Bill
Bill > AB27
WI AB27
WI AB27Expanding veterans benefits to individuals who served in Laos in support of the United States during the Vietnam War.
summary
Introduced
02/17/2025
02/17/2025
In Committee
06/20/2025
06/20/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
This bill expands the definition of XveteranY to include individuals who were naturalized pursuant to the Hmong Veterans[ Naturalization Act of 2000. The bill extends most veterans benefits to anyone who meets this newly expanded definition of veteran, however, admission to a state veterans home and burial in a veterans cemetery are not included benefits as they are subject to federal regulation.
AI Summary
This bill expands the definition of veteran in Wisconsin state law to include individuals who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, specifically those who have been naturalized under section 2(1) of that federal law and currently reside in Wisconsin. The bill creates new provisions that extend several state benefits to this newly defined category of veterans, including tuition exemptions at state institutions of higher education (both universities and technical colleges) and other veteran-related benefits. The legislation specifically amends multiple sections of Wisconsin statutes to incorporate this new veteran classification, ensuring that individuals who served in Laos in support of the United States during the Vietnam War and subsequently became naturalized citizens can access state-level veteran benefits. While the government summary notes that some benefits like admission to state veterans homes and burial in veterans cemeteries are not included due to federal regulations, the bill represents an important recognition of the service and contributions of Hmong veterans who supported U.S. military efforts.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (48)
Clint Anderson (D)*,
David Armstrong (R)*,
Mike Bare (D)*,
Elijah Behnke (R)*,
Jill Billings (D)*,
Lindee Brill (R)*,
Brienne Brown (D)*,
Ben DeSmidt (D)*,
Robert Donovan (R)*,
Benjamin Franklin (R)*,
Andrew Hysell (D)*,
Brent Jacobson (R)*,
Alex Joers (D)*,
Joel Kitchens (R)*,
Rob Kreibich (R)*,
Dave Maxey (R)*,
Maureen McCarville (D)*,
Paul Melotik (R)*,
Vincent Miresse (D)*,
Dave Murphy (R)*,
Jeff Mursau (R)*,
Greta Neubauer (D)*,
Jerry O'Connor (R)*,
Lori Palmeri (D)*,
Jim Piwowarczyk (R)*,
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D)*,
Ann Roe (D)*,
Joe Sheehan (D)*,
Christine Sinicki (D)*,
Pat Snyder (R)*,
Ryan Spaude (D)*,
Lisa Subeck (D)*,
Angelito Tenorio (D)*,
Duke Tucker (R)*,
Ron Tusler (R)*,
Randy Udell (D)*,
Chuck Wichgers (R)*,
Julian Bradley (R),
Tim Carpenter (D),
André Jacque (R),
Sarah Keyeski (D),
Brad Pfaff (D),
Melissa Ratcliff (D),
Mark Spreitzer (D),
Cory Tomczyk (R),
Jamie Wall (D),
Van Wanggaard (R),
Bob Wirch (D),
Last Action
Senator Hesselbein added as a cosponsor (on 01/29/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/asm/bill/ab27 |
| Analysis - LC Amendment Memo | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/lcamendmentmemos/2025/REG/AB27.pdf |
| Assembly Amendment 1 | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/amends/2025/REG/AB27-AA1.pdf |
| AB27 ROCP for Committee on Veterans and Military Affairs | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/records/assembly/veterans_and_military_affairs/1920471.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/AB27.pdf |
Loading...