HF 2444

1st Engrossment - 94th Legislature (2025 - 2026) Posted on 04/10/2025 04:42pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a budget for the Department of Military
Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; requiring the commissioner of
administration to place a memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star
families on State Capitol grounds; establishing a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units
and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; requiring reports; transferring
money; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 13.461,
subdivision 27; 192.49, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 193.143;
197.065; 197.236, subdivisions 8, 9; 197.75, subdivision 1; 197.791, subdivision
4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.

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

ARTICLE 1

MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS

Section 1. new text begin APPROPRIATIONS. new text end

new text begin The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
new text end

			new text begin APPROPRIATIONS new text end
			new text begin Available for the Year new text end
			new text begin Ending June 30 new text end
				new text begin 2026 new text end		new text begin 2027 new text end

Sec. 2. new text begin MILITARY AFFAIRS new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 26,872,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 27,081,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Maintenance of Training Facilities new text end

new text begin 10,067,000 new text end

new text begin 10,067,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin General Support new text end

new text begin 4,391,000 new text end

new text begin 4,600,000 new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end new text begin Enlistment Incentives new text end

new text begin 12,114,000 new text end

new text begin 12,114,000 new text end

new text begin The appropriations in this subdivision are
available until June 30, 2029.
new text end

new text begin If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is
insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available
in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered
balance does not cancel at the end of the first
year and is available for the second year.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 5. new text end new text begin Emergency Services new text end

new text begin 300,000 new text end

new text begin 300,000 new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin VETERANS AFFAIRS new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end new text begin Total Appropriation new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 125,804,000 new text end

new text begin $ new text end

new text begin 126,847,000 new text end

new text begin The base for this appropriation is
$126,756,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may
be spent for each purpose are specified in the
following subdivisions.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end new text begin Veterans Programs and Services new text end

new text begin 25,617,000 new text end

new text begin 25,494,000 new text end

new text begin The amounts that may be spent for each
purpose are specified in the following
paragraphs.
new text end

new text begin (a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000
each year is for the operation of the state
veterans cemeteries.
new text end

new text begin (b) Veterans Service Organizations.
$500,000 each year is for grants to the
following congressionally chartered veterans
service organizations as designated by the
commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of
America. This funding must be allocated in
direct proportion to the funding currently
being provided by the commissioner to these
organizations.
new text end

new text begin (c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
compensation for honor guards at the funerals
of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
197.231.
new text end

new text begin (d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
for the costs of administering the Minnesota
GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
program under Minnesota Statutes, section
197.791.
new text end

new text begin (e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
is for administering the Gold Star Program for
surviving family members of deceased
veterans.
new text end

new text begin (f) County Veterans Service Office.
$1,610,000 each year is for the County
Veterans Service Office grant program under
Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
for a veteran suicide prevention technical
assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
justice-involved veteran technical assistance
coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
the first year does not cancel and is available
in the second year.
new text end

new text begin (g) Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Veteran
Suicides in Minnesota. The commissioner
shall develop a comprehensive plan to prevent
Minnesota veterans from dying by suicide.
The plan must include:
new text end

new text begin (1) a community integration and collaboration
strategy that brings together veteran-serving
organizations to provide veterans with
coordinated services and supports, including
services and supports related to employment,
health, housing, benefits, recreation, education,
and social connections;
new text end

new text begin (2) strategies to promote a sense of belonging
and purpose among veterans by connecting
veterans with each other, with civilians, and
with the veteran's communities through a
range of activities, including physical activity,
community service, and disaster response
efforts; and
new text end

new text begin (3) an implementation strategy that identifies
opportunities to coordinate existing efforts
within federal, state, local, and Tribal
governments and nongovernmental entities
and includes a description of the policy
changes and resources that are required to
prevent veteran suicides.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner must submit a report
containing the required plan to the chairs and
ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over veterans
affairs policy and finance by February 15,
2026.
new text end

new text begin (h) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
$1,394,000 each year is to operate the
homeless veteran registry and homeless
programs and to assist veterans, former service
members, and veterans' and former service
members' dependents with obtaining federal
benefits through the Social Security
Administration. The commissioner of veterans
affairs may use money for personnel, training,
research, marketing, and professional or
technical contracts.
new text end

new text begin (i) State Soldiers Assistance Program.
$5,600,000 each year is for veteran financial
assistance through the state soldiers assistance
program.
new text end

new text begin (j) Higher Education Veterans Assistance.
$1,629,000 each year is for veterans higher
education assistance.
new text end

new text begin (k) Claims and Outreach Office. $3,621,000
each year is for the claims and outreach office
to assist veterans and the veterans' families in
accessing benefits and services.
new text end

new text begin (l) Camp Bliss. $1,000 the first year is for a
grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
provide therapy, transportation, and activities
customized for veterans who are Minnesota
residents and the veterans' spouses, domestic
partners, and children at Camp Bliss in the
city of Walker. The commissioner of veterans
affairs must report to the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over veterans
affairs on:
new text end

new text begin (1) the number of veterans and veterans'
family members served; and
new text end

new text begin (2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
the grant money.
new text end

new text begin (m) Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task
Force. $118,000 the first year is for the
commissioner to staff and support the work
of Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force.
new text end

new text begin (n) Metro Meals on Wheels. $250,000 each
year is for a grant to Metro Meals on Wheels
to provide: (1) home-delivered meals to
veterans; and (2) technical, enrollment,
outreach, and volunteer recruitment assistance
to member programs. Metro Meals on Wheels
must report to the commissioner of veterans
affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
finance by September 1 each year with a
detailed explanation of how the grant money
was used and the number of veterans and
service members served by the program. The
base for this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal
year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter.
new text end

new text begin (o) Hometown Hero Outdoors. $1,000 the
first year is for a grant to Hometown Hero
Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
based in Stillwater, Minnesota, to fund outdoor
recreational activities and mental health
services for currently serving military
personnel and veterans to promote positive
mental health and interactions with mental
health service professionals; to promote
longevity and quality of life through outdoor
activities and mental health services, including
public education; and to ensure that the
organization is able to continue supporting
persons who are currently serving or have
served in the military. Hometown Hero
Outdoors must report to the commissioner of
veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over veterans
affairs policy and finance no later than
September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
each subsequent year. Each report must
include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
of how the grant money was used and the
number of veterans served by the program.
new text end

new text begin (p) Veterans on the Lake. $1,000 the first
year is for a grant to Veterans on the Lake for
expenses related to retreats for veterans,
including therapy, transportation, and activities
customized for veterans. Veterans on the Lake
must report to the commissioner of veterans
affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
members of the legislative committees with
jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
finance no later than September 1, 2026, and
by September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
explanation of how the grant money was used
and the number of veterans served by the
program.
new text end

new text begin (q) Fishing with Vets. $1,000 the first year is
for a grant to Fishing with Vets to organize
and conduct guided fishing trips for veterans
across Minnesota. Fishing with Vets must
report to the commissioner of veterans affairs
and the chairs and ranking minority members
of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
over veterans affairs policy and finance no
later than September 1, 2026, and by
September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
explanation of how the grant money was used
and the number of veterans served by the
program.
new text end

new text begin (r) Veteran Mentorship Program for Black
Youth. $1,000 the first year is for the
commissioner of veterans affairs to award a
grant to an organization to develop, operate,
and administer a veteran mentorship program
to prevent youth violence through employing
veterans who will mentor Black youth and
assisting Black youth in exploring career
opportunities in the armed forces. The grant
recipient must report to the commissioner of
veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over veterans
affairs policy and finance no later than
September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
each subsequent year. Each report must
include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
of how the grant money was used and the
number of veterans participating in the
program.
new text end

new text begin (s) new text begin CORE Program. new text end $1,475,000 each year is
for the Counseling and Case Management
Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
program.
new text end

new text begin (t) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
Center.
new text end

new text begin (u) new text begin Recently Separated Veterans Program. new text end
$300,000 each year is for the operation of the
recently separated veterans program. The
commissioner of veterans affairs may use
Department of Defense and other veteran data
that was provided with an appropriate
disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
to resources and new programming. The
commissioner may use money for personnel,
research, marketing, technology solutions, and
professional or technical contracts.
new text end

new text begin (v) Minnesota Military and Veterans
Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
for museum staff to provide direct services to
veterans and their families.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end new text begin Veterans Health Care new text end

new text begin 100,187,000 new text end

new text begin 101,353,000 new text end

new text begin (a) $98,137,000 the first year and $99,303,000
the second year may be transferred to a
veterans homes special revenue account in the
special revenue fund in the same manner as
other receipts are deposited according to
Minnesota Statutes, section 198.34, and are
appropriated to the commissioner of veterans
affairs for the operation of veterans homes
facilities and programs. The base for this
transfer is $99,204,000 in fiscal year 2028 and
each fiscal year thereafter.
new text end

new text begin (b) The department shall seek opportunities
to maximize federal reimbursements of
Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
reports to the commissioner of management
and budget on the federal Medicare
reimbursements that are received. Contingent
upon future federal Medicare receipts,
reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
appropriation may be made.
new text end

new text begin (c) $400,000 each year is for the department
to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
in community-based hospitals.
new text end

new text begin (d) $1,650,000 each year is for the department
to operate the veteran suicide prevention
program.
new text end

new text begin (e) The commissioner of veterans affairs is
not required to perform the annual calculation
of the cost of care for veterans homes in
Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji in the first
year and second year. In the first year and
second year, the commissioner must calculate
the average daily cost of care per resident by
averaging the cost of care of veterans homes
in Luverne and Fergus Falls. The
commissioner must only use this method of
calculating the cost of care of veterans homes
in the first year and second year. This
paragraph expires June 30, 2027.
new text end

ARTICLE 2

MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:

Subd. 27.

deleted text begin State soldiers assistance program deleted text end new text begin Veterans affairs programs new text end .

Access to
information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program new text begin ,
the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and veterans programs new text end is governed by section
197.065.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Officers.

Every commissioned officer of the military forces shall receive
from the state, while engaged in deleted text begin any deleted text end new text begin state active new text end service deleted text begin ordered by the governor deleted text end new text begin as defined
in section 190.05, subdivision 5a new text end , pay and allowances at the rate now or hereafter paid or
allowed by law to officers of the same grade and length of service in the armed forces of
the United States, but not less than $130 a day.

Sec. 3.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Enlisted persons.

When called into new text begin state new text end active service by the governor, other
than for encampment or maneuvers, including the time necessarily consumed in travel, each
enlisted person of the military forces shall be paid by the state the pay and the allowances,
when not furnished in kind, provided by law for enlisted persons of similar grade, rating,
and length of service in the armed forces of the United States, or $130 a day, whichever is
more.

Sec. 4.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, is amended by adding a subdivision to
read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Pension offset stipend. new text end

new text begin The adjutant general is authorized to pay service
members ordered into state active service a stipend equivalent to five percent of basic pay
for the period of duty to compensate the service member for pension inequity compared to
similar federal service.
new text end

Sec. 5.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:

193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.

Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections 193.141
to 193.149, shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to
accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections 193.141 to 193.149,
including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
hereby conferred:

(1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.

(2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
thereof has not been taken.

(3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
sum of deleted text begin $15,000,000 deleted text end new text begin $45,000,000 new text end .

(4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
local funds, when available.

(5) To sue and be sued.

(6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
contract in which such corporation is interested.

(7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
rates as it may determine.

(8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.

(9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
the same:

(a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
of the corporation as herein authorized;

(b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;

(c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.

(10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.

(11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
armory for armory or military purposes.

(12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.

(13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
of any liability of the corporation.

(14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section 193.142
shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated as the
"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
commission.

(15) The corporation created under section 193.142 may designate one or more state or
national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
or other acts or omissions of such depository.

(16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
regulations not inconsistent therewith.

Sec. 6.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:

197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.

new text begin (a) new text end Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs
may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of deleted text begin Human
Services deleted text end new text begin Children, Youth, and Families new text end for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of
applicants for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program new text begin , the Veterans Stable
Housing Initiative, and veterans programs. The commissioner may electronically access
the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and federal
resources for which the veterans are eligible new text end .

new text begin (b) In order to access any private data on individuals, as defined by section 13.02,
subdivision 12, pursuant to paragraph (a), the commissioner of veterans affairs must have
received informed consent from the subject of the data.
new text end

Sec. 7.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:

Subd. 8.

Eligibility.

Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
defined in United States Code, title 38, section deleted text begin 101 deleted text end new text begin 2402 new text end , paragraph deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (a), subparagraphs
1 to 5 and 7 new text end .

Sec. 8.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:

Subd. 9.

Burial fees.

(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
interment, excluding the value of the plot.

(b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
eligible person. The commissioner shall deleted text begin develop deleted text end new text begin maintain new text end a policy, eligibility standards,
and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
applicants.

(c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section deleted text begin 101 deleted text end new text begin
2402 new text end , paragraph deleted text begin (2) deleted text end new text begin (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7 new text end .

Sec. 9.

new text begin [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Definition. new text end

new text begin As used in this section, the term "veteran of the secret war
in Laos" means a person who resides in Minnesota and who:
new text end

new text begin (1) was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans'
Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207; or
new text end

new text begin (2) is a person who the commissioner of veterans affairs determines served honorably
with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in
support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning
February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an
alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Eligibility for benefits and privileges. new text end

new text begin (a) A veteran of the secret war in Laos,
as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in
paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act.
new text end

new text begin (b) A veteran of the secret war in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled
to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner of veterans
affairs verifies the person's veteran status. The commissioner must not begin accepting
applications for verification until the legislature enacts criteria and a protocol to determine:
new text end

new text begin (1) which Minnesotans served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos;
and
new text end

new text begin (2) which of the Minnesotans who served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces
in Laos are deserving of Minnesota veterans benefits.
new text end

new text begin (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in
section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the secret war in Laos: section 171.07,
subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards);
section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236
(state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551
(permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for
meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.58 (veterans
organizations); section 197.61 (veterans service organizations grant program); section 197.63
(vital records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor
vehicle registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).
new text end

Sec. 10.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:

Subdivision 1.

Definitions.

(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.

(b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.

(c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
six months preceding the veteran's date of death.

(d) "Eligible child" means a person who:

(1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and

(2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
education.

(e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.

(f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran new text begin , regardless of
whether the surviving spouse remarries new text end .

(g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:

(1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
education;

(2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;

(3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and

(4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8.

(h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101,
subdivision 10.

(i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7.

(j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447.

Sec. 11.

Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:

Subd. 4.

Eligibility.

(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
5 if:

(1) the person is:

(i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
States armed forces at any time;

(ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
11, 2001;

(iii) the surviving spouse or child of a person who has served in the military and who
has died as a direct result of that military service, only if the surviving spouse or child is
eligible to receive federal education benefits under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33,
as amended, or United States Code, title 38, chapter 35, as amended new text begin , except that remarriage
does not terminate a surviving spouse's eligibility new text end ; or

(iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who
has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
chapter 35, as amended; and

(2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and

(3) the person receiving the educational assistance:

(i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;

(ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
participating in federal Title IV programs;

(iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
an eligible institution;

(iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
academic term for which the assistance is being requested;

(v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121,
subdivision 2, clause (5); and

(vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

(b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
section 135A.52.

(c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
to determine eligibility.

(d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.

(e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.

Sec. 12.

new text begin [197.989] GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL
PLAQUE.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Purpose. new text end

new text begin The state of Minnesota wishes to honor and recognize the
service and sacrifices of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Memorial plaque. new text end

new text begin The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial
plaque in the court of honor on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices
of Minnesota's Gold Star and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
Board must solicit design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and
Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final
production. The selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs
and must be furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the
state of Minnesota.
new text end

Sec. 13. new text begin ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET
GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS.
new text end

new text begin Subdivision 1. new text end

new text begin Establishment; membership. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs
must establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory
Task Force.
new text end

new text begin (b) The advisory task force must consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the
following additional 12 members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise
provided:
new text end

new text begin (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by
the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs;
new text end

new text begin (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the
Commanders Task Force;
new text end

new text begin (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota;
new text end

new text begin (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during
the Vietnam War;
new text end

new text begin (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces;
new text end

new text begin (6) a veteran of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos;
new text end

new text begin (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos;
new text end

new text begin (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the
Vietnam War designated by the museum's director; and
new text end

new text begin (9) four legislators, with one member each appointed by the speaker of the house of
representatives, the house DFL leader, the senate majority leader, and the senate minority
leader.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 2. new text end

new text begin Duties; report. new text end

new text begin (a) The task force must:
new text end

new text begin (1) establish criteria for determining which Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla
units or with irregular forces in Laos; and
new text end

new text begin (2) establish criteria and a protocol to determine which Minnesotans who served in the
secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos are deserving of the benefits of a veteran
under Minnesota law and which veterans benefits should be extended to these Minnesotans.
new text end

new text begin (b) The task force must prepare a report to the legislature that includes the findings,
criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph (a). The commissioner
must deliver the report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
committees with jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and finance by February 15, 2026.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 3. new text end

new text begin Administration; terms of membership. new text end

new text begin The commissioner shall convene the
first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to
the advisory task force. Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6, governs the terms
and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of the task force serve without
compensation or per diem.
new text end

new text begin Subd. 4. new text end

new text begin Expiration. new text end

new text begin The task force expires February 15, 2026.
new text end