The 2025 Senate Bill 2 aims to expand veterans' benefits in Wisconsin to include individuals who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000. This bill modifies the definition of a veteran to encompass these individuals, thereby granting them access to most veterans' benefits, with the exception of admission to state veterans homes and burial in veterans cemeteries, which are governed by federal regulations. The bill introduces new statutory provisions that outline the eligibility criteria for these benefits, specifically referencing the newly defined category of veterans.

Key amendments in the bill include the creation of new sections in the statutes, such as 36.27 (2) (b) 5., 36.27 (3p) (a) 1r. g., 38.24 (8) (a) 1r. g., and 45.01 (12) (fm), which detail the eligibility requirements for benefits. Additionally, the bill amends existing statutes 45.44 (3) (c) (intro.) and 45.51 (2) (a) 1. to reflect the updated definition of a veteran, specifically replacing the previous reference to sections (a) to (f) with the new inclusion of (fm). This legislative change seeks to recognize and support the contributions of Hmong veterans who served in support of the United States during the Vietnam War.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 45.44(3)(c)(intro.), 45.44, 45.51(2)(a)1, 45.51