Several bills were released by state lawmakers this week, including a proposal that would cover gender identity and expression across state law.
The proposed bill would impact school spaces, like locker rooms and gyms.
While this proposal could drastically affect several of our member schools, it’s unlikely that it will pass because of the Legislature’s traditionally-minded majority.
Anti-Choice Bills
Parental choice opponents also introduced a package of bills targeting the state’s three school choice programs and the Special Needs Scholarship Program (SNSP). The package includes classic attempts at limiting the programs, such as requiring teacher licensure, enrollment caps, voucher amounts to be listed on property tax bills and more.
A separate package of education-related bills, named “Whole Child, Whole School,” also included a proposal that would expand the definition and application of new anti-discrimination laws specifically to choice schools, making choice schools subject to the same new anti-discrimination requirements as public and charter schools. This bill is different than the one mentioned above as it intentionally references choice schools.
While these proposed bills seem threatening, they’re likely non-starters, again because of the Legislature’s current makeup.
Both chambers of the Legislature have a choice-friendly majority so any movement on the bills is highly unlikely, even if the governor would sign them. You can expect these lawmakers to stop this series of bills just as they opposed efforts to include choice schools in the DPI’s financial database.
You may what to consider this when you hear coverage about these efforts. But, sometimes lawmakers pass bills that have unintended consequences.
While political powers can shift over time, it’ll likely take several elections to flip the majority that historically protects and promotes school choice.
The influx in anti-choice and private school bills show the importance of having WCRIS’ sharp eye on the activities of the Legislature with the knowledge of our members’ unique missions and values. Our work and the work of our allies ensures that you can focus on your school’s operation while we monitor legislative developments.
WCRIS is only sharing these updates so you’re aware of them as you encounter them in the media. We’ll alert you if or when your action is absolutely necessary. In the meantime, it’s more important than ever to invite friendly legislators to visit your school – ask them to teach a civics class, educate them about the burden of regulation and emphasize your religious mission.
