FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 22, 2026
Contact: Matt Keliher | matt.keliher@mnsenate.gov
SAINT PAUL, MN – The Minnesota Senate passed SF 4807, the Veterans Policy and Budget Bill authored by Senator Aric Putnam (DFL – St. Cloud). The legislation addresses two significant and long-overdue commitments to Minnesota’s veterans: formally recognizing Secret War veterans who served in Laos alongside U.S. forces, and expanding burial eligibility at state veterans cemeteries to include Minnesota National Guard members and their families.
Recognizing Special Guerrilla Unit Veterans of the Secret War in Laos
SF 4807 establishes a comprehensive eligibility process for Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) veterans to access many of the same benefits as other Minnesota veterans. These courageous individuals served under CIA direction from 1961 to 1975, operating in special guerrilla units and irregular forces in Laos in support of U.S. military operations. An estimated 900 of these veterans, now between 68 and 88 years old, live in Minnesota. The bill implements recommendations from a legislative task force created in 2025 to study how Minnesota could better serve SGU veterans.
Under the new law, SGU veterans will be eligible for veterans preference in state employment, burial in state veterans cemeteries, and a special “SGU Veteran” designation on their driver’s licenses and state IDs.
“These veterans have lived in our communities for decades, many without the formal recognition they earned fighting alongside American troops in one of our nation’s most difficult conflicts,” said Senator Aric Putnam. “These veterans are in their 70s and 80s now, and time is not on our side. This legislation says to them and their families: Minnesota sees you, we honor your sacrifice, and we’re finally making things right.”
Expanding Veterans Cemetery Eligibility for National Guard Members
The legislation also expands burial eligibility at state veterans cemeteries to include members of the Minnesota National Guard who served honorably, along with their spouses and dependent family members. Beginning January 1, 2027, these service members will be able to be laid to rest in state veterans cemeteries, ensuring Minnesota properly honors all who answered the call to serve. A fee schedule will apply to National Guard interments, with provisions to waive or reduce fees for those who cannot afford them.
“The men and women of the Minnesota National Guard have answered the call to serve — at home during disasters, and abroad during some of our most consequential military deployments. Their families have sacrificed alongside them. It is long past time that Minnesota’s veterans cemeteries fully reflect that service. This change ensures that when a Guard member’s time comes, they and their loved ones have a place of honor set aside for them — because honoring military service means honoring all of it,” said Senator Putnam.
Together, these provisions reflect Minnesota’s commitment to ensuring that every veteran, regardless of the nature or recognition of their service, is honored with the dignity and benefits they have earned. SF 4807 has been sent to the Minnesota House of Representatives for further consideration.
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Vice Chair of the Higher Education Committee. He serves on the Jobs and Economic Development Committee and Taxes Committee.
Learn more about Sen. Putnam.
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