After decades of advocacy by SGU veterans, bill finally passes the Minnesota Senate
ST. PAUL, Minn. — Today, April 22,the Senate passed the Senate Veterans Omnibus Bill, which included Senate File 4075. Authored by Senator Susan Pha (DFL – Brooklyn Park), this provision provides veteran designations for Special Guerrilla Unit (SGU) and Irregular Forces veterans who served in the Secret War in Laos.
This bill stems from the report provided to the legislature by the Veterans of Special Guerrilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force and enacts the reported recommendations on eligibility criteria and verification protocols.
Additional SGU benefits would include:
- Civil service recruitment preference
- State employment veterans preference
- Purchase of grave markers
- Burial fee eligibility
- Adds an “SGU Veteran” designation to driver’s licenses and state ID cards
The bill would establish a two-step process for determining eligibility. First, a Veterans Administration burial determination, followed by a state special consideration process for those denied federal burial. The deadline for special consideration would be December 31, 2030.
“I am so grateful to my colleagues for passing this bill,” said Senator Pha. “Last year, our task force made multiple recommendations that form the basis of our bill today. Hmong Special Guerrilla Unit and Irregular Forces veterans have advocated for years for a bill to recognize their sacrifices to our country. These veterans have waited for their recognition. Most are in their seventies and eighties, and some have sadly passed away. This bill is long overdue, but I am happy that we can recognize these heroes in the way they deserve.”
In 2025, Minnesota recognized SGU veterans but withheld benefits pending the fulfillment of legislative criteria.
Supporters of the bill include The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, who have urged passage of the bill due to the advanced age of many of the surviving veterans of The Secret War in Laos.
The Veterans Omnibus Policy bill passed on a vote of 58-8. The House companion bill awaits further action. Today’s floor debate can be viewed here.
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Learn more about Sen. Pha.
