WisconsinUW courses would show formats and limit extra online fees
If the measure took effect, UW institutions would show students how each course meets and limit extra fees for online-only classes.
What it does
Students could be charged an extra fee for an online-only course only to cover added online costs or if an equivalent in-person course also charges the fee.
Course listings would identify whether each class is in person, online, or hybrid, and institutions would update listings if the format changes.
Argument forStudents could avoid online-only course fees unless they cover specific added online costs or are also charged for an equivalent in-person course.
Argument againstA fixed course format after enrollment starts could make it harder for instructors to respond when students’ needs or circumstances change.
More detail
The UW System Board would have to ensure students are not charged certain extra fees for online-only courses. This covers extra fees for courses offered exclusively online at University of Wisconsin System institutions. A fee could cover actual costs specifically caused by offering the course online that would not arise for in-person attendance. A fee could also be charged if students pay it for an equivalent in-person course. The rule would first apply to the first semester or session starting at least 30 days after the provision took effect.
UW institutions would have to list each course's format and promptly update the listing if that format changes. Formats are in-person only, online only, or hybrid, which requires in-person and online attendance at different times during the term. The institution could not change a course's format after its enrollment period begins. The disclosure rule would first apply to the first semester or session starting at least 90 days after the provision took effect.
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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)
- Mar 20Report vetoed by the Governor Tony Evers on 3-20-2026Major
- Mar 18Presented to the Governor on 3-18-2026To Governor
- Feb 24Report correctly enrolledMinor
- Feb 24LRB correction (Assembly Amendment 1)
- Feb 18Action ordered immediately messaged
- Feb 18Assembly Amendment 1 concurred in
- Feb 17Placed on calendar 2-18-2026 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Feb 13Received from Assembly amended and concurred in as amended, Assembly Amendment 1 adoptedMajor
- Feb 12Ordered immediately messaged
- Vote recorded CONCURRENCE AS AMENDED. Result: pass.Lower
- Feb 12Read a third time and concurred in as amended, Ayes 53, Noes 45Passed House
- Feb 12Rules suspended
- Feb 12Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Feb 12Assembly Amendment 1 adoptedMajor
- Feb 12Read a second timeMinor
- Feb 12Rules suspended to withdraw from calendar and take upMajor
- Feb 10Assembly Amendment 1 offered by Representative MelotikMinor
- Feb 10Placed on calendar 2-12-2026 by Committee on Rules
- Feb 10Read first time and referred to committee on RulesMinor
- 2025
- Nov 19Received from SenateMinor
- Nov 18Ordered immediately messaged
- Vote recorded PASSAGE. Result: pass.Upper
- Nov 18Read a third time and passed, Ayes 18, Noes 15Passed Senate
- Nov 18Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Nov 18Ordered to a third readingMinor
- Nov 18Read a second timeMinor
- Nov 14Placed on calendar 11-18-2025 pursuant to Senate Rule 18(1)
- Nov 5Fiscal estimate receivedMinor
- Oct 24Available for scheduling
- Vote recorded Report passage recommended by Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, Ayes 3, Noes 2. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 24Report passage recommended by Committee on Universities and Technical Colleges, Ayes 3, Noes 2Minor
- Oct 24Executive action taken
- Oct 15Public hearing held
- Oct 9Read first time and referred to Committee on Universities and Technical CollegesMinor
- Oct 9Introduced by Senators Hutton and Nass; cosponsored by Representatives Melotik, Murphy, Behnke, Gundrum, Knodl, Kreibich, O'Connor, Piwowarczyk, Dittrich and WichgersIntroduced
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