Assembly Bill 341 establishes a grant program administered by the Department of Public Instruction to support individuals pursuing a school social worker license in Wisconsin. The program specifically targets individuals who are members of racial minority groups, defined as Black Americans, American Indians or Alaskan natives, Hispanics, individuals of Asian or Pacific Island origin, or those with mixed ancestry. Eligible applicants must either be employees of a school board or enrolled in a higher education program leading to licensure as a school social worker.
The bill creates new statutory sections, specifically 20.255 (3) (cm) and 115.429, which outline the grant program's framework and eligibility criteria. Additionally, it grants the Department the authority to promulgate rules for the program's implementation. The act is set to take effect the day after publication or on the second day after the publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever is later.