New law requires Wisconsin schools to notify parents of reported sexual offenses

Wisconsin schools are now required to contact a student’s parent or guardian if they are a victim or target of a sexual offense while at school. 

Gov. Tony Evers signed the new requirement into law this week. The Republican-authored measure also requires public, private and charter schools to give parents access to records regarding school employee discipline.

There had previously been no specific timeline when a school or school board had to notify parents if an incident took place at a school. 

Now, parents have to be notified no later than the end of the day that the school receives a report, or by noon the following day if the report is received after school hours. 

“Timely notification is essential to ensuring that this despicable behavior is stopped quickly and that the child receives the support they need,” said state Rep. Benjamin Franklin, R-De Pere, during testimony for the bill. 

Franklin, who cosponsored the bill, said young victims of sexual misconduct often suffer lifelong impacts to their mental and emotional health. 

“If a school delays notifying parents, it may be considered deliberately indifferent,” Franklin said. “This bill does not create a new requirement;
it simply clarifies and establishes a specific, enforceable timeline.”

Evers said the new law will strengthen transparency and bolster accountability. 

“Doing everything we can to keep our kids safe at school, at home, and in our communities is a top priority for me, as well as our schools and education professionals, who are frontlines of doing what’s best for our kids every day,” Evers said in a statement after signing the bill into law. 

A law Evers signed last year criminalized sexual misconduct by a school staff member or volunteer against a student. The law he signed this week adds the notification requirement. 

During a public hearing for the bill, the Wisconsin Chiefs of Police Association testified in support, saying both laws protect the most vulnerable. 

“Our association constantly looks for ways to enhance public safety,” the Police Association testified. “Unfortunately, these proposals are necessary, and we should continue to look for ways to protect communities.”