HF 2688

1st Engrossment - 84th Legislature (2005 - 2006) Posted on 12/15/2009 12:00am

A bill for an act
relating to veterans; authorizing the placement of a plaque on the Capitol grounds
honoring the nation's war dogs and their handlers; establishing a task force;
requiring a report.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1. PLAQUE HONORING MILITARY WAR DOGS AND THEIR
HANDLERS.

A memorial plaque may be placed in the court of honor on the Capitol grounds to
recognize the valiant service to our nation by the thousands of brave military war dogs and
their handlers who served honorably as members of the United States armed forces during
all of our nation's wars and during peacetime. The plaque must be furnished by a person
or organization other than the Department of Veterans Affairs and must be approved by the
commissioner of veterans affairs and the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board.

Sec. 2. TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED.

An implementation and steering task force is established to develop strategies around
the master plan for restoration of Victory Memorial Drive Historic District, as designated
in Minnesota Statutes, section 138.73, subdivision 26, including, but not limited to, efforts
to secure National Register designation and other efforts to provide funding to preserve
and restore the district's significant historical components and natural features.

Sec. 3. MEMBERSHIP.

The implementation and steering task force shall consist of 13 members including:

(1) the director of the Minnesota Historical Society or a designee;

(2) the Minneapolis City Council member representing the area;

(3) the Robbinsdale City Council member representing the area;

(4) the chair of the Hennepin County Board of Commissioners or the chair's
designee;

(5) the president of the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board or the president's
designee;

(6) two members from the house of representatives representing the area;

(7) two members of the senate representing the area;

(8) two citizen representatives appointed by the chair; and

(9) two representatives from local veterans organizations appointed by the chair.

Sec. 4. REPORT.

The implementation and steering task force shall report its actions to the appropriate
policy committees of the legislature once each biennium.

Sec. 5. STAFF SUPPORT.

The State Historic Preservation Office of the Minnesota Historical Society; the
Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission; the Minneapolis Department of Public
Works; the Minneapolis Department of Grants and Planning; the Minneapolis Park Board;
and the city of Robbinsdale shall provide staff support to the Victory Memorial Drive
Implementation and Steering Task Force.

Sec. 6. SUNSET.

The implementation and steering task force established in section 2 expires on
December 31, 2009.

Sec. 7. EFFECTIVE DATE.

Section 1 is effective the day following final enactment.