Wisconsin Honors Veterans Day with 12 Key Veteran-Related Bills Under Lawmaker Review

Wisconsin is home to over 300,000 veterans who have served their nation. The 2025-26 legislative session has seen a flurry of proposed bills aimed at improving the welfare of these veterans. Lawmakers from both parties are advocating for initiatives that extend benefits, support war memorials, and provide assistance for veterans facing housing, mental health, and substance abuse challenges.

One significant issue this session is the funding crisis affecting the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program, which aids veterans at risk of homelessness. In September, veterans homes in Chippewa Falls and Green Bay were closed due to a lack of funding during the budget process.

Notable Veteran-Related Bills Under Review

Several key bills aimed at supporting Wisconsin veterans are currently under legislative consideration:

• Homeless Veterans Funding

  Senate Bill 411 / Assembly Bill 428

  Lead Authors: Sen. André Jacque (R-New Franken) / Rep. Benjamin Franklin (R-De Pere)

  This initiative proposes $1.95 million over the biennium for the Veterans Housing and Recovery Program. It also includes provisions for the Missing in Action Recovery and Identification Project and property tax credits for veterans.

  Status: Senate Bill 411 has passed the Senate Committee; Assembly Bill 428 awaits a hearing.

• Substance Abuse and Recovery Support

  Senate Bill 396 / Assembly Bill 404

  Lead Authors: Sen. Dianne Hesselbein (D-Middleton) / Rep. Robyn Vining (D-Wauwatosa)

  The bills aim to add $512,900 for 2025-26 and $602,800 for 2026-27 to the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program. The funding is intended to support veterans struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

  Status: Both bills have been introduced and referred to legislative committees.

• Housing and Property Tax Assistance

  Senate Bill 175 / Assembly Bill 247

  Lead Authors: Sen. André Jacque (R-New Franken) / Rep. Patrick Snyder (R-Weston)

  These bills propose a 75% reduction in building permit fees for home improvements necessary for disabled veterans.

  Status: The Senate version passed a committee; the Assembly bill is under consideration.

• Education Benefits for Veterans

  Senate Bill 587 / Assembly Bill 591

  Lead Authors: Sen. Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D-Appleton) / Rep. Jill Billings (D-La Crosse)

  These bills seek to eliminate the funding cap for the Wisconsin GI Bill, allowing full tuition support for veterans.

  Status: Both bills were introduced and referred to legislative committees in October.

The Ongoing Legislative Process

The current legislative session has seen a variety of proposals, and more may still emerge. While some bills have made progress, others, such as those addressing the reopening of closed veterans homes, remain unresolved. Lawmakers are focused on enhancing the lives of veterans and ensuring they receive the support they deserve.

As discussions continue, the future of these proposals and their potential impact on Wisconsin’s veterans is a critical focus for lawmakers across the political spectrum.