Senate Bill 135 proposes to add February 18, the birthday of Vel R. Phillips, to the list of special observance days recognized in Wisconsin schools. This addition will expand the current list of 22 special observance days, which includes notable dates such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and Veterans Day. The bill stipulates that these special observance days must be appropriately acknowledged when school is in session on that day, or on the school day immediately before or after if the observance falls on a weekend.

The new legal language created by this bill is found in Section 1, which establishes 118.02 (3m) of the statutes to specifically recognize February 18 as a special observance day. The bill will take effect for the school year that begins after its effective date, ensuring that schools can incorporate this observance into their calendars moving forward.