Senate Bill 171 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 four-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 trustworthy 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 of the curriculum, 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 parents have the authority to decide whether their child should receive this instruction. The legislation aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to recognize and prevent child sexual abuse, fostering a safer environment in schools.