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RI H7095

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Samuel Azzinaro

Click for details

Origin

House of Representatives

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Extends burial eligibility at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery to Hmong and Lao individuals who served with special guerrilla units or irregular forces supporting U.S. Armed Forces during the "Secret War" in Laos (1961-1975)

  • Requires individuals to have U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs certification of eligibility for burial in a national cemetery under 38 U.S.C. § 2402 and 38 CFR § 38.620

  • Extends burial eligibility to spouses, widows/widowers, and certain dependents of qualifying special guerrilla unit members under the same conditions as other veterans

  • Directs the Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services to establish verification and record-keeping rules consistent with federal grant requirements

  • Limits eligibility to categories recognized under federal law to avoid jeopardizing state receipt of federal cemetery funding

Legislative Description

Provides that certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably in military operations in support of the United States as special guerrilla units be granted burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.

Military Affairs And Defense

Last Action

Withdrawn at sponsor's request

1/29/2026

Committee Referrals

Veterans Affairs1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available