Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

Wisconsin Assembly Bill AB1079

Introduced
2/12/24  
Refer
2/12/24  
Report Pass
2/19/24  
Refer
2/19/24  
Engrossed
2/22/24  
Refer
2/26/24  
Enrolled
3/14/24  
Chaptered
3/25/24  

Caption

Employment of direct-care employees by veterans homes, eligibility for burial in veterans cemeteries, and elements of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. (FE)

Impact

Additionally, AB1079 modifies the residency requirements for burial in veterans cemeteries. Previously, both veterans and their spouses had to be Wisconsin residents to qualify for burial; the bill removes this requirement, potentially expanding burial rights to a wider demographic of veterans and their families. Furthermore, the legislation aligns the definitions of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice with federal standards, specifically removing the stipulation of 'causing bodily harm,' making prosecutorial processes clearer and more consistent across jurisdictions.

Summary

Assembly Bill 1079 aims to revise several laws concerning veterans in Wisconsin, focusing on the employment of direct-care employees at veterans homes, eligibility requirements for burial in state veterans cemeteries, and elements of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. Notably, the bill proposes to eliminate current civil service requirements for applicants seeking nonsupervisory positions that provide direct care to veterans. This aims to streamline the hiring process and make it easier for veterans homes to fill critical positions needed for their residents.

Contention

The most contentious aspects of AB1079 may emerge from the employment provisions, where opponents argue that exempting certain positions from civil service requirements could lead to inconsistencies in the qualification and hiring processes at veterans homes. Critics may voice concerns over potential impacts on the quality of care provided to veterans as a result of diminished hiring standards, while supporters insist that such changes will alleviate bureaucratic hurdles and enable more timely hiring of qualified staff. There may also be debate surrounding the changes to burial eligibility, as they could provoke discussions on residency rights and state obligations to veterans.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

WI SB1066

Employment of direct-care employees by veterans homes, eligibility for burial in veterans cemeteries, and elements of sexual assault under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice. (FE)

WI HB138

State Government – Veterans – Burial at State Veterans’ Cemeteries (Burial Equity Act)

WI SB166

Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.

WI SB286

Department of Veterans Affairs - Burial in State Veterans' Cemeteries - Spouses and Dependents

WI HB480

Department of Veterans Affairs - Burial in State Veterans' Cemeteries - Spouses and Dependents

WI AB177

Punitive articles in the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice prohibiting certain activities; procedures applicable to courts-martial cases under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; treatment of victims of an offense under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; defining military offenses under the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; punishments for violations of the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice; and the removal of gender-specific language from the Wisconsin Code of Military Justice.

WI SB490

Department of Veterans Affairs – Burial in State Veterans’ Cemeteries – Spouses and Dependents

WI SB237

State Government - Veterans - Burial at State Veterans' Cemeteries (Burial Equity Act)

WI HB1251

Department of Veterans Affairs - Burial in State Veterans' Cemeteries - Spouses and Dependents

WI SB1097

Veterans: military and veterans: gender-neutral terms.

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