January 2, 2024 - Introduced by Representatives Sortwell, Armstrong, Behnke, Donovan, Goeben, Melotik, Mursau, Steffen and Edming, cosponsored by Senator Ballweg. Referred to Committee on Education.
AB873,,22An Act to create 20.255 (3) (cm) and 115.421 of the statutes; relating to: reimbursing teachers for classroom supplies, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. AB873,,33Analysis by the Legislative Reference Bureau This bill requires the Department of Public Instruction, beginning in the 2025-26 school year, to annually reimburse individuals who teach full-time in public schools or private schools for up to $250 in eligible supplies, as determined by DPI by rule, that the individual purchased to use in a classroom during the school year. Under the bill, to be reimbursed for eligible supplies, a teacher must submit to DPI a receipt signed by the teacher and the principal of the school where the teacher teaches full-time. The bill authorizes DPI to audit reimbursements made under the bill.
For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AB873,,44The people of the state of Wisconsin, represented in senate and assembly, do enact as follows: AB873,15Section 1. 20.255 (3) (cm) of the statutes is created to read: AB873,,6620.255 (3) (cm) Classroom supplies; reimbursements. A sum sufficient to make payments to teachers under s. 115.421. AB873,27Section 2. 115.421 of the statutes is created to read: AB873,,88115.421 Classroom supplies; reimbursements. (1) In this section, “teacher” means an individual who teaches full-time in a public school, including a charter school established under s. 118.40 (2r) or (2x), or a private school. “Teacher” does not include a paraprofessional, substitute teacher, or administrator. AB873,,99(2) Annually, from the appropriation under s. 20.255 (3) (cm), beginning in the 2025-26 school year, the department shall reimburse a teacher for eligible supplies, as determined by the department by rule, that the teacher purchased for use in the classroom during the school year. Eligible supplies do not include curricula or electronic devices. The department may not reimburse a teacher for more than $250 for any school year. AB873,,1010(3) To receive a reimbursement under sub. (2), a teacher shall submit to the department a receipt for the eligible supply that is signed by the teacher and the principal of the school at which the teacher teaches full-time. AB873,,1111(4) The department may audit payments made to reimbursement recipients under this section, as the department determines to be necessary. AB873,,1212(5) The department may promulgate rules to implement and administer this section. AB873,313Section 3. Effective date. AB873,,1414(1) This act takes effect on July 15, 2025.
