Petitions and Communications
State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
March 22, 2024
The Honorable, the Senate:
The following bill(s), originating in the Senate, have been approved, signed and deposited in the office of the Secretary of State:
Bill Number Act Number Date Approved
Sincerely,
TONY EVERS
Governor
Pursuant to s. 35.095 (1)(b), Wisconsin Statutes, the following 2023 Act(s) have been published: Act Number Bill Number Publication Date
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State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
March 21, 2024
The Honorable, the Senate:
hist194592I am vetoing Senate Bill 549 in its entirety. Beginning in the 2024-25 school year, this bill requires the principal of a public school or independent charter school to schedule at least one date and time (which may be noninstructional time) at the start of the school year upon request of a federally chartered youth membership organization to allow the organization to visit the school and encourage students to join the organization.
I am vetoing this bill in its entirety because I object to undermining local decision-making regarding whether organizations may visit school buildings to recruit students for membership. I have long supported the important work of youth organizations designed to promote civic participation, good citizenry, and lifelong skills of respect, leadership, and service. However, I cannot support legislation that strips locally elected school board officials, administrators, and school principals of existing decision-making authority to determine permissible entry to school grounds during the instructional day or after.
Additionally, this bill may conflict with existing federal law. The 1984 Equal Access Act requires a federally funded public secondary school that permits at least one noncurriculum-related student group to meet on school premises during noninstructional time to provide equal access to all student organizations, regardless of viewpoint, philosophy, or speech. A state mandate requiring access to schools for a small, specific list of organizations may run afoul of the right of other groups to such a limited open forum, leaving school district board members, administrators, and principals vulnerable to potential litigation.
Respectfully submitted,
TONY EVERS
Governor
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State of Wisconsin
Office of the Governor
March 21, 2024
The Honorable, the Senate:
