Veterans in Wisconsin | MyRepTracker

passed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 58: Relating to: flags flown, hung, or displayed from a flagpole or the exterior of state and local buildings and eliminating a related administrative rule.

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.

Topics ✓ Veterans

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 505: Relating to: authorizing resident disabled veterans to hunt deer of either sex in any open firearm season. (FE)

SB 505 allows resident disabled veterans with a 50% or greater disability rating to hunt deer of either sex during any open firearm deer hunting season in the state. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their veteran status (per 38 U.S.C. § 101) and receive disability compensation at the required rating level (under 38 U.S.C. §§ 1114, 1134, or 38 C.F.R. § 4.16). The bill amends hunting regulations to remove restrictions on deer sex during firearm seasons for this specific group. It directly affects disabled veterans meeting these documented criteria, expanding their hunting opportunities under existing seasons.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Employment Veteran Housing

passed both · Wisconsin · Assembly Sep 9, 2025

AJR 48: Relating to: commemorating Hmong-Lao Veterans Day and honoring the Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside the United States in the Vietnam War.

AJR 48 is a ceremonial resolution designating May 14 annually as Hmong-Lao Veterans Day in Wisconsin. It honors Hmong-Lao veterans who served alongside U.S. forces during the Vietnam War, particularly those recruited by the CIA and U.S. military, and recognizes their post-war displacement and resettlement in Wisconsin. The resolution builds on 2021 Wisconsin Act 31, which already established May 14 as a day to thank these veterans, and encourages schools to include their service in Vietnam War education. As a commemorative resolution, it has no binding policy changes and serves solely to recognize their contributions.

Topics ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 254: Relating to: funding for the War Memorial Center and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 254 creates a $9 million annual appropriation to fund war memorials in populous counties. Memorial boards must provide at least 50% matching funds to request support for operations, maintenance, construction, or improvements of memorial facilities. The Department of Veterans Affairs reviews requests within 60 days and disburses approved funds within 30 days. Boards must submit annual reports detailing fund usage to the legislature.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Appropriations Memorials & Recognition

failed · Wisconsin · Assembly Mar 23, 2026

AB 686: Relating to: reducing the eligibility threshold to claim the veterans and surviving spouses property tax credit. (FE)

This bill reduces the required disability rating for veterans to qualify for the property tax credit from 100% to 70% or higher. It allows veterans with service-connected disabilities rated at least 70% to claim a credit proportional to their disability percentage (e.g., a 70% rating would yield 70% of the full credit amount). Surviving spouses of eligible veterans also qualify under these updated terms. The change directly affects veterans and surviving spouses with service-connected disabilities below 100% but at or above 70%.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Credits Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 609: Relating to: a state matching grant program for recipients of federal per diem payments. (FE)

SB 609 creates a state matching grant program for organizations that receive federal per diem payments to house veterans. It directly affects eligible veterans' housing providers (like nonprofits or care facilities) that already qualify for federal per diem payments under 38 USC 2012. The bill provides state matching funds of $25 per day per veteran, up to 365 days yearly, paid quarterly based on the previous quarter's housing. Applications are accepted annually, and grants are awarded in the order received.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing

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 & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Housing ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

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

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 597: Relating to: a state matching grant program for recipients of federal per diem payments. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ Housing ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Veteran Housing Veteran Mental Health

signed · Wisconsin · Assembly Apr 2, 2026

AB 659: Relating to: tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans. (FE)

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.

Topics ✓ Education ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Higher Education Military Families Veteran Benefits Veteran Education

failed · Wisconsin · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SB 639: Relating to: veterans mental health services and making an appropriation. (FE)

SB 639 allocates $5 million in state funds specifically for veterans' mental health services through the Department of Veterans Affairs. It requires the department to promote veterans' access to community-based mental health care and provide grants to organizations offering these services. The bill also streamlines rulemaking by allowing the department to issue emergency rules for administering these services without usual requirements for emergency rule justification. This directly affects veterans seeking mental health support and community organizations delivering those services. The funding and program structure are established for the 2026 biennium.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Healthcare ✓ Veterans

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

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