AB 913 creates a new tax break for Wisconsin National Guard and Reserve members by allowing a subtraction from taxable income for specific military pay. It covers basic pay received during federally required drills and field exercises (for National Guard) and inactive-duty training compensation (for Reserves), as defined under federal law. This applies to tax years starting after December 31, 2025, and fills a gap in current law, which previously only provided similar tax breaks for active duty or certain call-ups. The bill directly affects Wisconsin residents serving in these military roles who receive this type of compensation.
SB 810 increases the state reimbursement rate for certified veteran organizations providing military funeral honors from $50 to $100 per funeral. It directly affects local veteran groups certified by the department that offer these honors to eligible individuals. The bill amends statute 45.60(2) to update the reimbursement cap while maintaining the requirement that costs must be covered by the department from a specific appropriation. This is a procedural change to the existing reimbursement policy with no new eligibility criteria.
AB 659 modifies Wisconsin's tuition benefit policies for veterans and their families. It reduces the required residency period from 5 to 3 consecutive years in the state before enrollment for veterans themselves and their dependents (spouses or children) to qualify for tuition exemptions or grants at University of Wisconsin System schools, technical colleges, or private nonprofit institutions. The bill applies to veterans who served honorably, died on duty or from service-connected disabilities, or have a 30% service-connected disability rating, and to dependents who meet the revised residency requirement. It does not change eligibility for veterans who were Wisconsin residents at the time of military entry. The policy change takes effect for the first semester or session beginning after the bill's effective date.
AB 596 creates a state matching grant program that allocates $950,000 to provide state funds matching federal per diem payments received by eligible non-state entities. It directly affects organizations or programs receiving federal per diem payments (such as those supporting veterans) by allowing them to access additional state funding. The bill establishes this program under the Veterans Affairs department budget, requiring the state to match federal payments without changing eligibility criteria or adding new requirements for recipients.
AB 597 creates a state matching grant program that provides $25 per day per veteran to eligible housing providers who receive federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. It directly affects organizations housing veterans who qualify for federal per diem payments, such as veteran service nonprofits or shelters. The program funds up to 365 days per year per veteran, with quarterly payments based on the previous quarter's housing. Grants are limited to $25/day and require annual applications through the state department.
AB 58 restricts flags displayed on state and local government buildings, requiring only the U.S. flag, Wisconsin state flag, or a state agency flag to be flown from flagpoles or exteriors. Exceptions allow flags for veterans (e.g., POW/MIA), federally recognized tribes, neighboring states at border crossings, or emergency services, but only for ceremonial or safety purposes. The bill explicitly prohibits any flag supporting political parties, social causes, racial/sexual identities, or extremist groups, including flags designed for specific holidays. It applies to all state office buildings, schools, and local government facilities, with limited exemptions for leased properties.
