Paul Melotik, Wisconsin State Representative of 22nd District | www.facebook.com
Paul Melotik, Wisconsin State Representative of 22nd District | www.facebook.com
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature's official website, the bill was described as follows: "incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE)".
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill mandates the incorporation of cursive writing into the state model academic standards for English language arts in Wisconsin. It requires all school boards, independent charter schools, and private schools participating in a parental choice program to include cursive writing in their elementary curriculum. By July 1, 2026, pupils must be able to write legibly in cursive by the end of fifth grade. The requirement applies to contracts for charter schools and applications to attend private schools under parental choice programs, effective for the 2026-27 school year. Union high school districts are exempt from this requirement.
The bill was co-authored by Senator Steve L. Nass (Republican-11th District), Representative Lindee Rae Brill (Republican-27th District), Representative Barbara Dittrich (Republican-99th District), Representative Bob G. Donovan (Republican-61st District), Representative Rick Gundrum (Republican-58th District). It was co-sponsored by Senator Rachael Cabral-Guevara (Republican-19th District) and Senator Van H. Wanggaard (Republican-21st District), along seven other co-sponsors.
Paul Melotik has co-authored or authored another four bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Melotik graduated from Carroll University in 1979 with a BA.
Melotik, a Republican, was elected to the Wisconsin State Assembly in 2025 to represent the state's 22nd Assembly district, replacing previous state representative Janel Brandtjen.
In Wisconsin, the legislative process starts when a senator, constituent, group, or agency proposes an idea for a bill. After drafting, the bill is introduced, numbered, and referred to a committee for review and public input. If approved, it moves through three readings and votes in both the Senate and Assembly. Once both chambers pass the same version, the bill goes to the governor, who can sign it, veto it, or let it become law without a signature. Only a small share of bills introduced each session ultimately become law. You can learn more about the Wisconsin legislative process here.
| Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|
| AB3 | 02/03/2025 | Incorporating cursive writing into the state model English language arts standards and requiring cursive writing in elementary grades. (FE) |
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