Assembly Bill 602
Accrediting entities for private schools participating in a parental choice program or the Special Needs Scholarship program
Became law
The governor signed it on Mar 31, 2016. It's .
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Introduced, passed
Dec 14, 2015
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Committee, passed
Approved
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Assembly vote, passed
Passed Feb 16, 2016
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Senate vote, passed
Passed 19 to 13
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Governor, passed
Signed
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Law, here now
2015 Wisconsin Act 297
Latest entry in the official record, Mar 31, 2016: “Published 3-31-2016”
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Terms on this page
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act. More in the glossary
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis. More in the glossary
Author
A lawmaker who formally puts a bill forward. The text itself is drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Official term: Author, coauthor. More in the glossary
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor. More in the glossary
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote. More in the glossary
What it does
Summary by the , the Legislature's nonpartisan drafting office. It's their wording, not ours.
This bill adds Christian Schools International to the list of entities that are accrediting agencies and preaccrediting agencies for purposes of the Milwaukee Parental Choice Program, the Racine Parental Choice Program, and the statewide parental choice program (collectively, "choice programs"). This bill also adds Christian Schools International to the list of entities from which accreditation may qualify a private school to participate in the Special Needs Scholarship program.
Under current law, the following are accrediting agencies under the choice programs:
Read the full summary Show less
1. Wisconsin North Central Association.
2. Wisconsin Religious and Independent Schools Accreditation.
3. Independent Schools Association of the Central States.
4. Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod School Accreditation.
5. National Lutheran School Accreditation.
6. Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools.
7. The diocese or archdiocese within which a private school is located.
8. Any other organization recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
Under current law, the list of preaccrediting agencies for choice programs is the same as the list of accrediting agencies for choice programs except that the list of preaccrediting agencies also includes the Institute for the Transformation of Learning at Marquette University and does not include a category for any other organization recognized by the National Council for Private School Accreditation.
Additionally, under current law, the list of entities from which accreditation may qualify a private school to participate in the Special Needs Scholarship program is the same as the list of accrediting agencies for choice programs except that the Special Needs Scholarship program list does not include Wisconsin Association of Christian Schools.
Who's behind it
13 lawmakers are its . All 13 are Republicans.
6 more lawmakers .
See all 19 names Hide the names
Authors (13)
- Alvin Ott · Republican, Assembly
- Kathleen Bernier · Republican, Senate
- Janel Brandtjen · Republican, Assembly
- Rob Hutton · Republican, Senate
- Terry Katsma · Republican, Assembly
- Dan Knodl · Republican, Assembly
- Dean Knudson · Republican, Assembly
- Dale Kooyenga · Republican, Senate
- Jesse Kremer · Republican, Assembly
- Dave Murphy · Republican, Assembly
- Michael Schraa · Republican, Assembly
- Jeremy Thiesfeldt · Republican, Assembly
- Tyler Vorpagel · Republican, Assembly
Signed on in support (6)
- Alberta Darling · Republican, Senate
- Chris Kapenga · Republican, Senate
- Devin LeMahieu · Republican, Senate
- Steve Nass · Republican, Senate
- Duey Stroebel · Republican, Senate
- Leah Vukmir · Republican, Senate
Versions and amendments
Every text the Legislature printed for this bill, including proposed changes. Each opens on the Legislature's site.
How lawmakers voted
There were 6 votes on this bill.
Assembly Committee on Education vote on an amendment
Passed, 11 to 5 · Jan 15, 2016
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Education, Ayes 11, Noes 5”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly Committee on Education vote to recommend it
Passed, 11 to 5 · Jan 15, 2016
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Education, Ayes 11, Noes 5”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly vote on an amendment
Passed, 63 to 35 · Feb 16, 2016
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Assembly Amendment 2 laid on table, Ayes 63, Noes 35”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Assembly vote to pass it
Passed, 63 to 35 · Feb 16, 2016 · 1 didn't vote
See how each of the 99 representatives voted Hide the names
D: Democrat, R: Republican
Yes (63)
- Adam Jarchow (R, 28)
- Adam Neylon (R, 15)
- Alvin Ott (R, 3)
- Amy Loudenbeck (R, 31)
- André Jacque (R, 1)
- Bob Gannon (R, 58)
- Bob Kulp (R, 69)
- Cindi Duchow (R, 97)
- Cody Horlacher (R, 33)
- Dale Kooyenga (R, 5)
- Dan Knodl (R, 24)
- Dave Murphy (R, 56)
- David Craig (R, 28)
- David Heaton (R, 85)
- David Steffen (R, 4)
- Dean Knudson (R, 30)
- Edward Brooks (R, 50)
- Gary Tauchen (R, 6)
- James Edming (R, 87)
- Janel Brandtjen (R, 22)
- Jeff Mursau (R, 36)
- Jeremy Thiesfeldt (R, 52)
- Jesse Kremer (R, 59)
- Jessie Rodriguez (R, 21)
- Jim Ott (R, 23)
- Jim Steineke (R, 5)
- Joan Ballweg (R, 14)
- Joe Sanfelippo (R, 15)
- Joel Kitchens (R, 1)
- Joel Kleefisch (R, 38)
- John Jagler (R, 13)
- John Macco (R, 88)
- John Murtha (R, 29)
- John Nygren (R, 89)
- John Spiros (R, 86)
- Kathleen Bernier (R, 23)
- Keith Ripp (R, 42)
- Ken Skowronski (R, 82)
- Kevin Petersen (R, 57)
- Lee Nerison (R, 96)
- Mark Born (R, 37)
- Mary Czaja (R, 35)
- Michael Schraa (R, 53)
- Mike Kuglitsch (R, 84)
- Mike Rohrkaste (R, 55)
- Nancy VanderMeer (R, 70)
- Paul Tittl (R, 25)
- Rob Brooks (R, 59)
- Rob Hutton (R, 5)
- Rob Swearingen (R, 34)
- Robin Vos (R, 33)
- Romaine Quinn (R, 25)
- Samantha Kerkman (R, 61)
- Scott Allen (R, 82)
- Scott Krug (R, 72)
- Terry Katsma (R, 26)
- Thomas Larson (R, 67)
- Thomas Weatherston (R, 62)
- Todd Novak (R, 51)
- Travis Tranel (R, 49)
- Tyler August (R, 31)
- Tyler Vorpagel (R, 27)
- Warren Petryk (R, 93)
No (35)
- Amanda Stuck (D, 57)
- Andy Jorgensen (D, 43)
- Beth Meyers (D, 74)
- Chris Danou (D, 92)
- Chris Taylor (D, 76)
- Christine Sinicki (D, 20)
- Cory Mason (D, 66)
- Dana Wachs (D, 91)
- Dave Considine (D, 81)
- David Bowen (D, 10)
- Debra Kolste (D, 44)
- Dianne Hesselbein (D, 27)
- Eric Genrich (D, 90)
- Evan Goyke (D, 18)
- Frederick Kessler (D, 12)
- Gary Hebl (D, 46)
- Gordon Hintz (D, 54)
- Jill Billings (D, 95)
- JoCasta Zamarripa (D, 8)
- Jonathan Brostoff (D, 19)
- Josh Zepnick (D, 9)
- Katrina Shankland (D, 71)
- LaTonya Johnson (D, 6)
- Leon Young (D, 16)
- Lisa Subeck (D, 79)
- Mandela Barnes (D, 11)
- Mark Spreitzer (D, 15)
- Melissa Sargent (D, 48)
- Nick Milroy (D, 73)
- Peter Barca (D, 64)
- Robb Kahl (D, 47)
- Sondy Pope (D, 80)
- Steve Doyle (D, 94)
- Terese Berceau (D, 77)
- Tod Ohnstad (D, 65)
Didn't vote (1)
- Daniel Riemer (D, 7)
Official motion: “Read a third time and passed, Ayes 63, Noes 35”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Senate vote
Passed, 3 to 2 · Mar 14, 2016
No member-by-member record exists for this vote. Committee votes and some older sessions record totals only.
Official motion: “Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2”. Official record · This vote on its own page
Senate vote to pass it
Passed, 19 to 13 · Mar 15, 2016 · 1 didn't vote
See how each of the 33 senators voted Hide the names
D: Democrat, R: Republican
Yes (19)
- Alberta Darling (R, 8)
- Chris Kapenga (R, 33)
- Devin LeMahieu (R, 9)
- Duey Stroebel (R, 20)
- Frank G. Lasee (R, 1)
- Howard Marklein (R, 17)
- Jerry Petrowski (R, 29)
- Leah Vukmir (R, 5)
- Luther S. Olsen (R, 14)
- Mary Lazich (R, 28)
- Richard Gudex (R, 18)
- Rob Cowles (R, 2)
- Roger Roth (R, 19)
- Scott L. Fitzgerald (R, 13)
- Sheila Harsdorf (R, 10)
- Steve Nass (R, 11)
- Terry Moulton (R, 23)
- Thomas Tiffany (R, 12)
- Van Wanggaard (R, 21)
No (13)
- Bob Wirch (D, 22)
- Chris Larson (D, 7)
- Dave Hansen (D, 30)
- Fred A. Risser (D, 26)
- Janis Ringhand (D, 15)
- Jennifer Shilling (D, 32)
- Jon Erpenbach (D, 27)
- Julie M. Lassa (D, 24)
- Kathleen Vinehout (D, 31)
- Lena Taylor (D, 4)
- Mark Miller (D, 16)
- Nikiya Harris Dodd (D, 6)
- Tim Carpenter (D, 3)
Didn't vote (1)
- Janet Bewley (D, 25)
Official motion: “Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 19, Noes 13”. Official record · This vote on its own page
What happened
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Mar 31, 2016
The new law was published.
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Mar 31, 2016
The governor signed it. It became 2015 Wisconsin Act 297.
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Mar 29, 2016
Sent to the governor.
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Mar 15, 2016
The Senate passed it too, 19 to 13.
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Mar 14, 2016
“Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2” (the official wording)
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Feb 17, 2016
Sent to the Senate Committee on Senate Organization.
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Feb 17, 2016
The Senate received it.
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Feb 16, 2016
The Assembly passed it, 63 to 35.
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Feb 16, 2016
The Assembly adopted it.
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Jan 15, 2016
Sent to the Assembly Committee on Rules.
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Jan 15, 2016
The committee voted to recommend passing it, 11 to 5.
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Dec 17, 2015
The committee held a public hearing.
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Dec 14, 2015
Sent to the Assembly Committee on Education.
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Dec 14, 2015
Introduced in the Assembly.
See the official record, word for word Hide the official record
- Dec 14, 2015 · Assembly
Introduced by Representatives Katsma, Schraa, Thiesfeldt, Kremer, Kooyenga, Vorpagel, A. Ott, Knudson, Murphy, Knodl, Brandtjen, Hutton and Bernier; cosponsored by Senators Kapenga, Vukmir, LeMahieu, Stroebel, Darling and Nass
- Dec 14, 2015 · Assembly
Read first time and referred to Committee on Education
- Dec 17, 2015 · Assembly
Public hearing held
- Jan 6, 2016 · Assembly
Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representatives Katsma and Schraa
- Jan 14, 2016 · Assembly
Executive action taken
- Jan 15, 2016 · Assembly
Report Assembly Amendment 1 adoption recommended by Committee on Education, Ayes 11, Noes 5
- Jan 15, 2016 · Assembly
Report passage as amended recommended by Committee on Education, Ayes 11, Noes 5
- Jan 15, 2016 · Assembly
Referred to committee on Rules
- Feb 11, 2016 · Assembly
Placed on calendar 2-16-2016 by Committee on Rules
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Read a second time
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Assembly Amendment 1 adopted
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Assembly Amendment 2 offered by Representative C. Taylor
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Assembly Amendment 2 laid on table, Ayes 63, Noes 35
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Ordered to a third reading
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Rules suspended
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Read a third time and passed, Ayes 63, Noes 35
- Feb 16, 2016 · Assembly
Ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 17, 2016 · Senate
Received from Assembly
- Feb 17, 2016 · Senate
Read first time and referred to committee on Senate Organization
- Feb 17, 2016 · Senate
Available for scheduling
- Mar 14, 2016 · Senate
Public hearing requirement waived by committee on Senate Organization, pursuant to Senate Rule 18 (1m), Ayes 3, Noes 2
- Mar 14, 2016 · Senate
Placed on calendar 3-15-2016 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Mar 15, 2016 · Senate
Read a second time
- Mar 15, 2016 · Senate
Ordered to a third reading
- Mar 15, 2016 · Senate
Rules suspended
- Mar 15, 2016 · Senate
Read a third time and concurred in, Ayes 19, Noes 13
- Mar 15, 2016 · Senate
Ordered immediately messaged
- Mar 16, 2016 · Assembly
Received from Senate concurred in
- Mar 18, 2016 · Assembly
Report correctly enrolled on 3-18-2016
- Mar 29, 2016 · Assembly
Presented to the Governor on 3-29-2016
- Mar 31, 2016 · Assembly
Report approved by the Governor on 3-30-2016. 2015 Wisconsin Act 297
- Mar 31, 2016 · Assembly
Published 3-31-2016
Terms on this page
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act. More in the glossary
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis. More in the glossary
Author
A lawmaker who formally puts a bill forward. The text itself is drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.
Official term: Author, coauthor. More in the glossary
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor. More in the glossary
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote. More in the glossary
From the Wisconsin Legislature's official record, checked Sep 15, 2026. See the source
Wisconsin Act
The number a bill gets when it becomes law, like 2025 Wisconsin Act 12.
Official term: Act
Legislative Reference Bureau
The Legislature's nonpartisan office that drafts bills and writes the summary at the top of each one.
Official term: LRB analysis
Signed on in support
Lawmakers who back a bill without being one of its authors, often from the other chamber.
Official term: Cosponsor
Roll call
A vote where each lawmaker's yes or no is recorded by name.
Official term: Roll call vote