Pupil Access to Harmful Materials in Library Databases Bill Introduced in Wisconsin

Senator Andre Jacque (R-De Pere) and Representative Paul Tittl (R-Manitowoc) have introduced Senate Bill 10, which requires public libraries and schools to take steps to limit student access to harmful materials in library databases. It would also require schools to notify parents about classroom materials that may be offensive. 

In a memo to legislative colleagues, the bill authors argue that the legislation is needed because "children are being exposed to sexually explicit and psychologically damaging material through library databases via innocent books searches."

The bill requires public libraries and schools to do one of the following:

1. Equip each computer to which a pupil or minor has access with software

that will limit the pupil's or minor's ability to gain access to harmful material.

2.  Purchase Internet connectivity for each computer to which a pupil or minor

has access from an Internet service provider that provides filter services to limit

access to harmful material.

3. Develop and implement by January 1, 2024, a policy that establishes

measures to restrict pupils and minors from gaining computer access to harmful

material.

Governor Evers to Propose $50,000 in Funding for School Library Interns in State Budget

Governor Evers delivered his fifth State of the State address on Tuesday evening before a joint session of the Legislature. You can read a copy of the address here or watch it here. 

During the address, Evers highlighted the following initiatives he plans to undertake in his 2023-25 state budget, which will be released on February 15, 2023. Included in his priorities related to workforce, is a $50,000 proposal to provide stipends to school library interns.

Full initiatives of interest to WEMTA can be found below.

Education and Student Mental Health 

• Historic investments in education, including $20 million for literacy-related programming

• $50,000 for stipends for school library interns

• Making it easier for schools to hire retired teachers and staff 

• $9.4 million for stipends for student teachers and interns  

• $5 million for "grow your own" initiatives to recruit teachers

• $2 million to provide stipends for teachers who oversee student teachers or interns

• $270 million for student mental health