Wisconsin Senate Bill SB59

Wisconsin 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/21/25
• Refer: 2/21/25

Caption

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

Impact

If enacted, SB59 would expand access to educational benefits for veterans and their families, enabling more individuals to pursue higher education without the financial burden of tuition. Currently, veterans, their spouses, and children aged 17 to 25 are eligible for remission of tuition and fees for up to eight semesters or 128 credits. By changing the residency criteria, the bill could also attract veterans who may have moved to Wisconsin after serving, potentially benefiting local educational institutions and the Wisconsin economy by increasing enrollment.

Summary

Senate Bill 59 aims to amend the residency requirements for veterans and their dependents concerning tuition and fee remission under the University of Wisconsin System and technical colleges. The bill proposes to eliminate the existing five-year residency requirement for veterans who were not state residents at the time they entered military service. This change will allow veterans who establish residency in Wisconsin to qualify for full tuition and fee remission, regardless of their prior residency status when they entered the military.

Contention

The proposed changes are not without controversy. Stakeholders may have differing opinions on whether the elimination of the residency rule is beneficial or if it creates potential disparities in funding and resource allocation among in-state students. Critics might argue that relaxing these requirements could strain financial resources or prioritize non-residents over locals, raising concerns about the integrity of educational benefits intended primarily for state residents.