2026 -- H 7095

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LC003133

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2026

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- BURIAL OF VETERANS

     Introduced By: Representatives Azzinaro, Corvese, Shallcross Smith, McNamara,
Fellela, Solomon, and Kennedy

     Date Introduced: January 14, 2026

     Referred To: House Veterans` Affairs

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     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.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO MILITARY AFFAIRS AND DEFENSE -- BURIAL OF VETERANS

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     This act would provide 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.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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