Wisconsin · 2025-2026 Regular Session · Bill
AB 659: Relating to: tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans. (FE)
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
AB 659 is a bill introduced in the Wisconsin House on November 19, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Relating to: tuition and fee remission or grants for certain veterans and their dependents enrolled in the University of Wisconsin System, a technical college, or a private nonprofit institution of higher education; and the University of Wisconsin System nonresident tuition exemption for certain veterans. (FE). Primary sponsor: Joel Kitchens (Republican), Ben Franklin (Republican), Tony Kurtz (Republican), David Steffen (Republican), Elijah Behnke (Republican), Jill Billings (Democratic), Rob Brooks (Republican), Barbara Dittrich (Republican), Bob Donovan (Republican), Alex Joers (Democratic), Dan Knodl (Republican), Rob Kreibich (Republican), Paul Melotik (Republican), Dave Murphy (Republican), Jeff Mursau (Republican), Todd Novak (Republican), Jerry O'Connor (Republican), Jim Piwowarczyk (Republican), Randy Udell (Democratic), Chuck Wichgers (Republican), Lori Palmeri (Democratic). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (April 2, 2026): Published 4-3-2026.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 4 · Republican 18
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Joel Kitchens | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 1 |
| Ben Franklin | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 88 |
| Tony Kurtz | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 41 |
| David Steffen | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 4 |
| Elijah Behnke | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 6 |
| Jill Billings | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 95 |
| Rob Brooks | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 59 |
| Barbara Dittrich | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 99 |
| Bob Donovan | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 61 |
| Alex Joers | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 81 |
| Dan Knodl | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 24 |
| Rob Kreibich | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 28 |
| Paul Melotik | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 22 |
| Dave Murphy | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 56 |
| Jeff Mursau | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 36 |
| Todd Novak | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 51 |
| Jerry O'Connor | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 60 |
| Jim Piwowarczyk | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 98 |
| Randy Udell | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 47 |
| Chuck Wichgers | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 84 |
| Lori Palmeri | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 54 |
| Eric Wimberger | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | 2 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Published 4-3-2026
- Report approved by the Governor on 4-2-2026. 2025 Wisconsin Act 155
- Presented to the Governor on 4-1-2026
- Report correctly enrolled on 3-24-2026
- Received from Senate concurred in
- Ordered immediately messaged
- Read a third time and concurred in
- Rules suspended to give bill its third reading
- Ordered to a third reading
- Senate Amendment 1 rejected, Ayes 18, Noes 15
- Read a second time
- Senators Hesselbein and Smith added as cosponsors
Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history