Assembly Bill 497 aims to ensure that charter schools and private schools participating in parental choice programs in Wisconsin are subject to the state's public records and open meetings laws. The bill amends existing statutes to explicitly include these schools as "authorities" and "governmental bodies," thereby requiring them to comply with transparency regulations. Notably, the bill creates an exemption for records concerning individual pupils maintained by these schools, ensuring that such sensitive information remains confidential.

The bill introduces new legal language in several sections, including the definitions of "authority" and "governmental body," which now encompass charter schools and private schools involved in school choice programs. Additionally, it mandates that these schools comply with specific chapters of the public records law. The proposed changes reflect a commitment to increasing accountability and transparency in educational institutions while balancing the need to protect student privacy.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 19.32(1), 19.32, 19.82(1), 19.82