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AB 946

Relating to: implementing a behavioral health prevention pilot program and making an appropriation.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Dave Armstrong and 4 co-sponsors

Wisconsin AB 946 creates a statewide Behavioral Health Prevention Pilot Program with a dedicated appropriation to test and evaluate early prevention efforts.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · AB 946

Summary: Assembly Bill 946 (Session 2025, Wisconsin) – Behavioral Health Prevention Pilot Program

1) Purpose and Intent

  • AB 946 relates to implementing a behavioral health prevention pilot program and making an appropriation.
  • The bill appears to establish a targeted pilot initiative aimed at preventing behavioral health issues, with funding to support its operation and evaluation.
  • The legislative history indicates preparation for executive consideration and committee action, with a try to move through Senate/Rules pathways.

2) Key Provisions and Changes (Substantive Content)

  • Establishment of a Behavioral Health Prevention Pilot Program:
    • The bill creates a pilot program focused on prevention strategies for behavioral health concerns. While the exact activities are not detailed in the provided information, typical pilots in this area include data collection, prevention programming (e.g., school/community-based initiatives), and coordination among providers.
  • Appropriation:
    • The bill provides funding (an appropriation) to support the pilot program. The specific dollar amount, appropriation type (general purpose, restricted, grant-based), and funding period are not listed in the provided summary, but it is included as a necessary component to implement the pilot.
  • Implementation and Oversight:
    • As a pilot, the program would likely have defined parameters for duration, participating agencies or districts, performance metrics, and reporting requirements to the legislature.
    • Oversight may involve collaboration with state health or human services agencies, behavioral health authorities, or education departments, consistent with Wisconsin practice for pilot programs.

3) Who or What is Affected

  • Geographic Scope: Statewide Wisconsin, with potential pilot sites designated by the bill or by administrative rule.
  • Population: Individuals or communities at risk for behavioral health issues, which may include youth in schools, families, and potentially at-risk communities, depending on the pilot design.
  • Stakeholders:
    • State agencies (e.g., health services, mental health, education) that would administer or oversee the program.
    • Local entities (school districts, counties) participating in the pilot.
    • Behavioral health practitioners and organizations that would implement prevention activities.
    • Advocates and patient/consumer organizations (e.g., mental health associations) interested in prevention and early intervention.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral:
    • Introduced January 28, 2026.
    • Referred to the Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention.
  • Public Process:
    • Public hearing held January 28, 2026.
    • The committee reported the bill favorably on February 10, 2026 (Mental Health and Substance Abuse Prevention) with a vote of 7 ayes, 2 noes.
    • Referred to the Rules committee on February 10, 2026.
  • Legislative Action Notes:
    • The action history indicates an attempt to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on March 23, 2026 (though the final disposition is not shown in the provided notes).
  • Sponsorship:
    • Primary sponsors: Representatives Franklin, Armstrong, Donovan, Mursau, Novak.
    • Co-sponsors: Senators James and Wanggaard.
    • Additional co-sponsors include Ben Franklin, Dave Armstrong, Jeff Mursau, Bob Donovan, and Todd Novak.

5) Practical Considerations and Potential Impacts

  • Policy Impact:
    • The pilot could inform broader behavioral health prevention strategies if proven effective, potentially guiding future state policy and funding allocations.
  • Fiscal Impact:
    • A dedicated appropriation is required; stakeholders will want to know the size of the funding, source, and whether funds are recurring or one-time.
  • Evaluation and Accountability:
    • Pilot programs typically require performance metrics, interim and final evaluations, and reporting to the Legislature to assess outcomes and scalability.
  • Equity and Access:
    • Depending on design, the pilot may address disparities in access to prevention resources and early intervention services.

6) Notes for Readers

  • The provided material does not include the exact text of provisions, the appropriation amount, or the specific activities authorized under the pilot. For precise language, funding amounts, authorized programs, and evaluation criteria, consult the bill’s full text and fiscal notes from the Wisconsin Legislature or the Bill Status system.

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

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