All Wisconsin schools will have access to OSS services through the 2024-2025 school year

MADISON, Wis. – Today Gov. Tony Evers signed Assembly Bill 1050 into law, providing bridge funding for the Department of Justice Office of School Safety (OSS) to continue its work supporting school safety around the state of Wisconsin through September 2025.

“The Office of School Safety’s proactive and collaborative approach is helping keep kids safe when they’re at school,” said Attorney General Kaul. “While there is still work to do to fund the Office of School Safety’s services for the long term, the enactment of this legislation is a critical step forward.”

“I’m glad that we were able to reach a bipartisan consensus to fund these additional positions so the Office of School Safety can continue their current operations, help prevent school violence, and keep our kids safe, including through the Speak Up, Speak Out tipline, which provides an important resource for kids, families, educators, and staff alike,” said Gov. Evers.

The office’s tip line has attracted national attention as it has received more than 11,000 contacts, resulting in opportunities to intervene early, assist youth and prevent violence. SUSO provides a trusted avenue for students, parents and community members to contribute to the safety of their schools.  Students have used SUSO to seek help for the wellness and safety of themselves or others, reporting concerns such as potential threats of violence, concerns of planned school attacks, incidents of weapons, bullying, suicidal ideation, depression and self-harm.

The OSS was created in 2018 to keep students safe at school and has become a critical resource for students, teachers, school administrators and communities throughout Wisconsin, with the intent to prevent violence in schools and respond quickly to promote recovery, should events occur.

Attorney General Kaul thanked Sen. Romaine Quinn (R-Cameron) and Rep. Todd Novak (R-Dodgeville), the authors of Assembly bill 1050, which passed both the Assembly and Senate on overwhelmingly bipartisan votes as well as Gov. Evers for signing the bill into law. This short-term, bridge funding will give the state the opportunity to provide stable, ongoing funding for the OSS as part of the 2025-2027 biennial budget.