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SB 1056

Relating to: speech-language pathologist licenses issued by the Department of Public Instruction and modifying administrative rules promulgated by the Department of Public Instruction. (FE)

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Wimberger

The bill would tighten and revise DPI licensure rules for speech-language pathologists, updating credentials, rulemaking processes, and enforcement requirements.

Failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1
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Bill Summary · SB 1056

Summary of Wisconsin SB 1056 (2025 Session)

Overview

SB 1056 concerns speech-language pathologist licenses issued by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI) and the modification of DPI administrative rules related to those licenses. The bill is sponsored by Sen. Eric Wimberger and co-sponsored by Rep. Sortwell, Rep. Knodl, Rep. Melotik, and Rep. Steffen. The act title references licensure aspects and rule changes overseen by the DPI.

  • Status: Introduced 02/24/2026; referred to the Senate/Assembly education committees. Action history shows the bill failed to pass pursuant to Senate Joint Resolution 1 on 03/23/2026.
  • Fiscal note: A fiscal estimate was received on 03/18/2026.

Purpose and Intent

The bill aims to regulate and modify the licensure framework for speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in Wisconsin, specifically through DPI-issued licenses and DPI-adopted administrative rules. While the exact text of the provisions is not provided here, typical aims of such measures include tightening licensure requirements, updating credentialing standards, or altering rulemaking processes to reflect workforce needs, safety, or statewide education policy priorities.

Key Provisions (Inferred from Title and Context)

Because the specific statutory language is not included in the prompt, the following are common categories of provisions that such a bill may include. The summary reflects plausible components based on the bill title and related action:

  • Licensing Administration

    • Revisions to DPI authority over SLP licensure, including application, credential verification, and renewal processes.
    • Potential changes to licensure eligibility criteria (e.g., educational prerequisites, supervised practice requirements, examinations, or credentialing timelines).

  • Administrative Rules

    • Modifications to DPI administrative rules governing SLP licensure, including definitions, scope of practice, continuing education, and disciplinary procedures.
    • Updates to timelines, notification requirements, or processes for rulemaking and amendment of rules.

  • Compliance and Enforcement

    • Provisions related to compliance monitoring, penalties for unlicensed practice, or enforcement mechanisms.

  • Public Reporting and Data

    • Possible data collection or reporting requirements related to SLP licensure, such as workforce data or licensure-demographic information.

  • Effective Dates

    • Effective date(s) for any new licensure requirements or rule changes, and transitional provisions for current licensees.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Speech-Language Pathologists: Current and prospective licensees regulated by DPI would be directly affected by any changes to licensure requirements, renewals, and disciplinary procedures.
  • Educational Institutions and School Districts: Entities employing SLPs would be impacted by any updated licensure standards or compliance obligations.
  • DPI and State Agencies: DPI would administer and enforce the revised licensure framework and associated administrative rules.
  • General Public/Students: Indirectly affected, as changes to SLP licensure can influence the availability and qualifications of school-based speech-language pathology services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduction and Referral: The bill was introduced on February 24, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Education ( Wisconsin Legislature).
  • Fiscal Impact: A fiscal estimate was issued on March 18, 2026, indicating consideration of budgetary effects (costs or savings) associated with licensure/regulatory changes.
  • Action Outcome: The bill did not pass as of March 23, 2026, due to failure to enact under Senate Joint Resolution 1, which implies a procedural bottleneck or a broader legislative decision process that halted its progress.
  • Next Steps: If reintroduced or amended in future sessions, the bill would undergo standard legislative process, including committee hearings, potential amendments, floor votes, and reconciliation between Senate and Assembly measures.

Notes

  • The exact substantive changes (specific new or revised rules, fee changes, or eligibility criteria) cannot be stated without the bill text. The summary above reflects typical elements associated with licensure and DPI rule modifications for speech-language pathologists and notes the bill’s current legislative status as of the provided timeline.

If you’d like, I can locate the full bill text or the fiscal note to provide a more precise breakdown of each provision and any numerical details (fees, timelines, renewal intervals).

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

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