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.

Summary of the Bill

This bill would have extended burial rights at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery to certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served in special guerrilla units supporting the United States during military operations. These individuals, while not members of the U.S. Armed Forces, fought alongside American troops — most notably during the Vietnam War era, when the CIA recruited Hmong and Lao fighters in Southeast Asia to carry out secret military missions in support of U.S. objectives.

Under current law, burial at the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery is generally reserved for U.S. military veterans and their eligible family members. This bill would have expanded that eligibility to include Hmong or Lao individuals who served honorably in these special guerrilla units, recognizing their contributions and sacrifices in support of American military efforts. To qualify, these veterans would need to meet certain criteria demonstrating their service.

The bill was introduced in the Rhode Island House of Representatives and referred to the House Veterans Affairs committee. However, it was subsequently withdrawn at the sponsor's request, meaning it will not move forward in the legislative process. If it had passed, it would have affected Hmong and Lao veterans and their families living in Rhode Island, giving them access to the same burial honors typically reserved for U.S. military veterans.