Assembly Bill 156 mandates that, starting in the 2026-27 school year, all school boards in Wisconsin must implement a child sexual abuse prevention instructional program for students from 4-year-old kindergarten through grade 12. The program must cover a range of topics, including age-appropriate facts about sexual abuse, how to communicate incidents to trusted adults, setting and respecting personal boundaries, and understanding consent. Additionally, school boards are required to provide parents or guardians with information about the program, including an outline specific to their child's grade, the timing of the instruction, and details on how to opt out.

The bill also stipulates that no student can be compelled to participate in the program if their parent or guardian submits a written request for exemption. This ensures that while the program is mandatory for schools, parents retain the right to opt their children out of the instruction. The legislation aims to equip students with essential knowledge and skills to prevent and address child sexual abuse, fostering a safer environment for children in educational settings.