2026 Legislative Council Study Committee on State Veterans’ Benefits

The study committee is directed to review the benefits state law currently provides to veterans and determine whether the term “veteran” should be redefined to provide a more uniform use of the term throughout the statutes, expanded to include individuals who have served in the military but do not meet current applicable definitions of “veteran,” or both. In conducting this review, the committee shall examine the definition of “veteran” under s. 45.01 (12), Stats., as well as other statutory definitions or eligibility criteria that define the scope of who is entitled to particular benefits provided to former members of the military. The study committee shall also consider the purposes for which individuals who formerly served in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces or the National Guard but do not meet current definitions of “veteran” should be included within this term.