Bill
Bill > SB718
summary
Introduced
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
In Committee
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, no person may operate a vehicle in any state park or in certain other recreational areas on state land unless the vehicle displays a vehicle admission receipt. This bill provides that a vehicle admission receipt is not required for any vehicle occupied by a person who is a veteran under federal law or who qualifies under federal law for a gold star lapel button (commonly known as gold star family), which signifies that the recipient is the immediate family member of a member of the U.S. armed forces who died while serving during a time of conflict. For further information see the state fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill amends state park regulations to provide free vehicle admission for veterans and gold star families. Specifically, the bill creates an exemption from the standard vehicle admission receipt requirement for vehicles occupied by individuals who can prove their status as either a veteran (as defined under 38 USC 101) or a member of a gold star family (meeting eligibility criteria in 10 USC 1126 (a) (1) to (3)). A gold star lapel button signifies that the person is an immediate family member of a U.S. armed forces service member who died while serving during a time of conflict. The exemption applies to all types of vehicles except motor buses, meaning veterans and gold star families would not need to purchase a vehicle admission receipt to enter state parks. This change aims to provide a gesture of appreciation and support for veterans and families who have sacrificed in service to the country by offering them free access to state recreational areas.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (31)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
André Jacque (R)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Elijah Behnke (R),
Karen DeSanto (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Lori Palmeri (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Joe Sheehan (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Lisa Subeck (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Public hearing held (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb718 |
| SB718 ROCP for Committee on Natural Resources, Veteran and Military Affairs | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/senate/natural_resources_veteran_and_military_affairs/1969074.pdf |
| Fiscal Note - SB718: Fiscal Estimate From DNR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb718/sb718_dnr.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB718.pdf |
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