Relating to: a grant program to support parent and guardian volunteer programs in schools, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jesse James and 1 co-sponsor

SB 834 would create a state-funded grant program to support parent and guardian volunteer initiatives in Wisconsin schools.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1

Purpose and intent

SB 834 proposes the creation of a grant program to support parent and guardian volunteer programs in Wisconsin schools. The bill seeks to encourage and facilitate parental and guardian involvement in school activities by providing funding through a dedicated grant program. It also authorizes rule-making authority and includes an appropriation to fund the program.

Key provisions and changes

Grant program establishment: Creates a state-funded grant program designed to support parent and guardian volunteer initiatives within public and potentially nonpublic schools (the bill text would specify eligible schools; the summary reflects the general aim to support school volunteer programs led or assisted by parents/guardians).

Grant administration and requirements: Likely outlines eligibility criteria for schools or parent organizations to apply, allowable uses of grant funds, reporting requirements, and performance metrics. The exact criteria would be detailed in the statute or administrative rules.

Rule-making authority: Grants broad authority to the administering agency (typically a state education department or similar entity) to promulgate rules necessary to implement the program, including application procedures, grant durations, and compliance standards.

Appropriation: Includes an appropriation to fund the program. The specific dollar amount and funding source (e.g., general fund) would be specified in the bill text.

Timeline and implementation: Establishes timelines for when funds would be available, application windows, and grant periods. The bill would set a schedule for rule adoption and program rollout following enactment.

Who would be affected

Schools and school districts: Potential recipients of grants to support volunteer activities led by parents/guardians.

Parents and guardians: Beneficiaries who would have more opportunities to participate in school life through funded volunteer programs.

Education agencies: State or local education departments responsible for administering the grant program, monitoring compliance, and issuing rules.

Students: Indirectly affected via increased parent engagement in school activities and potential enhancements to school climate and community involvement.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Introduced and referred: Introduced January 15, 2026; referred to the Committee on Education.

Cosponsors: Senator James and Senator LaTonya Johnson; additional cosponsors from the House (Republican and Democratic members listed).

Fiscal considerations: A fiscal estimate was received on January 26, 2026, indicating first-stage assessment of budget impact.

Status as of latest action: The bill did not advance and “failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on March 23, 2026, indicating a procedural Disposition or a concurrent resolution may have blocked final passage during that session.

Additional notes

The bill’s success depends on securing the appropriation and the administrative rule framework to implement the program.

Without enactment, there would be no new grants or mandated rule changes.

If reintroduced, future versions may modify eligibility, funding level, or administration details.

If you’d like, I can pull the specific text of SB 834 to provide exact language on eligibility, grant amounts, and administrative rules.

Bill