HF 1194

as introduced - 93rd Legislature (2023 - 2024) Posted on 02/01/2023 12:50pm

A bill for an act
relating to military veterans; appropriating money for veteran retreats.

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

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATION; CAMP BLISS.
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new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Grant program; eligibility; reimbursement requirements. new text end

new text begin (a) The
commissioner of veterans affairs shall issue a grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., for
expenses related to retreats for eligible veterans and their family members at Camp Bliss
in Walker.
new text end

new text begin (b) The grant recipient may use grant money to:
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new text begin (1) provide therapy, transportation, and activities customized for eligible veterans and
their family members; and
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new text begin (2) perform general maintenance of the camp.
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new text begin (c) The commissioner must reimburse the grant recipient at least $850 for each eligible
veteran or family member who the commissioner verifies attended the camp and received
services from the grant recipient. The commissioner shall disburse money to the grant
recipient for up to two visits per year to the camp for each eligible veteran or family member.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Definitions. new text end

new text begin (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have the
meanings given.
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new text begin (b) "Eligible veteran" means a person who is either:
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new text begin (1) a former armed forces service member who has a DD-214 or other official document
from the official military personnel file of the veteran that describes the honorable service
of the veteran; or
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new text begin (2) a current armed forces member, whether serving in the active or reserve component.
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new text begin (c) "Family member" means an eligible veteran's spouse, domestic partner, and children.
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new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Appropriation. new text end

new text begin $150,000 in fiscal year 2024 and $150,000 in fiscal year 2025
are appropriated from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for the grant
described in subdivision 1, paragraph (a). This amount shall be added to the agency's base.
new text end