Assembly Bill 71 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding school district operating referenda in Wisconsin. The bill eliminates the option for recurring operating referenda, which currently allows school districts to permanently exceed revenue limits through voter approval. Instead, it restricts operating referenda to nonrecurring purposes only, with a maximum duration of four years for any approved excess revenue. This change aims to provide more control over school district funding and limit the duration for which districts can seek additional funds through referenda.

The bill also includes specific amendments to existing statutes regarding the procedures for adopting resolutions and conducting referenda. School boards must now specify that any proposed excess revenue is for a nonrecurring purpose and indicate the number of school years the resolution will apply to. Additionally, the bill clarifies that if excess revenue is approved for nonrecurring purposes, it will not be included in the base for determining revenue limits in subsequent school years. These changes are intended to streamline the referendum process and ensure transparency regarding the use of excess funds.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 121.91(3)(a)1, 121.91, 121.91(3)(c), 121.91(7)