Bill
Bill > AB744
summary
Introduced
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
In Committee
12/03/2025
12/03/2025
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 admission regulations to provide free vehicle entry for two specific groups: veterans and gold star families. Under current law, all vehicles entering state parks must display a vehicle admission receipt, but this legislation creates an exception for vehicles occupied by individuals who can prove their veteran status (as defined in 38 USC 101) or who qualify for a gold star lapel button (which is awarded to immediate family members of U.S. service members who died during military service). The gold star lapel button eligibility is specifically defined by federal law under 10 USC 1126, sections (a)(1) to (a)(3). Motor buses are excluded from this free admission provision. By offering free state park admission, the bill aims to recognize and honor the service and sacrifice of veterans and families who have lost loved ones in military conflicts.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (31)
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)*,
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),
Last Action
Representatives Anderson and Johnson added as coauthors (on 01/27/2026)
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/asm/bill/ab744 |
| Fiscal Note - AB744: Fiscal Estimate From DNR | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/ab744/ab744_dnr.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB744.pdf |
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