Assembly Bill 71 proposes significant changes to the regulations surrounding school district operating referenda in Wisconsin. The bill aims to eliminate recurring operating referenda, which currently allow school districts to raise excess revenue on a permanent basis. Instead, it restricts the authority to exceed revenue limits to nonrecurring operating referenda, which can only be approved for a maximum duration of four years. This change is reflected in the amendments to sections 121.91 (3) (a) 1., (3) (c), and (7) of the statutes, where the language has been adjusted to specify that any proposed excess revenue must be for nonrecurring purposes and cannot apply to more than four school years.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for school boards when adopting resolutions to exceed revenue limits. The resolution must now clearly state the nonrecurring purpose of the proposed excess revenue and the specific number of school years it will apply to. The amendments also clarify the process for scheduling referenda and the information that must be included on the ballot regarding the nonrecurring nature of the proposed revenue. Overall, Assembly Bill 71 seeks to tighten the rules governing how school districts can seek additional funding through referenda, emphasizing temporary solutions over permanent increases in revenue.

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