The Weekly Update

Board of Regents

The Board of Regents for the Universities of Wisconsin met at UW-Whitewater last week Thursday and Friday, December 4-5.

You can view a summary of the meeting on the Board of Regents news site here.  

Bills Sent to the Governor

Last week, the Governor took action on nine bills. Below are three of the bills acted on related to the UWs:

• SB 424, relating to: teacher preparatory programs
  • Vetoed in its entirety. See veto message here. 

• AB 166, relating to: academic and career planning services provided to pupils and requiring the reporting of certain data on college student costs and outcomes.
  • Vetoed in its entirety. See veto message here

• AB 308, relating to: prohibiting funding for health services for unlawfully present individuals.
  • Vetoed in its entirety. See veto message here.

Joint Committee on Employment Relations

The Joint Committee on Employment Relations (JCOER) will be holding a public hearing followed by an executive session on Thursday, December 11, at 8:30AM.

All 2025 Act 15 related policy items pertaining to UW are on the agenda:

• Market-Based Compensation Plan
• Core General Education Requirements Policy
• Teaching Workload Policy

Additionally, the UW-System and UW-Madison tentative trades agreements will be considered, as well as the full 2025-27 State of Wisconsin Compensation Plan.

You can view the hearing notices on the committee website here. You will be able to watch the meetings live on WisconsinEye.

Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities

The Assembly Committee on Colleges and Universities will be holding an Executive Session on Wednesday, December 10 at 9:30AM on the following bills:

• AB 501, relating to: free speech and academic freedom at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, due process in disciplinary proceedings at University of Wisconsin System institutions and technical colleges, and causes of action against the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin System and technical college district boards. Its Senate companion, SB 498, already passed on the Senate Floor. The Universities of Wisconsin testified for information only and UW-Madison submitted written testimony for information only on this legislation.

Universities Of WI AB 501 Testimony pdf

UW Madison AB 501 Testimony pdf

• AB 505, relating to: creating a veterinary loan repayment grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board and exempting from taxation amounts received from such a grant program. Its senate companion, SB 501, has already passed out of committee. UW-Madison submitted written testimony in favor of this legislation.

UW Madison AB 505 Testimony pdf

Following the Executive Session, the Committee will hold a Public Hearing on the following UW related bills:

• AB 663, relating to: imposing certain prohibitions on foreign influence at University of Wisconsin System institutions.
• AB 486, relating to: permissible financial aid reductions in higher education.

You can view the hearing and executive session on WisconsinEye.

Assembly Committee on State Affairs

The Assembly Committee on State Affairs will be holding a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 10, at 10:30AM on AB 662, relating to: prohibiting state contracting with certain business entities and providing a penalty.

You can view the hearing on WisconsinEye.

Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care

The Assembly Committee on Health, Aging and Long-Term Care will be holding a Public Hearing on Wednesday, December 10 at 9:30AM on AB 590, relating to: definition of athletic training.

You can view the hearing on WisconsinEye.

Departments of Education and Labor Announcement on Workforce Partnership

Last week, the U.S. Departments of Education and Labor shared an update related to the transition of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) state plan portal to the Department of Labor.

At the time of the announcement, Acting Assistant Secretary for Career, Technical, and Adult Education Nick Moore said, “This successful workforce partnership is proof that the Department of Labor is well-positioned to co-administer, implement, and streamline CTE and adult education programs to better meet the needs of Americans. With the ability to more easily and efficiently administer their programs, states across the country are already seeing positive results. Commonsense reforms work, and I’m proud to work alongside the experienced team at Labor to build the talent pipeline for the Golden Age of America.” 

For more, you can review the Department of Education’s press release.

H.R. 4312 – The Score Act – Update

Last week, the House of Representatives was scheduled to consider H.R.4312 - SCORE Act. However, following consideration by the House Rules Committee, the bill ultimately did not receive a vote on the floor. The legislation may be considered in the coming weeks. 

Department of Education Launches New Earnings Indicator

On December 8^th, the Department of Education announced a "new earnings indicator to complement the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) process."

At the time of the announcement, Secretary McMahond said, “More than half of all Americans now say a college degree is not worth the price, and total outstanding student loan debt is approaching $1.7 trillion. Families deserve a clearer picture of how postsecondary education connects to real-world earnings, and this new indicator will provide that transparency. Not only will this new FAFSA feature make public earnings data more accessible, but it will empower prospective students to make data-driven decisions before they are saddled with debt.” 

For more, you can review the Department’s press release.

Negotiated Rulemaking Update

Beginning on December 8^th, the Accountability in Higher Education and Access through Demand-driven Workforce Pell (AHEAD) Committee will meet to consider issues related to implementation of provisions within H.R. 1. The Committee’s second session will begin the week of January 5.

For more on the committee and the topics under consideration, you can review the Department of Education’s negotiated rulemaking website.

Committee on Science Space and Technology Hearing

On December 10 beginning at 9:00AM Central Time, the House Committee on Science Space and Technology will hold a full committee hearing titled “The Genesis Mission: Prioritizing American Science and Technology Leadership.”

Announced witnesses include the Honorable Dr. Darío Gil, Under Secretary for Science, U.S. Department of Energy.

For more and to watch live, you can review the Committee website.

Full House and Senate Hearing Schedule

If interested, you can see a full list of upcoming hearings on the Senate Hearings & Meetings Page. A review of the committee hearings in the House of Representatives is available via the Committee Schedule within the House of Representatives Legislative Activity section on the Chamber’s main page.  

House and Senate Floor Schedules

When the House of Representatives and Senate return to Washington, a full list of votes will be found on the respective websites for the House of Representatives and the Senate.