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SB 863

Relating to: an energy efficiency grant program for school districts, granting rule-making authority, and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 7 co-sponsors

Wisconsin would create a state-run energy efficiency grant program to fund retrofit projects in public K-12 districts, with rules and funding provided by appropriations.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 863

Summary of SB 863 (Wisconsin, 2025 Session)

Purpose

SB 863 relates to establishing an energy efficiency grant program for Wisconsin school districts, authorizing rule-making authority to implement the program, and making an appropriation to support it. The bill aims to incentivize and finance energy efficiency improvements in K-12 school facilities.

Key Provisions

  • Energy Efficiency Grant Program for School Districts

    • Creates a state-administered grant program targeted at improving energy efficiency in public school districts.
    • Grants are intended to fund projects that reduce energy consumption, lower utility costs, and improve building performance.

  • Rule-Making Authority

    • Grants the state Department (or another designated agency) authority to promulgate rules necessary to implement and administer the program.
    • Rules may cover application procedures, eligibility, funding priorities, reporting, measurement and verification of energy savings, and compliance requirements.

  • Appropriation

    • The bill includes an appropriation to fund the energy efficiency grants. Details on the funding amount, the source of funds, and whether the appropriation is annual or one-time are not specified in the provided information but are a core component of the bill.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries

    • Public K-12 school districts in Wisconsin that seek to improve energy efficiency in school facilities.
    • Students, staff, and the broader school communities could benefit from reduced energy costs, improved indoor environmental quality, and potential project-based learning opportunities.

  • State Agencies

    • The administering state department (likely the Department of Public Instruction or a similar agency) would manage grants, oversee compliance, and issue rules to operationalize the program.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Referral

    • Introduced January 23, 2026, by a bipartisan group of Senators.
    • Referred to the Senate Committee on Education for consideration.

  • Cosponsors

    • The bill has multiple cosponsors from both Senate and Assembly, indicating broad support across parties and districts (examples include Senators Carpenter, Smith, Hesselbein, Larson, and Representatives Joers, Andraca, Bare, Madison, and others).

  • Action History Highlights

    • Fiscal estimate received February 3, 2026, indicating an assessment of the financial impact.
    • By March 23, 2026, the bill did not advance and “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1,” indicating a procedural setback or a formal resolution to suspend or dispose of the measure.

  • Next Steps (If Reintroduced or Reconsidered)

    • If the bill is revived or reintroduced in a future session, it would likely undergo committee review (education committee), potential amendments, and floor consideration, followed by reconciliation between Senate and Assembly versions if applicable.

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Educational and Economic Impact

    • Could enable districts to undertake energy retrofit projects (lighting, HVAC, building envelope, controls, and related infrastructure) that lower operating costs and create healthier learning environments.
    • Potential job creation in green retrofits and related training for district staff.

  • Environmental Impact

    • Expected reduction in energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from participating districts, contributing to state climate and energy efficiency goals.

  • Fiscal Considerations

    • The effectiveness and reach of the program depend on the appropriations level, funding duration, and the efficiency of grant distribution.
    • Ongoing costs include administration, monitoring, and verification of savings to ensure program accountability.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to emphasize specific aspects (e.g., budget details, potential project examples, or implementation milestones) or compare SB 863 to similar energy efficiency programs in other states.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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