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Bill > AB745

WI AB745

WI AB745
Reimbursement for the provision of military funeral honors. (FE)

summary

Introduced
12/03/2025
In Committee
12/03/2025
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. 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's law regarding military funeral honors by expanding eligibility and increasing reimbursement rates for organizations providing these services. Specifically, the bill adds a new category of eligible veterans: Hmong individuals who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, which applies to refugees from Laos who served with special guerilla units or irregular forces supporting the U.S. military between 1961 and 1978, and who were residing in Wisconsin at the time of their death. The bill also increases the reimbursement amount that the Department of Veterans Affairs provides to local veterans' organizations for conducting military funeral honors from $50 to $85 per funeral. Additionally, the bill requires the department to annually adjust this reimbursement amount on July 1 to reflect changes in the U.S. consumer price index for all urban consumers, as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor, based on the 12-month period ending on the preceding December 31. This adjustment mechanism ensures that the reimbursement rate keeps pace with inflation over time.

Committee Categories

Military Affairs and Security

Sponsors (32)

Last Action

Representatives Anderson and Johnson added as coauthors (on 01/27/2026)
(1 Companion Bills)

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