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Bill

SB 1081

Relating to: prohibiting vaping on public and private school property.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tim Carpenter and 5 co-sponsors

Wisconsin SB 1081 would ban vaping on all school property and events, applying to all users and requiring school enforcement and a defined timeline.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 1081

Summary of SB 1081 (Wisconsin, 2025 Session)

Overall purpose

SB 1081 would prohibit vaping on school property, covering both public and private school settings. The bill aims to reduce youth exposure to vaping and create a consistent standard for vaping restrictions on school grounds.

Key provisions and changes

  • Prohibition scope: The bill would establish a statewide ban on vaping on property owned, leased, or controlled by schools, including:
    • On-school-site outdoor areas (e.g., courtyards, playgrounds, athletic fields) and indoor facilities
    • Any school-related events or activities held on school property
  • Definition alignment: The bill would define “vaping” to include the use of electronic devices or products designed to deliver vapor, aerosol, or other substances, irrespective of nicotine content.
  • Exemption considerations: The text consulted for similar bills typically excludes vaping in some private residences on campus or in certain medical contexts; if SB 1081 follows common patterns, exemptions may include areas not under school control or activities with prior authorization, though explicit exemptions would be stated in the bill.
  • Enforcement and penalties: The bill would specify enforcement mechanisms (likely by school administration or local law enforcement) and potential consequences for violations (e.g., disciplinary actions for students, possible fines or penalties for non-students). Exact penalties would be enumerated in the statute.
  • Compliance timeline: The bill would set an effective date or phased timeline to implement the prohibition, allowing schools time to inform students, staff, and parents and to adjust policies.

Affected parties and entities

  • Primary affect: Students, staff, and visitors on K-12 school properties in Wisconsin.
  • Schools and districts: Public and private schools would need to revise and enforce vaping policies to align with the new prohibition.
  • Law enforcement and school administrators: Responsible for enforcement, reporting, and handling violations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral: SB 1081 was introduced on February 27, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Education.
  • Sponsorship: The measure has multiple co-sponsors from both Senate and House levels (Senators Carpenter, Larson, Ratcliff, Roys, Spreitzer, Wanggaard; Representatives Sheehan, Billings, Arney, Emerson, Joers, Melotik, Miresse, Sinicki, Subeck; with added co-sponsors in March 2026 including Anderson, Palmeri, and J. Jacobson).
  • Action history: The bill failed to pass as of March 23, 2026, pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1. This indicates that the bill did not advance through the legislative process by that date, potentially signaling a stalled status or a path involving a joint resolution to override a veto or call for a special procedure.

Potential impact

  • Public health and youth protection: By restricting vaping on school grounds, the bill could reduce youth exposure to vaping products and associated nicotine consumption within school environments.
  • Policy uniformity: Creates a uniform standard across public and private schools in Wisconsin regarding on-site vaping.
  • Operational considerations for schools: Schools would need to update codes of conduct, train staff, communicate policy changes to families, and establish consistent enforcement procedures.
  • Enforcement considerations: Clear penalties and reporting requirements would be necessary to ensure compliance and deter violations.

If you would like, I can compare SB 1081 to existing Wisconsin vaping or school-prohibition policies, or outline potential legislative paths for moving the bill forward (e.g., amendments, amendments to the title, or a path via a joint resolution).

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

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