Wisconsin Legislative Council
ACT MEMO
One Ea st Ma in Stre e t, Suite 401 • Ma dison, W I 53703 • (608) 266-1304 • le g.council@le gis.wisconsin.gov • http://www.le gis.wisconsin.gov/lc
Prepared by: Ethan Lauer, Senior Staff Attorney April 3, 2024
2023 Wisconsin Act 205
[2023 Assembly Bill 385]
Hmong Veteran Status
Indication on a Driver’s License
or ID Card
BACKGROUND
An applicant for a motor vehicle operator’s license or state identification card may request to have that
person’s veteran status indicated on the license or card.
In general, an applicant may request the veteran status indication only if that person completed certain
active duty service in the U.S. armed forces, received an honorable discharge on the basis of disability or
hardship, or was released under honorable conditions due to a reduction in the U.S. armed forces.
2023 WISCONSIN ACT 205
2023 Wisconsin Act 205 allows an applicant for a license or card to request veteran status indication if
the person was admitted into this country as a refugee from Laos and served with a special guerilla unit
or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of the U.S. armed forced during the period from
February 28, 1961, to September 18, 1978.
A person applying for veteran status indication on this basis must provide documentation as specified
in federal law.
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Effective date and initial applicability: Act 205 took effect on March 24, 2024, and initially
applies to an application for a license or card received by the Department of Transportation on that
date.
For a full history of the bill, visit the Legislature’s bill history page.
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Documentation may consist of: (a) original documents; (b) an affidavit of the person’s superior officer; (c) two
affidavits from other individuals who also were serving with a special guerilla unit or irregular forces and who
personally knew of the person’s service; or (d) other appropriate proof. [Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000,
P.L. 106-207, SEC. 4.]