Veterans (Veteran Mental Health)

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 985: Relating to: administration of the veterans at risk alert system.

SB 985 amends a statute to define "veteran at risk" for the veterans at risk alert system. The bill specifies that a "veteran at risk" includes veterans, active-duty service members, National Guard, or military reservists known to have a physical or mental health condition related to their military service, based on reports. This definition change directly affects how the alert system identifies individuals eligible for support. The bill is purely definitional and does not create new programs or alter system operations.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransClarifies eligibility for veterans at risk alert system, enabling better identification of veterans needing support through defined criteria related to military service health conditions.85% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 27, 2026

AB 935: Relating to: repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; definition, terminology, and grammatical changes for the Department of Veterans Affairs, mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; reporting on rules proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; asset calculation for determining eligibility for veterans assistance payments; and deceased veterans’ graves (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

AB 935 updates Wisconsin's veterans affairs statutes by repealing expired programs and making administrative clarifications. It modifies definitions (like "permanently and totally disabled veteran"), updates mental health service reporting requirements for PTSD, and adjusts asset calculations for veterans' assistance payments. The bill also adds new requirements for the Council on Veterans Programs to submit annual reports and mandates the department to post information about depleted uranium exposure benefits online. These changes primarily affect veterans seeking benefits, VA staff managing programs, and the Council on Veterans Programs. The bill focuses on correcting outdated language and improving administrative processes within the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransUpdates PTSD mental health services, adjusts asset calculations to improve assistance access, and mandates reporting for veterans programs per DVAs remedial suggestion.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 914: Relating to: repealing expired programs within the Department of Veterans Affairs; definition, terminology, and grammatical changes for the Department of Veterans Affairs, mental health services for post-traumatic stress disorder; reporting on rules proposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs; asset calculation for determining eligibility for veterans assistance payments; and deceased veterans’ graves (suggested as remedial legislation by the Department of Veterans Affairs).

SB 914 modernizes Wisconsin's veterans' affairs laws by removing outdated provisions and updating key programs. It revises definitions (like "permanently and totally disabled veteran"), adds requirements for reporting on mental health services for PTSD, and clarifies rules for determining eligibility for veterans' assistance payments. The bill also creates a new "Council" to advise on veterans' programs, updates website requirements for information on depleted uranium exposure, and adjusts subsistence payment rules. These changes directly affect Wisconsin veterans accessing VA services and the Department of Veterans Affairs staff administering benefits.

Topics ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates reporting requirements for PTSD mental health services, strengthening veterans' access to care under VA programs.90% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill modernizes veterans' laws by updating definitions, clarifying eligibility for assistance, adding PTSD mental health reporting requirements, creating an advisory council, and removing outdated provisions - all strengthening veterans' services ...92% confidence

Sub-Topics Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 776: Relating to: veterans mental health services and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 776 allocates $5 million in state funds to expand veterans' access to mental health services. It requires the Department of Veterans Affairs to promote community-based mental health care and provide grants to organizations offering these services to veterans, including emergency crisis support. The bill streamlines implementation by allowing the department to issue emergency rules without standard public notice requirements. This directly affects veterans seeking mental health care and the community organizations delivering these services. The legislation creates new statutory provisions (45.49) to formalize this program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates $5M state funds for veterans' mental health services, directly increasing budgetary spending on essential programs as required by appropriation language.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareAllocates $5M to expand veterans' mental health services, funds community care grants, and streamlines crisis support access, directly advancing mental health care funding and access.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAllocates $5M for veterans' mental health services, funds community-based care expansion, and streamlines implementation for improved access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 743: Relating to: considering post-traumatic stress disorder as a mitigating factor in sentencing certain criminal offenders. (FE)

AB 743 adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed from military service as a potential mitigating factor in sentencing for veterans convicted of crimes. It specifically applies to veterans (defined as those who served in U.S. armed forces) who have a documented PTSD diagnosis linked to their military service. Courts may now consider this PTSD diagnosis when determining sentences, potentially leading to reduced penalties. The bill takes effect for offenses committed after it becomes law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows PTSD from military service as mitigating factor in sentencing, reducing harsh penalties for veterans and aligning with criminal justice reform principles.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes military service-related PTSD as a mitigating factor in veteran sentencing, offering legal protection and acknowledging service impact on criminal cases.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 716: Relating to: considering post-traumatic stress disorder as a mitigating factor in sentencing certain criminal offenders. (FE)

SB 716 adds a new provision (973.017(8m)) to sentencing guidelines, allowing courts to consider post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosed from military service as a mitigating factor during sentencing for veterans. It specifically applies to individuals who served in the U.S. armed forces and have a documented PTSD diagnosis linked to their military service. The bill does not change sentencing ranges but gives judges discretion to weigh this factor when determining penalties for eligible veterans convicted of crimes. This affects veterans with service-connected PTSD who are facing sentencing in criminal cases. The bill takes effect for offenses committed on its effective date.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows PTSD from military service as a mitigating factor in sentencing for veterans, promoting rehabilitation-focused sentencing reform within criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill allows courts to consider military-service-linked PTSD as a mitigating factor for veterans in sentencing, recognizing service-related conditions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Sentencing Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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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 · 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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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AJR 78: Relating to: proclaiming June 12, 2025, as Women Veterans Day.

AJR 78 is a joint resolution that directs the Wisconsin legislature to officially proclaim June 12, 2025, as "Women Veterans Day" in the state. It recognizes the historical significance of June 12, 1948 - the date President Truman signed the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act - and highlights Wisconsin’s 29,000+ women veterans, who represent about 10% of the state’s veteran population. The resolution aims to honor women veterans’ service and sacrifices, acknowledging their growing demographic presence and unique challenges like higher rates of PTSD and unemployment compared to male veterans. This is a symbolic recognition with no new policy or funding changes.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill proclaims Women Veterans Day to honor service of 29,000+ Wisconsin women veterans, explicitly recognizing their contributions as part of veteran recognition policy.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Mental Health

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failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 404: Relating to: the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program and making an appropriation. (FE)

AB 404 establishes and funds the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program, which provides direct support services to veterans in need. The bill appropriates state funds to cover outreach, counseling, and recovery resources for veterans facing challenges like homelessness, mental health issues, or unemployment. It directly affects veterans seeking these services and the state agencies or community organizations delivering them. The program’s implementation is contingent on the approved budget allocation, with no policy changes beyond the funding mechanism. As a fiscal bill, it focuses on resource allocation rather than new legal requirements.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill explicitly appropriates state funds for veterans' program, directly funding essential services through budget allocation.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds counseling and recovery resources for veterans' mental health issues, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare topic.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingAddresses veteran homelessness through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly supporting housing stability for vulnerable populations.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentAddresses veteran unemployment through state-funded outreach and recovery services, directly aiding employment recovery for a specific workforce group.65% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransFunds Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program for homelessness, mental health, and unemployment support services95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Substance Abuse Homelessness Unemployment Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

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