Assembly Bill 678 mandates that each school board in Wisconsin adopt a policy regarding appropriate communication between school district employees or volunteers and pupils by July 1, 2026. This policy must encompass communications with pupils enrolled in the school district, those attending schools not under the control of the school board, and homeschooled pupils. The bill stipulates that the policy should outline specific consequences for employees or volunteers who violate it, and it must apply to communications occurring both during and outside of school hours. Additionally, the policy is required to establish standards for appropriate content and methods of communication.

The bill amends existing statutes by adding a new section, 120.12 (30), which details the requirements for the communication policy. It also makes a minor amendment to section 119.04 (1) by adding the new subsection (30) to the list of applicable statutes for first-class city school districts. This legislative effort aims to enhance the safety and appropriateness of interactions between school personnel and students, ensuring clear guidelines are in place for such communications.