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.
AB 428 modifies Wisconsin's veterans property tax credit to tie the credit amount to a veteran's service-connected disability rating (for those under 100%) and caps the credit based on the first $350,000 of a property's value. It also allocates $180,000 annually for two fiscal years to fund the University of Wisconsin's Missing-in-Action Recovery Project, requiring detailed annual reports on case progress, federal collaboration, and student involvement. Additionally, the bill increases funding for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program by $900,000 for 2025-26 and $1.05 million for 2026-27 to cover facility leasing and operational costs. These changes directly affect eligible veterans, surviving spouses, and veterans' housing services in Wisconsin.
SJR 67 is a resolution honoring Anna Mae Robertson, a Milwaukee resident and member of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion (the "Six Triple Eight") during World War II. It recognizes her service in clearing a 17-million-piece mail backlog in England in 1945, her post-war work as a nurse's aide in Milwaukee, and her legacy as one of the last surviving members of the all-Black, all-female battalion. The resolution formally acknowledges her contributions, extends condolences to her family following her death at age 101, and commemorates her recognition with service medals and the Congressional Gold Medal in 2025.
This bill exempts eligible families of Wisconsin military members killed in action (known as "gold star families") from paying fees for special registration plates. It removes the $15 annual or $30 biennial maintenance fees, as well as the $15 reissuance fee, that typically apply to personalized plates. Families qualifying under statute §341.14(6r)(f)19m will no longer pay these costs for initial issuance or ongoing plate maintenance. The law takes effect 7 months after publication, ensuring immediate cost savings for this group.
AB 641 creates a dedicated $500,000 annual appropriation for the University of Wisconsin Missing-in-Action (MIA) Recovery and Identification Project within the 2025-27 fiscal biennium. The bill directly affects Wisconsin veterans missing in action by funding their recovery and identification efforts through the University of Wisconsin System. It requires the UW Board of Regents to allocate funds annually for this mission and mandates a detailed report on findings and spending to state legislative committees, the governor, and veterans agencies. The legislation establishes a continuing funding mechanism without altering existing veterans' benefits or services.
AB 628 allows renters who are veterans or surviving spouses to claim the property tax credit previously only available to homeowners. It amends state law to define "rent constituting property taxes" and lets eligible renters deduct their rent payments toward this credit when filing taxes. The credit can offset income tax liability, with unused portions paid directly by the state. This change applies to taxable years beginning January 1, 2026, and directly affects qualifying renters in Wisconsin.
SB 385 increases funding for Wisconsin's Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It adds $900,000 for fiscal year 2025-26 and $1,050,000 for 2026-27 to cover program supplies, services, and leasing a new facility in Chippewa Falls. The additional funds address space limitations and facility deficiencies at the current location. This bill directly affects veterans participating in the housing program by ensuring continued support through improved resources and accommodations. The changes are purely fiscal, with no new policy requirements for veterans or service providers.
This bill would require Wisconsin state highway maps to specifically identify the Brooklyn Area Veterans Memorial in Brooklyn, Green County. It creates a new statutory reference (84.02 (5) (d) 2. r.) to ensure the memorial's location appears on official state highway maps. The bill directly affects state transportation mapping practices but does not alter veterans' benefits, funding, or other policies. This is a procedural change to improve map accuracy for the memorial's location.
AJR 87 is a Wisconsin legislative resolution designating August and October 2025 as "Agent Orange Awareness Months" in the state. It aims to raise public awareness about the health impacts of Agent Orange exposure on Vietnam War veterans and their families, including conditions like cancer, diabetes, and genetic issues. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but formally recognizes this issue through symbolic designation. It was introduced by multiple legislators and referred to committee, pending further action.
AB 46 restricts flag displays on state and local government properties to only the U.S. flag, state flag, POW/MIA flag (recognized by Congress), and military branch flags. It applies to all state agencies and political subdivisions (cities, towns, counties) that own or occupy government buildings. The bill allows exceptions only if the legislature passes a joint resolution with a three-fourths majority vote for state facilities or a local governing body votes with a three-fourths majority for municipal properties. It repeals an existing administrative rule and takes effect January 1, 2027.
