there is a sale, assignment, or other transfer of the
servicing of a student education loan.
4. Maintaining and making available to the office records related to student
education loan transactions.
The bill also prohibits a student loan servicer from engaging in certain conduct
or activity, including the following:
1. Defrauding or misleading a student loan borrower.
2. Engaging in an unfair or deceptive practice or misrepresenting or omitting
material information in connection with the servicing of a student education loan.
3. Misapplying student education loan payments.
4. Providing inaccurate information to a credit bureau related to a student loan
borrower's creditworthiness.
5. Refusing to communicate with an authorized representative of a student
loan borrower.
6. Failing to evaluate a student loan borrower for an income-based repayment
program prior to placing the student loan borrower in default.
The bill also specifies the authority of the office to conduct investigations and
examinations and take administrative action and also provides a private right of
action for violations of the requirements or prohibitions under the bill.
The bill requires the office to perform certain functions, including 1) assisting
student loan borrowers; 2) receiving and attempting to resolve complaints from
student loan borrowers and others; 3) compiling and analyzing data about these
complaints; 4) assisting student loan borrowers in various ways; 5) providing
information to the public and others regarding the problems and concerns of student
loan borrowers; and 6) analyzing and monitoring the development and
implementation of laws and policies relating to student loan borrowers.
Although the bill exempts certain state-regulated financial service providers,
primarily state-chartered financial institutions, from licensing and most other
requirements applicable to student loan servicers, the bill requires these exempt
organizations to cooperate with the office and provide information requested by the
office necessary to investigate and resolve student loan borrower complaints.
Technical college district revenue limits
The bill increases the limit on certain revenue, primarily derived from the
property tax levy, that technical college districts may generate.
Under current law, with certain exceptions, a technical college district board
may not increase its revenue each school year by more than the greater of 1) 0
percent, or 2) the percentage change in the district's equalized value due to new
construction, less improvements removed, between the previous year and the
current year. The amount of this limit is called the “valuation factor.” A district
board's revenue is the sum of its tax levy for operations and the amount of aid it
receives for property tax relief and tax-exempt personal property.
The bill increases part 1) of the valuation factor from 0 percent to 2 percent,
allowing an increase of a district board's revenue by 2 percent over the previous year
regardless of any change in the district's equalized value due to net new construction.
Changes to Minnesota-Wisconsin Reciprocity Agreement
Under current law, the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) administers
and has authority to renegotiate the Minnesota-Wisconsin tuition reciprocity
agreement. The agreement provides for the waiver of nonresident tuition for
residents of either state who are enrolled in public vocational schools and for a
reciprocal fee structure for residents of either state who are enrolled in public
institutions of higher education located in the other state.
The bill requires the UW System to enter into, administer, and renegotiate with
Minnesota a tuition reciprocity agreement that provides for the waiver of
nonresident tuition and for a reciprocal fee structure for residents of either state who
are enrolled in public institutions of higher education located in the other state. The
bill requires that all the tuition paid by Minnesota students attending UW
institutions under the agreement, including tuition commonly referred to as
differential reciprocity tuition, be credited to a UW System appropriation account
from which UW System expenditures are authorized.
The bill also requires HEAB to enter into, administer, and renegotiate with
Minnesota a fee reciprocity agreement that provides for the waiver of nonresident
fees for residents of either state who are enrolled in public vocational schools in the
other state.
Extensions of credit to the UW System
The bill allows the Board of Regents to obtain extensions of credit to provide
short-term funding for expenses associated with athletics or educational programs
and related programs. The board may pledge as collateral for an extension of credit
revenues generated as a result of the operation of UW athletic programs, as well as
collateral furnished by a third party. Proceeds from an extension of credit may not
be used to pay for certain expenses, including those associated with the construction,
improvement, or maintenance of buildings, structures, or facilities.
UniverCity Alliance program
The bill creates an appropriation funding the “UniverCity Alliance” program
within the UW-Madison. The UniverCity Alliance program connects in partnership
communities, towns, cities, and counties with UW-Madison education, service, and
research activities in order to address the communities' biggest local challenges.
Baccalaureate degree program for prisoners
The bill requires the UW System and DOC to provide a baccalaureate degree
program for prisoners. Prior to expending any funds appropriated, the UW System
and DOC shall jointly submit a plan for implementing the program to DOA for
approval.
Nurse educators loan forgiveness and fellowship program
The bill requires the Board of Regents to establish a program that provides 1)
fellowships to students who enroll in certain doctoral nursing degree programs; 2)
postdoctoral fellowships to recruit faculty for UW System nursing programs; and 3)
educational loan repayment assistance to recruit and retain faculty for UW System
nursing programs. In addition, the program must require individuals who receive
a fellowship or educational loan repayment assistance under the program to make
a three-year commitment to teaching in a UW System nursing program.
Dentist loan assistance program
The bill permits dentists who agree to practice in rural areas under an
educational loan repayment assistance program to receive the same amount of
assistance as physicians. The Board of Regents administers the program. Under
current law, a dentist or physician who agrees to practice at least 32 clinic hours per
week for three years in either a free or charitable clinic, or in an area with a shortage
of dental or primary care professionals may receive up to $50,000 in assistance under
the program. A physician who agrees to practice for the same duration in a rural area
may receive up to $100,000 in assistance under the program. A dentist who agrees
to practice for the same duration in a rural area may receive up to $50,000 in
assistance under the program. The bill permits dentists who agree to practice for the
same duration in rural areas to receive up to $100,000 in assistance under the
program.
Nonresident tuition exemption for undocumented individuals
The bill creates a nonresident tuition exemption for certain technical college
and UW System students. Current law allows the Board of Regents to charge
different tuition rates to resident and nonresident students. Current law also
includes nonresident tuition exemptions, under which certain nonresident students
pay resident tuition rates. The bill creates an additional exemption for an individual
who is not a citizen of the United States and who 1) graduated from a Wisconsin high
school or received a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation from
Wisconsin; 2) was continuously present in Wisconsin for at least three years
following the first day of attending a Wisconsin high school or immediately preceding
receipt of a declaration of equivalency of high school graduation; and 3) enrolls in a
UW System institution and provides the institution with proof stating that he or she
has filed or will file an application for lawful permanent resident status with U.S.
Citizenship and Immigration Services as soon as the individual is eligible to do so.
The bill also provides that an individual described above is considered a
resident of this state for purposes of admission to and payment of fees at a technical
college.
State residency of relocated active duty service members and their families
The bill establishes guidance for determining state residency of relocated active
duty service members and their spouses and dependents for purposes of resident
tuition eligibility at UW System institutions and technical colleges.
Under current law, UW System institutions must charge a student nonresident
tuition unless the student has been a bona fide resident of this state for at least 12
months prior to registering at the UW institution or the student otherwise qualifies
under another exemption to nonresident tuition. In determining bona fide residence,
the intent of a person to establish and maintain a permanent home in Wisconsin is
determinative, and this intent may be represented by such factors as tax return
filings, voter or vehicle registration, employment, and physical presence. However,
a student who enters and remains in Wisconsin principally to obtain an education
is presumed to continue to reside outside Wisconsin. Under one nonresident tuition
exemption, a student is eligible for resident tuition if the student is a member of the
armed forces who resides in this state and is stationed at a federal military
installation located within 90 miles of the borders of this state or the student is the
child or spouse of such a service member.
Also under current law, the TCS Board must establish procedures to determine
the residence of students attending technical colleges for purposes of fees and
admission, although certain persons are by statute considered Wisconsin residents
for these purposes.
Under the bill, for purposes of determining Wisconsin residency at UW System
institutions and technical colleges, an active duty member of the armed forces who
has been relocated from Wisconsin and stationed on active duty in another state
(relocated service member), and the service member's spouse and dependents, are
considered residents of this state during this period of relocation if they demonstrate,
under the factors described above, that they are bona fide residents during this
relocation period. In addition, if such a demonstration is made, the relocated service
member's dependents continue to be considered residents of this state after the
relocation period has ended.
Nonresident tuition exemption for certain tribal members
The bill allows certain students who are members of, or whose parents or
grandparents are members of, a federally recognized American Indian tribe and who
are otherwise ineligible for resident tuition at UW System institutions and technical
colleges to qualify for resident tuition.
Under current law, a person generally must be a resident of this state for at
least 12 months prior to registering at a UW System institution in order to be exempt
from paying nonresident tuition. Current law also includes nonresident tuition
exemptions, under which certain nonresident students pay resident tuition rates.
Also under current law, the TCS Board establishes program fees that the
technical college districts must charge students. With exceptions, the fees for
nonresidents are 150 percent of the fees for residents. The TCS Board must establish
procedures to determine the residence of students attending technical colleges, but
statutes specify that certain students must be considered residents of this state.
The bill creates a nonresident tuition exemption for certain tribal members or
children or grandchildren of tribal members. Under the bill, a student enrolled in
a UW System institution or technical college qualifies for resident tuition or fee rates
if all of the following apply:
1. The student, or the student's parent or grandparent, is a member of a
federally recognized American Indian tribe or band in Wisconsin or is a member of
a federally recognized tribe in a state contiguous with Wisconsin.
2. The student has resided in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, or
Michigan, or in any combination of these states, for at least 12 months prior to
enrolling in a UW System institution or technical college.
Office of Educational Opportunity
The bill eliminates the OEO in the UW System. Under current law, the OEO
authorizes and monitors charter schools, and the OEO is managed by a director
appointed by the president of the UW System. After the effective date of the bill, the
former OEO's monitoring duties related to existing charter schools are transferred
to the chancellor of UW-Madison, but the chancellor may not authorize new charter
schools.
Investment of certain UW System moneys by the Investment Board
The bill allows the Board of Regents to designate UW System revenues and to
manage those designated revenues by directing the State of Wisconsin Investment
Board (SWIB) to invest these moneys according to investment policies established
by the Board of Regents.
