The new bill authored by State Sen. Dora E. Drake seeks to add Vel R. Phillips’ birthday to Wisconsin’s list of special observance days in schools, according to the Wisconsin State Senate.
According to the Wisconsin State Legislature’s official website, the bill was described as follows: “special observance days in schools”.
The following is our breakdown, based on the actual bill text, and may include interpretation to clarify its provisions.
In essence, this bill adds February 18, the birthday of Vel R. Phillips, to the list of special observance days in Wisconsin schools. The state currently recognizes 22 special observance days, which include events such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Susan B. Anthony’s birthday, Environmental Awareness Day, and Veterans Day. Under existing regulations, when a special observance day occurs on a weekend, schools must observe it on the nearest school day, either preceding or following the weekend. The new observance will be implemented in the school year beginning after the bill’s effective date.
The bill was co-authored by Representative Supreme Moore Omokunde (Democrat-17th District), Senator Tim Carpenter (Democrat-3rd District), Senator Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (Democrat-18th District), Senator Jodi Habush Sinykin (Democrat-8th District), Senator Dianne H. Hesselbein (Democrat-27th District). It was co-sponsored by Representative Clinton M. Anderson (Democrat-45th District), Representative Deb Andraca (Democrat-23rd District), and Representative Margaret Arney (Democrat-18th District), along 50 other co-sponsors.
Dora E. Drake has authored or co-authored another 11 bills since the beginning of the 2025 session, with none of them being enacted.
Drake graduated from Marquette University in 2015 with a BA.
Drake, a Democrat, was elected to the Wisconsin State Senate in 2024 to represent the state’s 4th Senate district, replacing previous state senator Lena Taylor.
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 |
|---|---|---|
| SB135 | 03/14/2025 | Special observance days in schools |
| SB54 | 02/21/2025 | Requirements concerning assistance in the detention of individuals who are or are alleged to be not lawfully present in the United States |
