Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB47

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/17/25
• Refer: 2/17/25

Caption

Tuition and fee remission for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System or a technical college. (FE)

Impact

This change is significant as it expands access to educational benefits, allowing a greater number of veterans and their family members to pursue higher education without the barrier of a lengthy residency period. The implications include potentially increasing enrollment in the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges, which could also enhance the educational landscape and support services as more veterans engage in academic programs.

Summary

Assembly Bill 47 aims to amend the residency requirements for the tuition and fee remission program for veterans and their family members enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System schools and technical colleges. Under current law, veterans and their dependents must meet a five-year residency requirement to qualify for this program. The proposed bill eliminates this requirement for veterans who were not residents of Wisconsin at the time they entered military service, permitting them to qualify for tuition remission if they establish residency before registering for school.

Contention

There are notable points of contention surrounding Assembly Bill 47. Advocates for the bill argue that it is a vital step in supporting veterans and their families, recognizing their service and providing them with easier pathways to education. Opponents may raise concerns about the potential impact on state funding and resources, questioning whether the elimination of residency requirements could lead to an influx of non-resident students that local institutions may struggle to accommodate.

Fiscal_considerations

Further fiscal considerations may arise as the bill's implementation could lead to increased demands on state appropriations for higher education funding, as the state will need to ensure that sufficient budgetary resources are allocated to support expanded access to the tuition remission program.