The bill amends Chapter 30-25 of the General Laws, titled "Burial of Veterans," by adding a new section, 30-25-14.1, which establishes eligibility for burial in the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery for certain Hmong or Lao veterans who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in support of the United States Armed Forces during the "Secret War" in Laos from 1961 to 1975. The bill recognizes the honorable service of these individuals, who have sustained heavy casualties and have been acknowledged by acts of the U.S. Congress and the Department of Veterans Affairs.

To qualify for burial, individuals must have served honorably with a special guerrilla unit and have been determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs to be eligible for burial in a national cemetery pursuant to federal law. The bill also extends burial eligibility to the spouse, widow or widower, and certain dependents of these eligible individuals under the same conditions that apply to veterans.

Eligibility must be established through official documentation issued or recognized by the Department of Veterans Affairs verifying that the individual has been deemed eligible for burial in a national cemetery. The Office of Veterans Services is tasked with promulgating rules and regulations for verification and record-keeping consistent with federal grant and eligibility requirements. Additionally, the bill clarifies that it does not expand eligibility for burial beyond those categories recognized under federal law, ensuring compliance with federal requirements and the state's ability to receive federal funds for the operation and maintenance of the Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery. The act will take effect upon passage.