WisconsinFailed bill proposed written emergency decisions for pupil rides
The failed bill proposed written emergency decisions and insurance rules for pupil transportation, along with passenger-count categories for covered vehicles.
What it does
The text refers to vehicles carrying up to 14 passengers or 15 or more, but the printed wording does not make clear which thresholds the bill proposed.
When regular transportation is unavailable, a school board or governing body may ask the transportation secretary to decide whether an emergency exists for temporary pupil rides. Any approval must explain the need.
The text sets insurance rules for pupil transportation vehicles. Those outside the school, contractor, and emergency categories must carry stated minimum coverage.
Argument forA written decision explaining the emergency need could help schools arrange temporary rides when regular transportation is unavailable.
Argument againstSchools might have fewer temporary ride options if the secretary denies emergency requests or vehicles cannot meet the insurance rules.
More detail
Vehicles used to transport pupils are grouped by passenger count. The counts refer to passengers in addition to the driver.
The transportation secretary must approve or deny certain emergency transportation requests in writing. This applies to vehicles temporarily used for specified school transportation purposes and carrying 15 or more passengers besides the driver. A school board or governing body may request a decision when regular transportation is unavailable. Any approval must explain the purpose and need for the emergency service.
Vehicles used to transport pupils must meet the insurance requirements described in the text. The text distinguishes vehicles owned or leased by a school or school bus contractor from other vehicles. School or contractor vehicles, and vehicles approved for emergency use, must follow a separate insurance law. Other covered vehicles must carry at least $10,000 for property damage and bodily injury coverage of at least $25,000 per person and $50,000 per accident.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- May 13Failed to pass notwithstanding the objections of the Governor pursuant to Joint Rule 82Latest
- May 12Placed on calendar 5-12-2026 pursuant to Joint Rule 82 (2)(a)
- Apr 6Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 4-3-2026Major
- Apr 2Presented to the Governor on 4-2-2026To Governor
- Mar 20Report correctly enrolledMinor
- Mar 19Representative J. Jacobson added as a cosponsor
- Mar 17Action ordered immediately messaged
- Mar 17Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 concurred in
- Mar 16Placed on calendar 3-17-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Feb 18Received from Assembly amended and concurred in as amended, Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoptedMajor
- Feb 17Ordered immediately messaged
- Vote recorded CONCURRENCE AS AMENDED. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 17Read a third time and concurred in as amended, Ayes 60, Noes 39Passed House
- Feb 17Rules suspended
- Feb 17Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 17Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 adoptedMajor
- Feb 17Assembly Substitute Amendment 3 offered by Representative BrillMinor
- Feb 17Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 17Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take upMajor
- Feb 17Assembly Substitute Amendment 2 offered by Representative Rivera-WagnerMinor
- Feb 17Assembly Substitute Amendment 1 offered by Representative NeubauerMinor
- Feb 16Representative Palmeri withdrawn as a cosponsorMajor
- Feb 13Withdrawn from Committee on Rules and referred to calendar of 2-17-2026Minor
- Feb 13Read first time and referred to committee on RulesMinor
- Feb 12Received from SenateMinor
- Feb 11Ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 11Read a third time and passedPassed Senate
- Feb 11Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Feb 11Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 11Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 9Placed on calendar 2-11-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Jan 13Available for scheduling
- Vote recorded Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Jan 13Report passage recommended by Committee on Transportation and Local Government, Ayes 3, Noes 2Minor
- Jan 13Executive action taken
- Jan 6Public hearing held
- 2025
- Dec 15Representative Ortiz-Velez added as a cosponsor
- Dec 10Fiscal estimate receivedMinor
- Dec 9Representative Palmeri added as a cosponsor
- Dec 2Read first time and referred to Committee on Transportation and Local GovernmentMinor
- Dec 2Introduced by Senators LeMahieu, Marklein and Nass; cosponsored by Representatives Brill, Behnke, Dittrich, Goeben, Gundrum, Kitchens, Knodl, Kreibich, Melotik, Murphy, Penterman, Piwowarczyk and WichgersIntroduced
EducationTransportation