1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to state government; establishing a budget for the Department of Military
1.3 Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; requiring the commissioner of
1.4 administration to place a memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star
1.5 families on State Capitol grounds; establishing a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units
1.6 and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; requiring reports; transferring
1.7 money; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 13.461,
1.8 subdivision 27; 192.49, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 193.143;
1.9 197.065; 197.236, subdivisions 8, 9; 197.75, subdivision 1; 197.791, subdivision
1.10 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.
1.11BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.12 ARTICLE 1
1.13 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
1.14Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
1.15 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
1.16and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
1.17or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
1.18The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
1.19them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
1.20"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
1.21is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
1.22 APPROPRIATIONS
1.23 Available for the Year
1.24 Ending June 30
20271.25 2026
1.26Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS
1Article 1 Sec. 2.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT
State of Minnesota
This Document can be made available
in alternative formats upon request
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H. F. No. 2444
NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
Authored by Bliss and Xiong03/17/2025
The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Veterans and Military Affairs Division
Adoption of Report: Amended and re-referred to the Committee on Ways and Means04/10/2025 27,081,000$26,872,000$2.1Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
2.2The amounts that may be spent for each
2.3purpose are specified in the following
2.4subdivisions.
10,067,00010,067,0002.5Subd. 2.Maintenance of Training Facilities
4,600,0004,391,0002.6Subd. 3.General Support
12,114,00012,114,0002.7Subd. 4.Enlistment Incentives
2.8The appropriations in this subdivision are
2.9available until June 30, 2029.
2.10If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is
2.11insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available
2.12in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered
2.13balance does not cancel at the end of the first
2.14year and is available for the second year.
300,000300,0002.15Subd. 5.Emergency Services
2.16Sec. 3. VETERANS AFFAIRS
126,847,000$125,804,000$2.17Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
2.18The base for this appropriation is
2.19$126,756,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
2.20fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may
2.21be spent for each purpose are specified in the
2.22following subdivisions.
25,494,00025,617,0002.23Subd. 2.Veterans Programs and Services
2.24The amounts that may be spent for each
2.25purpose are specified in the following
2.26paragraphs.
2.27(a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000
2.28each year is for the operation of the state
2.29veterans cemeteries.
2.30(b) Veterans Service Organizations.
2.31$500,000 each year is for grants to the
2.32following congressionally chartered veterans
2Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 3.1service organizations as designated by the
3.2commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
3.3Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
3.4American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
3.5AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of
3.6America. This funding must be allocated in
3.7direct proportion to the funding currently
3.8being provided by the commissioner to these
3.9organizations.
3.10(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
3.11compensation for honor guards at the funerals
3.12of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.13197.231.
3.14(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
3.15for the costs of administering the Minnesota
3.16GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
3.17on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
3.18program under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.19197.791.
3.20(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
3.21is for administering the Gold Star Program for
3.22surviving family members of deceased
3.23veterans.
3.24(f) County Veterans Service Office.
3.25$1,610,000 each year is for the County
3.26Veterans Service Office grant program under
3.27Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
3.28amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
3.29technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
3.30for a veteran suicide prevention technical
3.31assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
3.32justice-involved veteran technical assistance
3.33coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
3.34the first year does not cancel and is available
3.35in the second year.
3Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 4.1(g) Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Veteran
4.2Suicides in Minnesota. The commissioner
4.3shall develop a comprehensive plan to prevent
4.4Minnesota veterans from dying by suicide.
4.5The plan must include:
4.6(1) a community integration and collaboration
4.7strategy that brings together veteran-serving
4.8organizations to provide veterans with
4.9coordinated services and supports, including
4.10services and supports related to employment,
4.11health, housing, benefits, recreation, education,
4.12and social connections;
4.13(2) strategies to promote a sense of belonging
4.14and purpose among veterans by connecting
4.15veterans with each other, with civilians, and
4.16with the veteran's communities through a
4.17range of activities, including physical activity,
4.18community service, and disaster response
4.19efforts; and
4.20(3) an implementation strategy that identifies
4.21opportunities to coordinate existing efforts
4.22within federal, state, local, and Tribal
4.23governments and nongovernmental entities
4.24and includes a description of the policy
4.25changes and resources that are required to
4.26prevent veteran suicides.
4.27The commissioner must submit a report
4.28containing the required plan to the chairs and
4.29ranking minority members of the legislative
4.30committees with jurisdiction over veterans
4.31affairs policy and finance by February 15,
4.322026.
4.33(h) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
4.34$1,394,000 each year is to operate the
4Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 5.1homeless veteran registry and homeless
5.2programs and to assist veterans, former service
5.3members, and veterans' and former service
5.4members' dependents with obtaining federal
5.5benefits through the Social Security
5.6Administration. The commissioner of veterans
5.7affairs may use money for personnel, training,
5.8research, marketing, and professional or
5.9technical contracts.
5.10(i) State Soldiers Assistance Program.
5.11$5,600,000 each year is for veteran financial
5.12assistance through the state soldiers assistance
5.13program.
5.14(j) Higher Education Veterans Assistance.
5.15$1,629,000 each year is for veterans higher
5.16education assistance.
5.17(k) Claims and Outreach Office. $3,621,000
5.18each year is for the claims and outreach office
5.19to assist veterans and the veterans' families in
5.20accessing benefits and services.
5.21(l) Camp Bliss. $1,000 the first year is for a
5.22grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
5.23provide therapy, transportation, and activities
5.24customized for veterans who are Minnesota
5.25residents and the veterans' spouses, domestic
5.26partners, and children at Camp Bliss in the
5.27city of Walker. The commissioner of veterans
5.28affairs must report to the chairs and ranking
5.29minority members of the legislative
5.30committees with jurisdiction over veterans
5.31affairs on:
5.32(1) the number of veterans and veterans'
5.33family members served; and
5Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 6.1(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
6.2the grant money.
6.3(m) Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
6.4Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task
6.5Force. $118,000 the first year is for the
6.6commissioner to staff and support the work
6.7of Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
6.8Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force.
6.9(n) Metro Meals on Wheels. $250,000 each
6.10year is for a grant to Metro Meals on Wheels
6.11to provide: (1) home-delivered meals to
6.12veterans; and (2) technical, enrollment,
6.13outreach, and volunteer recruitment assistance
6.14to member programs. Metro Meals on Wheels
6.15must report to the commissioner of veterans
6.16affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
6.17members of the legislative committees with
6.18jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
6.19finance by September 1 each year with a
6.20detailed explanation of how the grant money
6.21was used and the number of veterans and
6.22service members served by the program. The
6.23base for this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal
6.24year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter.
6.25(o) Hometown Hero Outdoors. $1,000 the
6.26first year is for a grant to Hometown Hero
6.27Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
6.28based in Stillwater, Minnesota, to fund outdoor
6.29recreational activities and mental health
6.30services for currently serving military
6.31personnel and veterans to promote positive
6.32mental health and interactions with mental
6.33health service professionals; to promote
6.34longevity and quality of life through outdoor
6.35activities and mental health services, including
6Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 7.1public education; and to ensure that the
7.2organization is able to continue supporting
7.3persons who are currently serving or have
7.4served in the military. Hometown Hero
7.5Outdoors must report to the commissioner of
7.6veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
7.7minority members of the legislative
7.8committees with jurisdiction over veterans
7.9affairs policy and finance no later than
7.10September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
7.11each subsequent year. Each report must
7.12include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
7.13of how the grant money was used and the
7.14number of veterans served by the program.
7.15(p) Veterans on the Lake. $1,000 the first
7.16year is for a grant to Veterans on the Lake for
7.17expenses related to retreats for veterans,
7.18including therapy, transportation, and activities
7.19customized for veterans. Veterans on the Lake
7.20must report to the commissioner of veterans
7.21affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
7.22members of the legislative committees with
7.23jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
7.24finance no later than September 1, 2026, and
7.25by September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
7.26report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
7.27explanation of how the grant money was used
7.28and the number of veterans served by the
7.29program.
7.30(q) Fishing with Vets. $1,000 the first year is
7.31for a grant to Fishing with Vets to organize
7.32and conduct guided fishing trips for veterans
7.33across Minnesota. Fishing with Vets must
7.34report to the commissioner of veterans affairs
7.35and the chairs and ranking minority members
7Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 8.1of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
8.2over veterans affairs policy and finance no
8.3later than September 1, 2026, and by
8.4September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
8.5report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
8.6explanation of how the grant money was used
8.7and the number of veterans served by the
8.8program.
8.9(r) Veteran Mentorship Program for Black
8.10Youth. $1,000 the first year is for the
8.11commissioner of veterans affairs to award a
8.12grant to an organization to develop, operate,
8.13and administer a veteran mentorship program
8.14to prevent youth violence through employing
8.15veterans who will mentor Black youth and
8.16assisting Black youth in exploring career
8.17opportunities in the armed forces. The grant
8.18recipient must report to the commissioner of
8.19veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
8.20minority members of the legislative
8.21committees with jurisdiction over veterans
8.22affairs policy and finance no later than
8.23September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
8.24each subsequent year. Each report must
8.25include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
8.26of how the grant money was used and the
8.27number of veterans participating in the
8.28program.
8.29(s) CORE Program. $1,475,000 each year is
8.30for the Counseling and Case Management
8.31Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
8.32program.
8.33(t) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
8.34is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
8.35Center.
8Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 9.1(u) Recently Separated Veterans Program.
9.2$300,000 each year is for the operation of the
9.3recently separated veterans program. The
9.4commissioner of veterans affairs may use
9.5Department of Defense and other veteran data
9.6that was provided with an appropriate
9.7disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
9.8to resources and new programming. The
9.9commissioner may use money for personnel,
9.10research, marketing, technology solutions, and
9.11professional or technical contracts.
9.12(v) Minnesota Military and Veterans
9.13Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
9.14the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
9.15for museum staff to provide direct services to
9.16veterans and their families.
101,353,000100,187,0009.17Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care
9.18(a) $98,137,000 the first year and $99,303,000
9.19the second year may be transferred to a
9.20veterans homes special revenue account in the
9.21special revenue fund in the same manner as
9.22other receipts are deposited according to
9.23Minnesota Statutes, section 198.34, and are
9.24appropriated to the commissioner of veterans
9.25affairs for the operation of veterans homes
9.26facilities and programs. The base for this
9.27transfer is $99,204,000 in fiscal year 2028 and
9.28each fiscal year thereafter.
9.29(b) The department shall seek opportunities
9.30to maximize federal reimbursements of
9.31Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
9.32reports to the commissioner of management
9.33and budget on the federal Medicare
9.34reimbursements that are received. Contingent
9.35upon future federal Medicare receipts,
9Article 1 Sec. 3.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 10.1reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
10.2appropriation may be made.
10.3(c) $400,000 each year is for the department
10.4to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
10.5in community-based hospitals.
10.6(d) $1,650,000 each year is for the department
10.7to operate the veteran suicide prevention
10.8program.
10.9(e) The commissioner of veterans affairs is
10.10not required to perform the annual calculation
10.11of the cost of care for veterans homes in
10.12Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji in the first
10.13year and second year. In the first year and
10.14second year, the commissioner must calculate
10.15the average daily cost of care per resident by
10.16averaging the cost of care of veterans homes
10.17in Luverne and Fergus Falls. The
10.18commissioner must only use this method of
10.19calculating the cost of care of veterans homes
10.20in the first year and second year. This
10.21paragraph expires June 30, 2027.
10.22 ARTICLE 2
10.23 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY
10.24Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
10.25 Subd. 27.State soldiers assistance program Veterans affairs programs.Access to
10.26information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program,
10.27the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and veterans programs is governed by section
10.28197.065.
10.29Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
10.30 Subdivision 1.Officers.Every commissioned officer of the military forces shall receive
10.31from the state, while engaged in any state active service ordered by the governor as defined
10.32in section 190.05, subdivision 5a, pay and allowances at the rate now or hereafter paid or
10Article 2 Sec. 2.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 11.1allowed by law to officers of the same grade and length of service in the armed forces of
11.2the United States, but not less than $130 a day.
11.3 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
11.4 Subd. 2.Enlisted persons.When called into state active service by the governor, other
11.5than for encampment or maneuvers, including the time necessarily consumed in travel, each
11.6enlisted person of the military forces shall be paid by the state the pay and the allowances,
11.7when not furnished in kind, provided by law for enlisted persons of similar grade, rating,
11.8and length of service in the armed forces of the United States, or $130 a day, whichever is
11.9more.
11.10Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, is amended by adding a subdivision to
11.11read:
11.12 Subd. 2a.Pension offset stipend.The adjutant general is authorized to pay service
11.13members ordered into state active service a stipend equivalent to five percent of basic pay
11.14for the period of duty to compensate the service member for pension inequity compared to
11.15similar federal service.
11.16Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:
11.17 193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.
11.18 Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections 193.141
11.19to 193.149, shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to
11.20accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections 193.141 to 193.149,
11.21including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
11.22hereby conferred:
11.23 (1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
11.24title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
11.25or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
11.26hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
11.27provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
11.28accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
11.29and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
11.30the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.
11.31 (2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
11.32for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
11Article 2 Sec. 5.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 12.1acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
12.2property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
12.3condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
12.4from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
12.5thereof has not been taken.
12.6 (3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
12.7funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
12.8equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
12.9of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
12.10total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
12.11sum of $15,000,000 $45,000,000.
12.12 (4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
12.13local funds, when available.
12.14 (5) To sue and be sued.
12.15 (6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
12.16activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
12.17or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
12.18contract in which such corporation is interested.
12.19 (7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
12.20employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
12.21such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
12.22portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
12.23and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
12.24receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
12.25of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
12.26require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
12.27rates as it may determine.
12.28 (8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
12.29the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
12.30corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
12.31subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
12.32if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.
12.33 (9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
12.34from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
12Article 2 Sec. 5.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 13.1of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
13.2thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
13.3the same:
13.4 (a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
13.5of the corporation as herein authorized;
13.6 (b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;
13.7 (c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
13.8or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
13.9authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.
13.10 (10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
13.11 (11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
13.12such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
13.13and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
13.14armory for armory or military purposes.
13.15 (12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.
13.16 (13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
13.17in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
13.18of any liability of the corporation.
13.19 (14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section 193.142
13.20shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated as the
13.21"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
13.22armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
13.23armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
13.24be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
13.25to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
13.26armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
13.27operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
13.28such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
13.29any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
13.30commission.
13.31 (15) The corporation created under section 193.142 may designate one or more state or
13.32national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
13.33corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
13Article 2 Sec. 5.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 14.1personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
14.2or other acts or omissions of such depository.
14.3 (16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
14.4which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
14.5and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
14.6components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
14.7that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
14.8the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
14.9armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
14.10Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
14.11use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
14.12regulations not inconsistent therewith.
14.13Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:
14.14 197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
14.15 (a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs
14.16may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of Human
14.17Services Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of
14.18applicants for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable
14.19Housing Initiative, and veterans programs. The commissioner may electronically access
14.20the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and federal
14.21resources for which the veterans are eligible.
14.22 (b) In order to access any private data on individuals, as defined by section 13.02,
14.23subdivision 12, pursuant to paragraph (a), the commissioner of veterans affairs must have
14.24received informed consent from the subject of the data.
14.25Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
14.26 Subd. 8.Eligibility.Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
14.27who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
14.28defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101 2402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs
14.291 to 5 and 7.
14.30Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
14.31 Subd. 9.Burial fees.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
14.32schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
14Article 2 Sec. 8.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 15.1and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
15.2interment, excluding the value of the plot.
15.3 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
15.4eligible person. The commissioner shall develop maintain a policy, eligibility standards,
15.5and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
15.6applicants.
15.7 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
15.8on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101
15.92402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7.
15.10Sec. 9. [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS.
15.11 Subdivision 1.Definition.As used in this section, the term "veteran of the secret war
15.12in Laos" means a person who resides in Minnesota and who:
15.13 (1) was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans'
15.14Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207; or
15.15 (2) is a person who the commissioner of veterans affairs determines served honorably
15.16with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in
15.17support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning
15.18February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an
15.19alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
15.20 Subd. 2.Eligibility for benefits and privileges.(a) A veteran of the secret war in Laos,
15.21as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in
15.22paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act.
15.23 (b) A veteran of the secret war in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled
15.24to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner of veterans
15.25affairs verifies the person's veteran status. The commissioner must not begin accepting
15.26applications for verification until the legislature enacts criteria and a protocol to determine:
15.27 (1) which Minnesotans served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos;
15.28and
15.29 (2) which of the Minnesotans who served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces
15.30in Laos are deserving of Minnesota veterans benefits.
15.31 (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in
15.32section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the secret war in Laos: section 171.07,
15Article 2 Sec. 9.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 16.1subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards);
16.2section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236
16.3(state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551
16.4(permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for
16.5meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.58 (veterans
16.6organizations); section 197.61 (veterans service organizations grant program); section 197.63
16.7(vital records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor
16.8vehicle registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).
16.9 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
16.10 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
16.11 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
16.12 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
16.13service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
16.14of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
16.15six months preceding the veteran's date of death.
16.16 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who:
16.17 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and
16.18 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.19education.
16.20 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
16.21state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
16.22Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.
16.23 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of
16.24whether the surviving spouse remarries.
16.25 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:
16.26 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.27education;
16.28 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
16.29or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
16.30form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
16Article 2 Sec. 10.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 17.1 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
17.2educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and
17.3 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
17.4student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8.
17.5 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101,
17.6subdivision 10.
17.7 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7.
17.8 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447.
17.9 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
17.10 Subd. 4.Eligibility.(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
17.115 if:
17.12 (1) the person is:
17.13 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
17.14States armed forces at any time;
17.15 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
17.16as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
17.17the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
17.1811, 2001;
17.19 (iii) the surviving spouse or child of a person who has served in the military and who
17.20has died as a direct result of that military service, only if the surviving spouse or child is
17.21eligible to receive federal education benefits under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33,
17.22as amended, or United States Code, title 38, chapter 35, as amended, except that remarriage
17.23does not terminate a surviving spouse's eligibility; or
17.24 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who
17.25has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
17.26Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
17.27under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
17.28chapter 35, as amended; and
17.29 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
17.30in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and
17.31 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance:
17Article 2 Sec. 11.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 18.1 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;
18.2 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
18.3participating in federal Title IV programs;
18.4 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
18.5an eligible institution;
18.6 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
18.7academic term for which the assistance is being requested;
18.8 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121,
18.9subdivision 2, clause (5); and
18.10 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
18.11 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
18.12section 135A.52.
18.13 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
18.14including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
18.15correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
18.16certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
18.17proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
18.18to determine eligibility.
18.19 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
18.20any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
18.21program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
18.22of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
18.23application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
18.24requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
18.25applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
18.26may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
18.27any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
18.28regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
18.29by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
18.30more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.
18.31 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
18.32the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
18Article 2 Sec. 11.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 19.1the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
19.2documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.
19.3 Sec. 12. [197.989] GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL
19.4PLAQUE.
19.5 Subdivision 1.Purpose.The state of Minnesota wishes to honor and recognize the
19.6service and sacrifices of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
19.7 Subd. 2.Memorial plaque.The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial
19.8plaque in the court of honor on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices
19.9of Minnesota's Gold Star and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
19.10Board must solicit design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and
19.11Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final
19.12production. The selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs
19.13and must be furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the
19.14state of Minnesota.
19.15Sec. 13. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET
19.16GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS.
19.17 Subdivision 1.Establishment; membership.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs
19.18must establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory
19.19Task Force.
19.20 (b) The advisory task force must consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the
19.21following additional 12 members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise
19.22provided:
19.23 (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by
19.24the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs;
19.25 (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the
19.26Commanders Task Force;
19.27 (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota;
19.28 (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during
19.29the Vietnam War;
19.30 (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces;
19.31 (6) a veteran of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos;
19Article 2 Sec. 13.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 20.1 (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos;
20.2 (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the
20.3Vietnam War designated by the museum's director; and
20.4 (9) four legislators, with one member each appointed by the speaker of the house of
20.5representatives, the house DFL leader, the senate majority leader, and the senate minority
20.6leader.
20.7 Subd. 2.Duties; report.(a) The task force must:
20.8 (1) establish criteria for determining which Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla
20.9units or with irregular forces in Laos; and
20.10 (2) establish criteria and a protocol to determine which Minnesotans who served in the
20.11secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos are deserving of the benefits of a veteran
20.12under Minnesota law and which veterans benefits should be extended to these Minnesotans.
20.13 (b) The task force must prepare a report to the legislature that includes the findings,
20.14criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph (a). The commissioner
20.15must deliver the report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
20.16committees with jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and finance by February 15, 2026.
20.17 Subd. 3.Administration; terms of membership.The commissioner shall convene the
20.18first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to
20.19the advisory task force. Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6, governs the terms
20.20and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of the task force serve without
20.21compensation or per diem.
20.22 Subd. 4.Expiration.The task force expires February 15, 2026.
20Article 2 Sec. 13.
REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT Page.Ln 1.12
MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
APPROPRIATIONS...............................................................................ARTICLE 1
Page.Ln 10.22MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY............ARTICLE 2
1
APPENDIX
Article locations for H2444-1