Bill
Bill > SB721
summary
Introduced
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
In Committee
12/02/2025
12/02/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2025-2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
Under current law, the Department of Veterans Affairs coordinates the provision of military funeral honors to deceased members or former members of the military. If the provision of military funeral honors is conducted by a local unit of a member organization of the council on veterans programs or a local unit of a veterans organization certified by the department to provide military funeral honors, the department is required to reimburse the organization an amount not to exceed $50 for its cost in providing the military funeral honors. This bill increases the reimbursement amount to $85, and requires the department to annually adjust the reimbursement amount to reflect adjustments to the U.S. consumer price index. This bill also expands the list of qualifying veterans to whom military funeral honors may be provided to include a Hmong person who was naturalized pursuant to the federal Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000, which means that the person was admitted to the United States as a refugee from Laos and that the person served with a special guerilla unit, or irregular forces, operating from a base in Laos in support of the U.S. military during the period beginning February 28, 1961, and ending September 18, 1978. LRB-4760/1 MJW:ads&cdc 2025 - 2026 Legislature SENATE BILL 721 For further information see the state and local fiscal estimate, which will be printed as an appendix to this bill.
AI Summary
This bill modifies Wisconsin state law regarding military funeral honors by expanding reimbursement provisions and eligibility criteria. Specifically, the bill increases the reimbursement amount for organizations providing military funeral honors from $50 to $85 per funeral, and mandates that this amount be automatically adjusted annually based on changes in the U.S. consumer price index. Additionally, the bill expands the list of veterans eligible to receive military funeral honors to include Hmong individuals who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, which covers refugees from Laos who served with special guerilla units or irregular forces in support of U.S. military operations between February 28, 1961, and September 18, 1978. This change ensures that Hmong veterans who were living in Wisconsin at the time of their death can receive military funeral honors, recognizing their significant contributions during the Vietnam War era. The bill aims to provide more comprehensive and financially responsive support for veterans' funeral services and honor their military service.
Committee Categories
Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (32)
Tim Carpenter (D)*,
Kristin Dassler-Alfheim (D)*,
Dora Drake (D)*,
Jodi Habush Sinykin (D)*,
Dianne Hesselbein (D)*,
André Jacque (R)*,
LaTonya Johnson (D)*,
Chris Larson (D)*,
Melissa Ratcliff (D)*,
Kelda Roys (D)*,
Jeff Smith (D)*,
Mark Spreitzer (D)*,
Margaret Arney (D),
Mike Bare (D),
Brienne Brown (D),
Francesca Hong (D),
Alex Joers (D),
Dean Kaufert (R),
Darrin Madison (D),
Maureen McCarville (D),
Vincent Miresse (D),
Greta Neubauer (D),
Christian Phelps (D),
Pricilla Prado (D),
Amaad Rivera-Wagner (D),
Ann Roe (D),
Christine Sinicki (D),
Lee Snodgrass (D),
Angela Stroud (D),
Shelia Stubbs (D),
Angelito Tenorio (D),
Randy Udell (D),
Last Action
Senator Wirch added as a coauthor (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/proposals/reg/sen/bill/sb721 |
| Fiscal Note - SB721: Fiscal Estimate From DVA | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/2025/related/fe/sb721/sb721_dva.pdf |
| BillText | https://docs.legis.wisconsin.gov/document/proposaltext/2025/REG/SB721.pdf |
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