Bill Sponsors
Azzinaro, Corvese, Shallcross Smith, McNamara, Fellela, Solomon, and Kennedy
Committee
House Veterans` Affairs
Summary
Select
This bill expands the eligibility requirements for burial in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. It specifically allows individuals who served in "special guerrilla units" or irregular forces that supported the United States Armed Forces in Laos during the "Secret War" (1961-1975) to be buried there. To qualify, an individual must be determined eligible for burial in a national cemetery by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The bill also extends this eligibility to the spouses and dependents of these individuals.
Sponsor
Analysis
Pros for Progressives
- Corrects a historical injustice by formally recognizing the sacrifices of Hmong and Lao fighters who were marginalized after supporting U.S. interests during the Vietnam War era.
- Strengthens the social safety net for immigrant communities by providing state-supported burial benefits to eligible families, relieving them of potential financial burdens.
- Promotes racial and ethnic equity within public institutions by ensuring that non-white allies who fought alongside U.S. troops receive comparable honors to traditional veterans.
Cons for Progressives
- Validates the use of irregular proxy forces and covert military operations (the "Secret War") without addressing the broader moral implications of U.S. interventionism in Southeast Asia.
- Relies strictly on federal Department of Veterans Affairs determinations, which may still exclude individuals who served but lack specific documentation due to the covert nature of the conflict.
- Allocates state land and resources to military-adjacent purposes rather than addressing other pressing social needs or non-military public service recognition.
Pros for Conservatives
- Honors the loyalty and sacrifice of anti-communist allies who fought alongside American troops against the Viet Cong and Pathet Lao forces.
- Ensures that Rhode Island state policy aligns with federal standards regarding veteran eligibility, promoting consistency and rule of law.
- Demonstrates respect for martial service and the bond between soldiers, reinforcing the cultural value of military alliances and shared sacrifice.
Cons for Conservatives
- Expands state-funded benefits to individuals who were not sworn members of the United States Armed Forces, potentially diluting the distinction of U.S. military service.
- Increases the potential financial burden on the state regarding the maintenance and operation of the cemetery for individuals who may not be U.S. citizens.
- Creates a precedent for extending veteran-specific benefits to other non-military groups or foreign nationals, which could act as a slippery slope for government spending.
Constitutional Concerns
None Likely
Impact Overview
Groups Affected
- Hmong and Lao veterans
- Families of Secret War veterans
- Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services
- Funeral directors
- Veterans advocacy groups
Towns Affected
All
Cost to Taxpayers
Amount unknown
Revenue Generated
None
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Bill Status
Current Status
Held
Comm Passed
Floor Passed
Law
History
• 01/14/2026 Introduced, referred to House Veterans Affairs
Bill Text
SECTION 1. Chapter 30-25 of the General Laws entitled "Burial of Veterans" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:
30-25-14.1. Eligibility for burial -- Members of special guerrilla units.
(a) Purpose. The general assembly finds that certain individuals served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces operating in support of the United States Armed Forces during the conflict in the Kingdom of Loas and surrounding regions between 1961 and 1975, commonly known as the "Secret War." These individuals fought alongside United States military personnel, sustained heavy casualties, and have been recognized by acts of the United States Congress and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their service.
(b) Eligibility. Any person who:
(1) Served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operations in support of the United States Armed Forces; and
(2) Has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for burial in a national cemetery pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 2402 and 38 CFR § 38.620, shall be deemed eligible for burial in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, subject to all other conditions and rules applicable to interment therein.
(c) Spouse and dependents. The spouse, widow or widower, and certain dependents to an eligible person described in subsection (b) of this section shall also be eligible for burial under the same conditions that apply to veterans under § 30-25-14.
(d) Documentation. Eligibility shall be established by presentation of official documentation issued or recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs verifying that the individual has been deemed eligible for burial in a national cemetery under federal law. The office of veterans services shall promulgate rules and regulations for verification and record- keeping consistent with federal grant and eligibility requirements.
(e) Federal compliance. Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand eligibility for burial beyond those categories recognized under federal law or to jeopardize the state’s receipt of federal funds or grants for the operation or maintenance of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.
30-25-14.1. Eligibility for burial -- Members of special guerrilla units.
(a) Purpose. The general assembly finds that certain individuals served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces operating in support of the United States Armed Forces during the conflict in the Kingdom of Loas and surrounding regions between 1961 and 1975, commonly known as the "Secret War." These individuals fought alongside United States military personnel, sustained heavy casualties, and have been recognized by acts of the United States Congress and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs for their service.
(b) Eligibility. Any person who:
(1) Served honorably with a special guerrilla unit or irregular forces operations in support of the United States Armed Forces; and
(2) Has been determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for burial in a national cemetery pursuant to 38 U.S.C. § 2402 and 38 CFR § 38.620, shall be deemed eligible for burial in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery, subject to all other conditions and rules applicable to interment therein.
(c) Spouse and dependents. The spouse, widow or widower, and certain dependents to an eligible person described in subsection (b) of this section shall also be eligible for burial under the same conditions that apply to veterans under § 30-25-14.
(d) Documentation. Eligibility shall be established by presentation of official documentation issued or recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs verifying that the individual has been deemed eligible for burial in a national cemetery under federal law. The office of veterans services shall promulgate rules and regulations for verification and record- keeping consistent with federal grant and eligibility requirements.
(e) Federal compliance. Nothing in this section shall be construed to expand eligibility for burial beyond those categories recognized under federal law or to jeopardize the state’s receipt of federal funds or grants for the operation or maintenance of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.