Veterans (National Guard & Reserve)

This Wisconsin Senate Resolution honors U.S. service members who died during the initial phase of the conflict with Iran, specifically those killed in strikes on Kuwait and Saudi Arabia or who died in an aircraft crash in Iraq. The measure formally acknowledges the bravery of seven fallen soldiers and extends condolences to their families while expressing gratitude to the approximately 400 Wisconsin National Guard members currently deployed in the Middle East. The resolution does not create new laws or funding but serves as a symbolic gesture to recognize the sacrifices made by American troops in the region. It focuses on commemorating specific individuals and supporting those still serving in harm's way during the ongoing military operations.

SB 983 clarifies the definition of "veteran" for Wisconsin state veterans benefits. It creates a new statutory definition (45.01(12)(jm)) specifically including National Guard members who completed their initial service obligation and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change ensures these individuals qualify for state benefits under the new category, while removing them from the general "veteran" definition in 45.51(2)(a)1. The bill directly affects eligible National Guard members seeking state-level veterans' benefits.

AB 1007 amends the definition of "veteran at risk" in Wisconsin law to explicitly include active-duty members of the U.S. armed forces, National Guard, or military reserves who have service-related physical or mental health conditions. The bill clarifies that a person qualifies as "at risk" based on information provided in a report about such conditions. This change directly affects military service members and veterans who may be identified through the existing veterans at risk alert system. The amendment refines the eligibility criteria for the system without creating new programs or funding.

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.

AB 1006 amends Wisconsin law to create a new definition of "veteran" specifically for state veterans benefits eligibility. It defines a veteran as a current or former National Guard member who completed their initial obligated service term and received an honorable or general discharge under honorable conditions. This change directly expands eligibility for state veterans benefits to include qualifying National Guard members who previously might not have met the existing definition. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or other eligibility criteria beyond this definition update.

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.