Relating to: grants for emergency notification systems that are accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils and making an appropriation. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Sarah Keyeski and 2 co-sponsors

Wisconsin SB 1142 creates grants (up to a district’s actual costs) to help K-12 districts install or upgrade emergency notification systems accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing s

Fiscal estimate received

Purpose and Intent

SB 1142 proposes creating a grant program administered by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) to support school districts in installing or upgrading emergency notification systems that are accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils.

The bill also establishes a new statute and designates funding to finance these grants.

Key Provisions

New Statutes Created

Section 20.255 (2) (bj): Emergency notification systems grants

Establishes a grant program funded from the General Purpose Revenue (GPR) to assist school districts.
Authorized appropriation: $1,000,000 annually for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Grants must be used for installing an emergency notification system accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils, or upgrading an existing system to achieve accessibility.
DPI may not award a grant in an amount exceeding the district’s actual expenditures on installation or upgrade.

Section 115.374: Grants for emergency notification systems for deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils

Creates the grant program details and operational framework.
Confirms grant amounts are limited to the expenditures incurred by the district for installation or upgrade.

Administrative and Funding Details

Source of Funding: General Purpose Revenue (GPR).

Funding Level: $1,000,000 per year (two-year appropriation), specifically for 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Recipient Eligibility: Wisconsin school districts (the bill specifies grants to districts) that install or upgrade emergency notification systems to be accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils.

Grant Cap: The grant cannot exceed the district’s documented expenditure for installing or upgrading the emergency notification system.

Who Is Affected

Primary Beneficiaries: Wisconsin school districts that either install new emergency notification systems or upgrade existing systems to be accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing students.

Indirect Beneficiaries: Deaf and hard-of-hearing pupils who would gain access to more effective, accessible emergency alerts.

State Agencies: Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) would administer the grant program, process applications, and disburse funds.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Introduction/Referral: Bill introduced March 19, 2026; referred to the Senate Education Committee.

Funding Timeline: Annual appropriation of $1,000,000 GPR, effective for fiscal years 2025-26 and 2026-27.

Legislative Text Updates: Creates new statutory sections (20.255 (2) (bj) and 115.374) to codify the grant program and eligibility parameters.

Fiscal Note: DPI notes potential state expenditure increases of up to $1,000,000 GPR annually, contingent on district participation and grant awards. Local fiscal impact could include increased revenue for districts that successfully apply for and receive a grant.

Summary of Impact

Establishes a targeted funding mechanism to improve emergency communication accessibility for students who are deaf or hard-of-hearing.

Encourages districts to invest in accessible notification technology by tying grant amounts to actual project costs.

Provides a defined funding stream for two fiscal years, with DPI oversight and administration.

If you’d like, I can add a brief comparison to similar existing programs or outline potential implementation considerations for districts and educators.

Bill