WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

AB 1078

Relating to: creating an innovation grant program for institutions of higher education and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Andrew Hysell and 6 co-sponsors

Creates a Wisconsin state innovation grant program to fund higher education initiatives and projects through allocated appropriations.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 1078

Summary of Assembly Bill 1078 (Session 2025, Wisconsin)

1) Purpose and Intent

  • AB 1078 relates to creating an innovation grant program for institutions of higher education and makes an appropriation to support that program.
  • The bill aims to foster innovation within higher education by providing targeted grant funding to colleges and universities in Wisconsin.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Establishment of an Innovation Grant Program: Creates a new grant program designed to support innovative initiatives at institutions of higher education in the state. While the exact design details are not fully enumerated in the summary materials, typical features would include competitive grants to advance research, program development, technology transfer, workforce-aligned projects, or other high-impact innovations in higher education.

  • Funding and Appropriation: The bill authorizes a state appropriation to fund the innovation grant program. The amount is not specified in the summary provided, but it is the basis for disbursing grant awards to qualifying institutions.

  • Administration and Oversight: As with most state grant programs, the bill would establish administrative responsibilities for overseeing the program, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, and reporting requirements. The exact agency and governance structure are not detailed in the available materials.

  • Eligible Recipients: Institutions of higher education in Wisconsin (likely including public universities, colleges, and possibly private institutions) would be eligible to apply for grant funds under the program. Specific eligibility rules (e.g., project types, matching funds, geographic considerations) would be defined in the full bill text.

  • Reporting and Evaluation: The program would presumably require progress and outcome reporting to the legislature or a designated oversight body to ensure accountability and measure impact. The precise metrics and reporting frequency are not specified in the provided summary.

3) Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary Beneficiaries: Wisconsin public and private institutions of higher education that compete for and receive innovation grants.
  • Secondary Beneficiaries: Students, faculty, and staff at participating institutions who would benefit from enhanced programs, research, technology transfer, and education initiatives; potentially local economies if funded projects have economic development or workforce implications.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: Introduced February 26, 2026; referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities.
  • Cosponsorship: The bill has multiple Senate and Assembly cosponsors, indicating cross-chamber support among some legislators.
  • Fiscal Estimate: A fiscal estimate was received on March 9, 2026, indicating an assessment of the bill’s potential revenue and expenditure impact.
  • Status Update: There is a history entry noting “Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1” on March 23, 2026, which suggests the bill failed to advance under a procedural route (SJR 1). This indicates the bill did not become law in its current form during the referenced session, though procedural statuses can be updated in subsequent sessions or amended versions.

5) Notable Context

  • Lobbying Activity: Some institutions (e.g., Carroll University; Concordia University, Inc.) are listed as having notifications or communications related to the bill, signaling engagement from higher education stakeholders.
  • Next Steps for Stakeholders: If stakeholders wish to pursue this policy again, they might consider revising the bill to address the reasons for its passage failure (per SJR 1) and aligning it with budgetary constraints and legislative priorities in the next session.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on particular stakeholders (e.g., university administrators, faculty researchers, or students) or extract potential fiscal implications once the full fiscal estimate text is available.

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

Sign in to ask a question.