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AB 818

Relating to: demonstration charter school operators. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Barbara Dittrich and 4 co-sponsors

The bill creates and regulates demonstration charter school operators to govern, fund, and oversee schools they operate.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 818

Summary of Wisconsin Assembly Bill 818 (AB 818) – Session 2025

1) Purpose and Intent

  • AB 818 relates to “demonstration charter school operators.” The bill appears to authorize or regulate entities that operate demonstration charter schools, a subset of charter schools intended to serve as experimental or pilot platforms for education models. The precise language of the bill would define the role, oversight, and scope of these demonstration operators within Wisconsin’s charter school framework.

2) Key Provisions and Changes (as implied by the title and context)

  • Establishes or clarifies rules for entities designated as demonstration charter school operators.
  • Likely sets criteria for qualification as a demonstration operator (e.g., governance, financial accountability, educational goals, oversight mechanisms).
  • May outline reporting and accountability requirements to the state or authorizing bodies.
  • Could specify the process for authorizing, renewing, or terminating a demonstration charter operator’s status.
  • May address funding, budgeting, and fiscal oversight specific to demonstration operators, including how funds are allocated to charter schools operated under the demonstration framework.
  • Potentially includes safeguards for student welfare, civil rights compliance, and educational outcomes.

Note: The exact substantive provisions (e.g., definitions, standards, timelines, and enforcement) would be detailed in the bill text. The summary above reflects typical elements associated with “demonstration charter school operators” and the bill’s title.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Demonstration charter school operators: Entities that would be authorized to operate charter schools under the demonstration model.
  • Charter schools and their students: Schools run by these operators would be governed by the new framework, affecting school operations, governance, and accountability.
  • Local school districts and authorizers: May experience changes in oversight, contract terms, and reporting requirements for demonstration operators.
  • Educators and families: Potentially impacted through new governance structures, funding flows, and performance expectations tied to demonstration charters.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Sponsorship:
    • Introduced by Representatives Wittke, Stubbs, Dittrich, Murphy and O’Connor; cosponsored by Senators Cabral-Guevara and Testin.
    • Co-sponsors include Barbara Dittrich, Dave Murphy, Jerry O’Connor, Shelia Stubbs, and Bob Wittke.
  • Legislative Progress:
    • Read first time and referred to the Committee on Colleges and Universities (dated January 6, 2026).
    • Public hearing held on January 28, 2026.
    • Fiscal estimates received (January 26, 2026; January 28, 2026).
    • The bill progressed to a committee vote, with executive action taken on February 10, 2026 (Report passage recommended by the Committee on Colleges and Universities, Ayes 6, Noes 5) and referred to Rules.
    • Action history indicates subsequent movement toward potential floor action or adoption, with an earlier note showing an attempt to pass under a Senate Joint Resolution (SJR 1) on March 23, 2026, which failed to pass pursuant to that resolution.
  • Stakeholder Involvement:
    • Notable lobbying activity includes support from One City Schools, Inc.; Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities; Wisconsin Council of Religious and Independent Schools; and opposition or concerns from the Wisconsin Education Association Council.
    • Reported lobbying activity spans 2025–2026, with documented hours of effort.

5) Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Educational Innovation: By formalizing demonstration charter operators, Wisconsin could advance experimental approaches in charter schooling, scalability, and accountability frameworks.
  • Oversight and Accountability: The bill would shape governance, financial transparency, and performance measurement for these operators.
  • Equity and Access: Depending on provisions, there could be implications for student access, special education services, and nonpublic school partnerships within the demonstration framework.
  • Fiscal Implications: Funding structures and grant/operating budgets tied to demonstration operators would be defined, influencing district and operator financial planning.

6) Next Steps for Readers

  • Review the full bill text for precise definitions, criteria, and requirements.
  • Monitor committee actions (Colleges and Universities, then Rules) and any floor votes.
  • Consider fiscal notes and impact statements released by the Legislative Fiscal Bureau for cost implications.
  • Note stakeholder positions and amendments as the bill progresses.

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

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