Assembly Bill 27 aims to expand veterans' benefits in Wisconsin to include individuals who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000. The 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 that specify the eligibility of individuals who meet the expanded definition of veteran, as well as amendments to existing definitions to incorporate this change. Notably, the language in section 45.44 (3) (c) is amended to reflect the new definition, and section 45.51 (2) (a) is updated to clarify that the benefits apply to veterans, excluding those defined under the new criteria. Overall, the bill 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