Relative to Hmong Laotian Special Guerilla Unit veterans.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Umberg

The bill formally recognizes and honors Hmong Laotian SGU veterans for their service, without creating rights, benefits, or funding.

Chaptered by Secretary of State. Res. Chapter 141, Statutes of 2026.

#hmonglaotianspecialguerillaunitveterans

Summary of SCR 143 (2025-2026) – Relative to Hmong Laotian Special Guerilla Unit veterans

Purpose and intent

SCR 143 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution in California that recognizes and honors veterans of the Hmong Laotian Special Guerilla Unit (SGU).

The resolution expresses appreciation for the service and sacrifices of SGU veterans who supported U.S. and allied efforts during the Vietnam era, including clandestine and anti-communist operations in Laos.

The bill serves as a formal symbolic measure of respect and gratitude and aims to raise public awareness of SGU veterans’ contributions.

Key provisions and changes

The resolution acknowledges SGU veterans’ roles in intelligence gathering, guerrilla activities, and supportive operations in Southeast Asia during the conflict period.

It recognizes the cooperation between SGU veterans and United States forces, including the broader context of the U.S. war effort in Southeast Asia.

The resolution may call for commemorative actions or events (consistent with typical concurrent resolutions) and may urge related agencies or the public to honor SGU veterans, though it does not create new legal rights, benefits, or funding.

As a concurrent resolution, it does not, by itself, create statutory requirements or allocate funds; rather, it expresses the Legislature’s stance and sentiment.

Who or what would be affected

SGU veterans and their families: receives formal recognition and acknowledgment from state government.

California agencies, veterans organizations, and educational or community groups: potential to influence commemorative activities, public ceremonies, or advocacy around SGU history.

Public awareness: increased visibility of SGU contributions within California and the broader historical record.

Procedural and timeline aspects

History indicates multiple steps in 2026:

Introduced and referred to the Rules, Local Government, and State (RLS) committees on March 10, 2026.
Ordered to third reading on March 18, 2026.
Passed the Assembly floor on April 30, 2026 (Ayes 36, Noes 0) and ordered to the Assembly for further actions, with the resolution ultimately moving to the Senate for concurrence.
Referred to the Military and Veterans Affairs (M. & V.A.) committee on May 4, 2026.

Co-sponsor: Tom Umberg, indicating bipartisan or bicameral support within the legislative process.

Notable context

As a concurrent resolution, SCR 143 is a symbolic measure rather than a law. It does not create new rights, benefits, or funding; instead, it formally recognizes SGU veterans and may encourage commemorative activities or education about their service.

The resolution aligns with broader efforts to honor diverse veteran groups who contributed to historical U.S. foreign engagements and to ensure their stories are remembered in public institutions.

If you’d like, I can provide a plain-language explainer slide or a bullet-point briefing for a meeting or briefing packet.