Wisconsin lawmakers have passed a new law that requires schools to promptly inform parents if their child is the victim of sexual misconduct on school grounds.
State Gov. Tony Evers signed the bill into law on Wednesday after it received bipartisan support in both chambers of the state legislature earlier this month. The measure, known as Act 112, takes effect in January 2026 and aims to strengthen communication between schools and families when serious incidents occur.
New Wisconsin Law
Under the new law, school administrators must notify a student's parents or guardians within 24 hours after learning the student may have been subjected to sexual misconduct by another student, a school employee, or a volunteer. The law applies to all public school districts, charter schools, and private institutions participating in state voucher programs, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Supporters of the measure say it closes a gap in school reporting requirements that previously left some parents unaware of incidents involving their children. Lawmakers cited several recent cases in Wisconsin in which parents discovered alleged misconduct only after students reported it weeks later or police became involved.
Representative Ellen Schutt (R-Clinton), who co-authored the bill, said in a statement that parents "deserve to know immediately when their child's safety has been compromised." She added that the measure would help ensure transparency and accountability across school systems.
Critics, however, expressed concern that the law could create conflicts with ongoing investigations or youth privacy laws if details are released too soon. Some school officials also warned that additional staffing or training may be needed to comply with the 24-hour reporting window. The Wisconsin Association of School Boards said it will work with the Department of Public Instruction to help schools implement the new guidelines.
Notifying Parents of Sexual Misconduct Issues
Governor Evers, a former educator and superintendent, said he supports the law's goal of improving parent-school communication but emphasized that implementation must protect the privacy and emotional well-being of students involved.
Similar legislation has emerged in several other states following high-profile misconduct cases that raised questions about schools' handling of sensitive incidents. States such as Texas and Florida have recently adopted comparable laws that require parental notification within strict time limits. Education policy experts say the trend reflects growing public pressure for transparency and accountability in schools nationwide, Kherkher Garcia reported.
Schools across Wisconsin are expected to receive official guidance from the Department of Public Instruction in the coming weeks detailing the new notification procedures, including how to document reports and share information with law enforcement when necessary. Training sessions for administrators and counselors are also expected before the law takes effect.
The law's sponsors say the policy sends a clear message: students' safety and parents' right to know are top priorities in Wisconsin classrooms, as per JSOnline.
