Senate Bill 863 establishes a new energy efficiency grant program aimed at supporting school districts in Wisconsin with funding for energy efficiency projects in school buildings. The bill mandates that the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) award grants specifically for these projects, with a focus on heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems during the first two years of the program. The legislation allocates $10 million for each year of the fiscal biennium to fund these grants, which will begin in the 2025-2026 school year.

Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the DPI to create rules necessary for the implementation of the grant program. It also amends existing statutes to incorporate the new grant program under section 115.457, ensuring that it is recognized within the broader framework of educational funding and regulations. The bill reflects a commitment to improving energy efficiency in schools, thereby potentially reducing operational costs and enhancing the learning environment for students.