HF 1965

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/17/2015 11:39am

A bill for an act
relating to higher education; modifying definition for purposes of certain
educational assistance; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 197.75,
subdivision 1.

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

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, 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 deleted text begin (1) deleted text end is operated by this state new text begin or the Board of Regents of the University
of Minnesota new text end , or deleted text begin (2) is operated publicly or privately and, as determined by the office,
maintains academic standards substantially equivalent to those of comparable institutions
operated in this state deleted text end new text begin is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education new text end .

(f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran.

(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.