Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB389

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/29/25
• Refer: 8/29/25

Caption

Indication of veteran status of certain service members on operators’ licenses or identification cards. (FE)

Impact

If enacted, AB389 will impact how military service is recognized in the state, potentially enhancing access to certain benefits and acknowledgment for a greater number of service members. By broadening the definition of a veteran, the bill will allow individuals who fulfill specific criteria to display their veteran status on their operator's licenses or identification cards, which could be significant for personal identification purposes, especially when accessing veteran-specific programs and services.

Summary

Assembly Bill 389 seeks to amend current statutes related to the indication of veteran status on certain identification cards, specifically operator's licenses in Wisconsin. Under existing law, only veterans of the U.S. armed forces can indicate their veteran status, but this bill aims to expand the definition of veterans to include those who have served in the reserves or national guard, provided they meet the eligibility requirements for veterans home loans established by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This change is designed to give a wider recognition of military service among individuals who may not have been classified as traditional veterans due to the nature of their service.

Contention

While the bill has positive implications for many service members, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Notably, the cost associated with updating identification systems and ensuring compliance with the new definitions could spark debate during discussions. Additionally, the existing veterans benefit landscape might witness scrutiny over whether these changes undesirably dilute the benefits reserved for traditional veterans or if they adequately compensate all forms of military service.

Notable_points

AB389’s passage could reflect an evolving understanding of veteran status in a contemporary context where more individuals serve in varied capacities within the military framework. This could lead to broader conversations about the inclusivity of veteran benefits and how they are perceived within the community.