Veterans

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Jun 1, 2026

SB 717: Relating to: Veterans Benefits Education Week.

SB 717 designates the week of November containing November 11 (Veterans Day) as "Veterans Benefits Education Week" in state law. The bill requires the governor to issue an annual proclamation during this week highlighting veterans' entitled benefits. It directly affects veterans by providing a dedicated period to learn about available benefits through state-led awareness efforts. The measure creates no new benefits or programs, only establishing a recurring observance to improve information access for veterans.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransDesignates Veterans Benefits Education Week to highlight existing benefits through state proclamation, promoting awareness and recognition of veterans' entitlements without creating new programs.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 744: Relating to: free state park admission for veterans and gold star families. (FE)

AB 744 would provide free vehicle access to Wisconsin state parks for veterans and gold star families. The bill creates a new statute allowing any vehicle (excluding motor buses) occupied by a veteran - verified using the federal definition in 38 USC 101 - or a family member meeting gold star lapel button criteria (per 10 USC 1126) to enter parks without paying admission fees. It directly affects eligible veterans and surviving family members of service members who died in combat. The policy change removes a fee requirement for these groups when entering parks by private vehicle, with proof of eligibility required at the park entrance. The bill is currently in committee review after its December 2025 introduction.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides free state park access for veterans and gold star families, directly expanding benefits as defined by federal criteria.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 720: Relating to: veterans cemetery caretaker positions and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 720 increases funding to hire three additional full-time caretaker positions at the state's three veterans cemeteries. The bill allocates $131,800 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $170,800 for fiscal year 2026-27 under the Department of Veterans Affairs budget. These positions will directly support the maintenance and care of veterans cemeteries, addressing staffing needs for cemetery operations. The measure makes a concrete budget adjustment without altering eligibility or benefits for veterans.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates $302,600 in new funding for veterans cemetery caretaker positions under VA budget, increasing public service spending without tax changes.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $131,800 and $170,800 to hire three additional caretakers for veterans cemeteries, directly funding maintenance services and operations.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 107: Relating to: declaring November as Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month in Wisconsin.

AJR 107 is a symbolic joint resolution designating November 2025 as "Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Awareness Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin veterans by raising public awareness of their elevated mental health challenges and suicide rates, citing that 134 veterans died by suicide in Wisconsin in 2023 (15% of all adult suicides despite veterans comprising only 5% of the adult population). The resolution does not create new programs or funding but aims to highlight existing resources like the Wisconsin Veterans Crisis Line and honor veterans' service. It was introduced by multiple legislators and cosponsored by numerous senators, reflecting legislative recognition of veteran mental health as a priority.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareSymbolic resolution raises awareness of veteran mental health challenges, promoting recognition of healthcare needs without funding or program changes.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill designates November 2025 as Veteran Mental Health Awareness Month, citing veteran suicide statistics to raise public awareness of mental health challenges, directly supporting veterans' well-being through recognition and education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 47: Relating to: tuition and fee remission for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college. (FE)

AB 47 creates a tuition and fee remission program for veterans and their dependents in Wisconsin's University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges. It provides full remission of nonresident tuition, academic fees, and segregated fees for up to 128 credits or 8 semesters, covering eligible veterans who served honorably and met specific residency requirements (either at service entry or for 5+ years after age 18), as well as dependents of veterans who died in service or from service-connected disabilities. The bill requires applicants to first use all available VA education benefits (like 38 USC 3319) before applying for remission, and it specifies how partial coverage from VA benefits affects the 128-credit limit. It also establishes a reimbursement process for veterans eligible for multiple benefit programs, ensuring they receive the full educational benefit they're entitled to.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition remission for veterans and dependents in higher education, expanding access and reducing financial barriers to postsecondary education.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates full tuition/fee remission for veterans and dependents in Wisconsin's education system, expanding access to higher education benefits through direct funding.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Higher Education Military Families Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 383: Relating to: the veterans housing and recovery program and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 383 increases funding for Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It allocates an additional $900,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,050,000 for 2026-27 to cover program supplies, services, and leasing costs for the Chippewa Falls-based program. This adjustment addresses space and facility deficiencies at the current location by enabling a facility move. The bill directly affects veterans utilizing this housing program in Chippewa Falls. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new program requirements or policy shifts.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAllocates additional state funds ($900k/$1.05M) for veterans housing program, directly increasing fiscal support for a state program per budget appropriation.95% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingIncreases funding for veterans' housing program, directly advancing housing services and facility needs through fiscal allocation.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases funding for veterans housing program, addressing facility deficiencies to improve services and program accessibility.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Veteran Housing

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signed · Wisconsin · Senate Apr 6, 2026

SB 521: Relating to: highway signs for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. (FE)

SB 521 requires the state transportation department to install and maintain two directional highway signs along both eastbound and westbound U.S. Highway 18 for the Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial. The bill creates a new statute (86.19(1g)(i)) mandating this signage to improve navigation to the memorial site. This procedural bill directly affects the department's highway signage responsibilities but does not alter memorial funding, design, or public access. It has no fiscal impact beyond standard maintenance costs.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill mandates installation of highway signs for improved navigation to memorial, directly enhancing transportation infrastructure and safety on public roads.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill mandates highway signs to improve navigation to Mount Horeb Veterans Memorial, directly recognizing veterans' service through memorial access signage.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Roads & Highways Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 89: Relating to: honoring Wisconsin’s Hispanic veterans.

AJR 89 is a symbolic resolution honoring Wisconsin's Hispanic veterans, directly affecting approximately 8,500 Hispanic veterans residing in Wisconsin. The resolution recognizes their service in U.S. military conflicts from the Civil War through recent wars, noting they represent 18.4% of the armed forces and include 61 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients. It formally resolves that the Wisconsin Legislature "recognize and honor the bravery and sacrifice" of Hispanic veterans during Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15-October 15). This resolution has no funding, policy changes, or enforcement mechanisms - it is purely a ceremonial acknowledgment.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly resolves to 'recognize and honor' Hispanic veterans' service and sacrifice, directly aligning with recognition as a support indicator for veterans' recognition policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SJR 55: Relating to: recognizing the United States Army’s 250th birthday.

SJR 55 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary on June 14, 2025. It symbolically honors the Army's history of service, sacrifice, and dedication since its founding in 1775, with specific emphasis on Wisconsin's connections - including over 10,000 Army personnel stationed in the state, 100,000 veterans, and Fort McCoy's $1.4 billion economic impact. The resolution has no binding policy changes or financial obligations; it serves only as a formal statement of appreciation from the Wisconsin Legislature. It does not directly affect any individuals or programs, as ceremonial resolutions like this typically express support without altering laws or funding.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes veterans' service through ceremonial resolution, directly aligning with topic's 'recognition' indicator without policy changes.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 396: Relating to: the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 396 increases funding for the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by $512,900 for fiscal year 2025-26 (adding 7 staff positions) and $602,800 for fiscal year 2026-27. This directly expands services provided to veterans through the Department of Veterans Affairs by authorizing additional staff to support outreach and recovery efforts. The bill makes specific appropriations to the department without creating new program requirements or altering eligibility. It affects veterans seeking outreach services and the department’s capacity to deliver them.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly increases state appropriations ($512k + $602k) for veterans' services, directly funding essential public program expansion through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareIncreases funding and staff for veterans' healthcare outreach program, directly expanding services through additional appropriations.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases funding by $1.1M total for VA outreach staff, directly expanding veteran services without restrictions or eligibility changes.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Substance Abuse Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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