Assembly Bill 404 aims to enhance the Veterans Outreach and Recovery Program by allocating additional funding and increasing staffing within the Department of Veterans Affairs. Specifically, the bill proposes an increase of $512,900 for the fiscal year 2025-26 and $602,800 for the fiscal year 2026-27 to support the program, which provides essential outreach, treatment, and support services to veterans dealing with mental health conditions or substance use disorders. Additionally, the bill authorizes the creation of seven new full-time equivalent (FTE) positions within the department to bolster these services.

The bill outlines the fiscal changes necessary to implement these enhancements, detailing the increased appropriations under section 20.485 (2) (qs) of the state statutes. The effective date of the act is set for the day after publication or the second day after the publication of the 2025 biennial budget act, whichever occurs later. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to improving the support available to veterans in Wisconsin.