SB 503 creates a $200,000 annual grant program to fund safe firearm disposal initiatives run by counties or law enforcement agencies. Eligible entities must advertise the program, use law enforcement personnel (with possible overtime funding), securely store firearms until destruction, prevent fraud, require dealer inspections before payment, and restrict gift cards from being redeemed for firearms. The bill requires grantees to report firearm details and program outcomes to the Department of Justice, with annual reports due by July 1, 2028. This program directly affects local jurisdictions implementing firearm disposal services, providing funding to support their safe collection and destruction efforts.
AB 463 would change the rules for people with four or more convictions for driving under the influence (DWI). If passed, it would permanently revoke driving privileges for these individuals instead of allowing a temporary work-related license after 180 days (previously available after 45 days for three convictions). The bill amends statutes to remove eligibility for occupational licenses after 180 days of revocation for those with four or more DWI convictions, while requiring ignition interlock devices for any licensed driving. This applies specifically to individuals with multiple DWI convictions, not to first-time offenders or other traffic violations.
AB 282 prevents local town and village boards from using their own rules to block the reconsideration of an ordinance or resolution that was previously voted on but not approved. Specifically, it requires that boards cannot prohibit revisiting a proposal that is substantially similar to one rejected at least two years earlier. This rule applies to town boards (under 60.20(4)), village boards (under 61.32(6)), and common councils (under 62.11(3)(e)), ensuring they cannot permanently block similar proposals after a two-year waiting period. The bill directly affects local governing bodies handling ordinances and resolutions, creating a clear mechanism to allow reconsideration without permanent restrictions.
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.
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.
SB 434 regulates prior authorization processes for health insurance plans by requiring greater transparency and standardizing procedures. It directly affects health insurers, self-insured employer plans, and utilization review entities (like insurance companies) that manage pre-approval for medical services. Key provisions include defining "prior authorization" and "adverse determination," mandating that adverse decisions be made by qualified healthcare providers (physicians, physician assistants, or nurse practitioners), and setting timeframes for non-urgent cases. The bill also establishes new requirements for notifying enrollees about coverage decisions. This focuses on clarifying the process for patients seeking covered treatments, not altering coverage benefits.
SB 59 expands Wisconsin's tuition assistance program to include veterans and their dependents attending private nonprofit colleges, not just University of Wisconsin System or technical college students. It creates a new grant program under Section 39.49, allowing eligible students enrolled in bachelor's or graduate programs at private institutions to receive tuition coverage (up to the amount charged) when maintaining a 2.0 GPA. The grant funds are paid directly to the private college to offset tuition costs, rather than to the student. This policy change specifically affects veterans and dependents seeking higher education at qualifying private institutions across Wisconsin.
AJR 98 is a symbolic resolution that would officially proclaim October 2025 as "Filipino American History Month" in Wisconsin. It directly affects Wisconsin residents by encouraging the state to recognize and celebrate Filipino American heritage, contributions, and history. The resolution cites historical milestones, including the first Filipino settlement in the U.S. and Wisconsin's Filipino population of over 22,000 people. It does not create new laws or policies, but rather serves as a ceremonial recognition of Filipino American contributions to Wisconsin and the U.S. The resolution was introduced by multiple legislators and refers to the established national observance of Filipino American History Month.
SJR 104 is a ceremonial resolution recognizing September 23, 2025, and September 23, 2026, as "Celebrate Bisexuality Day" in Wisconsin. It does not create new laws or allocate funding but formally acknowledges the bisexual community's contributions and resilience. The resolution highlights the annual observance of this day nationally and internationally, aiming to increase visibility and respect for bisexual individuals. It directly affects Wisconsin's bisexual community by affirming legislative support for their recognition. This is a symbolic gesture, not a substantive policy change.
AB 609 modifies firearm regulations in the state by reducing the restricted distance near schools and hospitals from 1,700 to 1,200 feet for hunting. It removes restrictions on loading firearms in vehicles and discharging weapons within 50 feet of roadways for certain individuals. The bill clarifies that law enforcement officers, qualified out-of-state officers, and former officers are exempt from specific firearm restrictions while acting in their official duties. These changes primarily affect law enforcement personnel and their operational procedures, not general public carry rights. The bill does not create new carry permits or alter concealed weapon licensing requirements.
AB 329 clarifies and updates regulations for all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), utility terrain vehicles (UTVs), off-highway motorcycles, and snowmobiles. It creates new definitions for terms like "bridge," "culvert," "dune buggy," and "navigable waterway" to standardize language in traffic laws. Key provisions require ATVs to have one headlamp/tail lamp and UTVs to have two of each, prohibit operation without functioning lights, and specify rules for crossing bridges/culverts (e.g., 1,000 feet or less, with local ordinances). The bill also adds exceptions for emergency use and defines patrol vehicles used by law enforcement. This directly affects ATV/UTV operators, emergency responders, and local governments managing roadway access.
AJR 111 is a symbolic resolution recognizing September 23, 2025, and September 23, 2026, as "Celebrate Bisexuality Day" in Wisconsin. It formally acknowledges the bisexual community's resilience and contributions without creating new laws, funding, or requirements. The resolution aims to increase visibility and respect for bisexual individuals within Wisconsin, aligning with an internationally observed day. It directly affects Wisconsin's bisexual community by affirming their inclusion through legislative recognition. The bill is procedural, focusing solely on symbolic support rather than policy changes.
