Minnesota 2025-2026 Regular Session

Minnesota House Bill HF2444 Compare Versions

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Version 2 (New)

Old	New		Differences
1	1		1.1 A bill for an act
2	2		1.2 relating to state government; establishing a budget for the Department of Military
3		-	1.3 Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; requiring the commissioner of
4		-	1.4 administration to place a memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star
5		-	1.5 families on State Capitol grounds; establishing a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units
6		-	1.6 and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; requiring reports; transferring
7		-	1.7 money; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 13.461,
8		-	1.8 subdivision 27; 192.49, subdivisions 1, 2, by adding a subdivision; 193.143;
9		-	1.9 197.065; 197.236, subdivisions 8, 9; 197.75, subdivision 1; 197.791, subdivision
10		-	1.10 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.
11		-	1.11BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
12		-	1.12 ARTICLE 1
13		-	1.13 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
14		-	1.14Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
15		-	1.15 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
16		-	1.16and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
17		-	1.17or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
18		-	1.18The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
19		-	1.19them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
20		-	1.20"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
21		-	1.21is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
22		-	1.22 APPROPRIATIONS
23		-	1.23 Available for the Year
24		-	1.24 Ending June 30
25		-	20271.25 2026
26		-	1.26Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS
	3	+	1.3 Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; modifying accreditation and
	4	+	1.4 disclosure requirements for providers of veterans benefits services to veterans and
	5	+	1.5 veterans' families; requiring the commissioner of administration to place a memorial
	6	+	1.6 plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families on State Capitol grounds;
	7	+	1.7 requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section
	8	+	1.8 197.6091, subdivision 4, by adding subdivisions; proposing coding for new law
	9	+	1.9 in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.
	10	+	1.10BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
	11	+	1.11 ARTICLE 1
	12	+	1.12 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
	13	+	1.13Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
	14	+	1.14 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
	15	+	1.15and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
	16	+	1.16or another named fund, and are available in the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. The
	17	+	1.17figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under them
	18	+	1.18are available in the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively. "The
	19	+	1.19first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium" is
	20	+	1.20fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
	21	+	1.21 APPROPRIATIONS
	22	+	1.22 Available for the Year
	23	+	1.23 Ending June 30
	24	+	20271.24 2026
	25	+	1.25Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS
27	26		1Article 1 Sec. 2.
28		-	REVISOR BD ~~H2444-1~~~~HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT~~
	27	+	REVISOR BD/HL 25-0248601/31/25
29	28		State of Minnesota
30	29		This Document can be made available
31	30		in alternative formats upon request
32	31		HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
33	32		H. F. No. 2444
34	33		NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
35	34		Authored by Bliss and Xiong03/17/2025
36		-	The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Veterans and Military Affairs Division
37		-	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
	35	+	The bill was read for the first time and referred to the Veterans and Military Affairs Division 33,478,000$30,025,000$2.1Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
38	36		2.2The amounts that may be spent for each
39	37		2.3purpose are specified in the following
40		-	2.4subdivisions.
41		-	~~10,067,00010,067,000~~2.~~5Subd~~. ~~2.Maintenance of Training Facilities~~
42		-	4,~~600~~,0004,~~391~~,0002.6Subd. 3.~~General Support~~
43		-	12,~~114~~,00012,~~114~~,0002.7Subd. 4.~~Enlistment Incentives~~
44		-	2.~~8The appropriations in this subdivision are~~
45		-	2.~~9available until June 30,~~ ~~2029.~~
46		-	2.~~10If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is~~
47		-	2.~~11insufficient,~~ the ~~amount for 2027 is available~~
48		-	2.~~12in fiscal year 2026~~. ~~Any unencumbered~~
49		-	2.~~13balance does not cancel at the end of the first~~
50		-	2.~~14year and is available for the second year.~~
51		-	~~300,000300,000~~2.~~15Subd. 5.Emergency Services~~
52		-	2.~~16Sec~~. ~~3. VETERANS AFFAIRS~~
53		-	~~126,847,000$125,804,000$~~2.~~17Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation~~
54		-	2.~~18The base~~ for ~~this appropriation is~~
55		-	2.~~19$126,756,000~~ in fiscal year ~~2028 and each~~
56		-	2.~~20fiscal year thereafter.~~ The ~~amounts that may~~
57		-	2.~~21be spent~~ for ~~each purpose are specified in~~ the
58		-	2.~~22following subdivisions~~.
59		-	~~25,494,00025,617,000~~2.~~23Subd. 2.Veterans Programs~~ and ~~Services~~
60		-	2.~~24The amounts that may be spent for each~~
61		-	2.~~25purpose are specified in the following~~
62		-	2.~~26paragraphs~~.
63		-	2.~~27(a) State Veterans Cemeteries.~~ ~~$3,782,000~~
64		-	2.~~28each year is for~~ the ~~operation of the state~~
65		-	2.~~29veterans cemeteries.~~
66		-	2.~~30(b) Veterans Service Organizations~~.
67		-	2.~~31$500,000 each year is for grants to the~~
68		-	2.~~32following congressionally chartered veterans~~
	38	+	2.4subdivisions. The base is $27,478,000 in fiscal
	39	+	2.5year 2028 and each year thereafter.
	40	+	10,067,00010,067,0002.6Subd. 2.Maintenance of Training Facilities
	41	+	4,997,0005,544,0002.7Subd. 3.General Support
	42	+	2.8Holistic Health and Fitness (H2F). $800,000
	43	+	2.9the first year is for administrative and payroll
	44	+	2.10costs to operate Holistic Health and Fitness
	45	+	2.11(H2F) initiatives across the Minnesota Army
	46	+	2.12National Guard. This is a onetime
	47	+	2.13appropriation.
	48	+	18,114,00014,114,0002.14Subd. 4.Enlistment Incentives
	49	+	2.15The appropriations in this subdivision are
	50	+	2.16available until June 30, 2029.
	51	+	2.17If the amount in fiscal year 2026 is
	52	+	2.18insufficient, the amount for fiscal year 2027
	53	+	2.19is available in fiscal year 2026. Any
	54	+	2.20unencumbered balance does not cancel at the
	55	+	2.21end of the first year and is available for the
	56	+	2.22second year. The base is $12,114,000 in fiscal
	57	+	2.23year 2028 and each year thereafter.
	58	+	300,000300,0002.24Subd. 5.Emergency Services
	59	+	2.25Sec. 3. VETERANS AFFAIRS
	60	+	146,700,000$141,929,000$2.26Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
	61	+	2.27The amounts that may be spent for each
	62	+	2.28purpose are specified in the following
	63	+	2.29subdivisions. The base is $151,130,000 in
	64	+	2.30fiscal year 2028 and each year thereafter.
	65	+	31,080,00030,677,0002.31Subd. 2.Veterans Programs and Services
	66	+	115,620,000111,252,0002.32Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care
69	67		2Article 1 Sec. 3.
70		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 3.1service organizations as designated by the
71		-	3.2commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
72		-	3.3Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
73		-	3.4American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
74		-	3.5AMVETS, and Paralyzed Veterans of
75		-	3.6America. This funding must be allocated in
76		-	3.7direct proportion to the funding currently
77		-	3.8being provided by the commissioner to these
78		-	3.9organizations.
79		-	3.10(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
80		-	3.11compensation for honor guards at the funerals
81		-	3.12of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
82		-	3.13197.231.
83		-	3.14(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
84		-	3.15for the costs of administering the Minnesota
85		-	3.16GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
86		-	3.17on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
87		-	3.18program under Minnesota Statutes, section
88		-	3.19197.791.
89		-	3.20(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
90		-	3.21is for administering the Gold Star Program for
91		-	3.22surviving family members of deceased
92		-	3.23veterans.
93		-	3.24(f) County Veterans Service Office.
94		-	3.25$1,610,000 each year is for the County
95		-	3.26Veterans Service Office grant program under
96		-	3.27Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
97		-	3.28amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
98		-	3.29technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
99		-	3.30for a veteran suicide prevention technical
100		-	3.31assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
101		-	3.32justice-involved veteran technical assistance
102		-	3.33coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
103		-	3.34the first year does not cancel and is available
104		-	3.35in the second year.
	68	+	REVISOR BD/HL 25-0248601/31/25 3.1(a) The base for this appropriation is
	69	+	3.2$120,050,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
	70	+	3.3year thereafter.
	71	+	3.4(b) $110,302,000 the first year and
	72	+	3.5$114,670,000 the second year may be
	73	+	3.6transferred to the veterans homes special
	74	+	3.7revenue account in the special revenue fund
	75	+	3.8in the same manner as other receipts are
	76	+	3.9deposited according to Minnesota Statutes,
	77	+	3.10section 198.34, and are appropriated to the
	78	+	3.11commissioner of veterans affairs for the
	79	+	3.12operation of veterans homes facilities and
	80	+	3.13programs. The base for this transfer is
	81	+	3.14$119,100,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
	82	+	3.15year thereafter.
	83	+	3.16(c) The department shall seek opportunities to
	84	+	3.17maximize federal reimbursements of
	85	+	3.18Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
	86	+	3.19reports to the commissioner of management
	87	+	3.20and budget on the federal Medicare
	88	+	3.21reimbursements that are received. Contingent
	89	+	3.22upon future federal Medicare receipts,
	90	+	3.23reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
	91	+	3.24appropriation may be made.
	92	+	3.25(d) $400,000 the first year and $400,000 the
	93	+	3.26second year are for the department to staff
	94	+	3.27Veteran Community Health Navigators in
	95	+	3.28community-based hospitals.
	96	+	3.29(e) $550,000 the first year and $550,000 the
	97	+	3.30second year are for the department to operate
	98	+	3.31the veteran suicide prevention program.
	99	+	3.32(f) The commissioner of veterans affairs is not
	100	+	3.33required to perform the annual calculation of
	101	+	3.34the cost of care for veterans homes in
105	102		3Article 1 Sec. 3.
106		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 4.1(g) Comprehensive Plan to Prevent Veteran
107		-	4.2Suicides in Minnesota. The commissioner
108		-	4.3shall develop a comprehensive plan to prevent
109		-	4.4Minnesota veterans from dying by suicide.
110		-	4.5The plan must include:
111		-	4.6(1) a community integration and collaboration
112		-	4.7strategy that brings together veteran-serving
113		-	4.8organizations to provide veterans with
114		-	4.9coordinated services and supports, including
115		-	4.10services and supports related to employment,
116		-	4.11health, housing, benefits, recreation, education,
117		-	4.12and social connections;
118		-	4.13(2) strategies to promote a sense of belonging
119		-	4.14and purpose among veterans by connecting
120		-	4.15veterans with each other, with civilians, and
121		-	4.16with the veteran's communities through a
122		-	4.17range of activities, including physical activity,
123		-	4.18community service, and disaster response
124		-	4.19efforts; and
125		-	4.20(3) an implementation strategy that identifies
126		-	4.21opportunities to coordinate existing efforts
127		-	4.22within federal, state, local, and Tribal
128		-	4.23governments and nongovernmental entities
129		-	4.24and includes a description of the policy
130		-	4.25changes and resources that are required to
131		-	4.26prevent veteran suicides.
132		-	4.27The commissioner must submit a report
133		-	4.28containing the required plan to the chairs and
134		-	4.29ranking minority members of the legislative
135		-	4.30committees with jurisdiction over veterans
136		-	4.31affairs policy and finance by February 15,
137		-	4.322026.
138		-	4.33(h) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
139		-	4.34$1,394,000 each year is to operate the
140		-	4Article 1 Sec. 3.
141		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 5.1homeless veteran registry and homeless
142		-	5.2programs and to assist veterans, former service
143		-	5.3members, and veterans' and former service
144		-	5.4members' dependents with obtaining federal
145		-	5.5benefits through the Social Security
146		-	5.6Administration. The commissioner of veterans
147		-	5.7affairs may use money for personnel, training,
148		-	5.8research, marketing, and professional or
149		-	5.9technical contracts.
150		-	5.10(i) State Soldiers Assistance Program.
151		-	5.11$5,600,000 each year is for veteran financial
152		-	5.12assistance through the state soldiers assistance
153		-	5.13program.
154		-	5.14(j) Higher Education Veterans Assistance.
155		-	5.15$1,629,000 each year is for veterans higher
156		-	5.16education assistance.
157		-	5.17(k) Claims and Outreach Office. $3,621,000
158		-	5.18each year is for the claims and outreach office
159		-	5.19to assist veterans and the veterans' families in
160		-	5.20accessing benefits and services.
161		-	5.21(l) Camp Bliss. $1,000 the first year is for a
162		-	5.22grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
163		-	5.23provide therapy, transportation, and activities
164		-	5.24customized for veterans who are Minnesota
165		-	5.25residents and the veterans' spouses, domestic
166		-	5.26partners, and children at Camp Bliss in the
167		-	5.27city of Walker. The commissioner of veterans
168		-	5.28affairs must report to the chairs and ranking
169		-	5.29minority members of the legislative
170		-	5.30committees with jurisdiction over veterans
171		-	5.31affairs on:
172		-	5.32(1) the number of veterans and veterans'
173		-	5.33family members served; and
174		-	5Article 1 Sec. 3.
175		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 6.1(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
176		-	6.2the grant money.
177		-	6.3(m) Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
178		-	6.4Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task
179		-	6.5Force. $118,000 the first year is for the
180		-	6.6commissioner to staff and support the work
181		-	6.7of Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and
182		-	6.8Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force.
183		-	6.9(n) Metro Meals on Wheels. $250,000 each
184		-	6.10year is for a grant to Metro Meals on Wheels
185		-	6.11to provide: (1) home-delivered meals to
186		-	6.12veterans; and (2) technical, enrollment,
187		-	6.13outreach, and volunteer recruitment assistance
188		-	6.14to member programs. Metro Meals on Wheels
189		-	6.15must report to the commissioner of veterans
190		-	6.16affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
191		-	6.17members of the legislative committees with
192		-	6.18jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
193		-	6.19finance by September 1 each year with a
194		-	6.20detailed explanation of how the grant money
195		-	6.21was used and the number of veterans and
196		-	6.22service members served by the program. The
197		-	6.23base for this appropriation is $250,000 in fiscal
198		-	6.24year 2028 and each fiscal year thereafter.
199		-	6.25(o) Hometown Hero Outdoors. $1,000 the
200		-	6.26first year is for a grant to Hometown Hero
201		-	6.27Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization
202		-	6.28based in Stillwater, Minnesota, to fund outdoor
203		-	6.29recreational activities and mental health
204		-	6.30services for currently serving military
205		-	6.31personnel and veterans to promote positive
206		-	6.32mental health and interactions with mental
207		-	6.33health service professionals; to promote
208		-	6.34longevity and quality of life through outdoor
209		-	6.35activities and mental health services, including
210		-	6Article 1 Sec. 3.
211		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 7.1public education; and to ensure that the
212		-	7.2organization is able to continue supporting
213		-	7.3persons who are currently serving or have
214		-	7.4served in the military. Hometown Hero
215		-	7.5Outdoors must report to the commissioner of
216		-	7.6veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
217		-	7.7minority members of the legislative
218		-	7.8committees with jurisdiction over veterans
219		-	7.9affairs policy and finance no later than
220		-	7.10September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
221		-	7.11each subsequent year. Each report must
222		-	7.12include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
223		-	7.13of how the grant money was used and the
224		-	7.14number of veterans served by the program.
225		-	7.15(p) Veterans on the Lake. $1,000 the first
226		-	7.16year is for a grant to Veterans on the Lake for
227		-	7.17expenses related to retreats for veterans,
228		-	7.18including therapy, transportation, and activities
229		-	7.19customized for veterans. Veterans on the Lake
230		-	7.20must report to the commissioner of veterans
231		-	7.21affairs and the chairs and ranking minority
232		-	7.22members of the legislative committees with
233		-	7.23jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and
234		-	7.24finance no later than September 1, 2026, and
235		-	7.25by September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
236		-	7.26report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
237		-	7.27explanation of how the grant money was used
238		-	7.28and the number of veterans served by the
239		-	7.29program.
240		-	7.30(q) Fishing with Vets. $1,000 the first year is
241		-	7.31for a grant to Fishing with Vets to organize
242		-	7.32and conduct guided fishing trips for veterans
243		-	7.33across Minnesota. Fishing with Vets must
244		-	7.34report to the commissioner of veterans affairs
245		-	7.35and the chairs and ranking minority members
246		-	7Article 1 Sec. 3.
247		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 8.1of the legislative committees with jurisdiction
248		-	8.2over veterans affairs policy and finance no
249		-	8.3later than September 1, 2026, and by
250		-	8.4September 1 of each subsequent year. Each
251		-	8.5report must include, at a minimum, a detailed
252		-	8.6explanation of how the grant money was used
253		-	8.7and the number of veterans served by the
254		-	8.8program.
255		-	8.9(r) Veteran Mentorship Program for Black
256		-	8.10Youth. $1,000 the first year is for the
257		-	8.11commissioner of veterans affairs to award a
258		-	8.12grant to an organization to develop, operate,
259		-	8.13and administer a veteran mentorship program
260		-	8.14to prevent youth violence through employing
261		-	8.15veterans who will mentor Black youth and
262		-	8.16assisting Black youth in exploring career
263		-	8.17opportunities in the armed forces. The grant
264		-	8.18recipient must report to the commissioner of
265		-	8.19veterans affairs and the chairs and ranking
266		-	8.20minority members of the legislative
267		-	8.21committees with jurisdiction over veterans
268		-	8.22affairs policy and finance no later than
269		-	8.23September 1, 2026, and by September 1 of
270		-	8.24each subsequent year. Each report must
271		-	8.25include, at a minimum, a detailed explanation
272		-	8.26of how the grant money was used and the
273		-	8.27number of veterans participating in the
274		-	8.28program.
275		-	8.29(s) CORE Program. $1,475,000 each year is
276		-	8.30for the Counseling and Case Management
277		-	8.31Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
278		-	8.32program.
279		-	8.33(t) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
280		-	8.34is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
281		-	8.35Center.
282		-	8Article 1 Sec. 3.
283		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 9.1(u) Recently Separated Veterans Program.
284		-	9.2$300,000 each year is for the operation of the
285		-	9.3recently separated veterans program. The
286		-	9.4commissioner of veterans affairs may use
287		-	9.5Department of Defense and other veteran data
288		-	9.6that was provided with an appropriate
289		-	9.7disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
290		-	9.8to resources and new programming. The
291		-	9.9commissioner may use money for personnel,
292		-	9.10research, marketing, technology solutions, and
293		-	9.11professional or technical contracts.
294		-	9.12(v) Minnesota Military and Veterans
295		-	9.13Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
296		-	9.14the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
297		-	9.15for museum staff to provide direct services to
298		-	9.16veterans and their families.
299		-	101,353,000100,187,0009.17Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care
300		-	9.18(a) $98,137,000 the first year and $99,303,000
301		-	9.19the second year may be transferred to a
302		-	9.20veterans homes special revenue account in the
303		-	9.21special revenue fund in the same manner as
304		-	9.22other receipts are deposited according to
305		-	9.23Minnesota Statutes, section 198.34, and are
306		-	9.24appropriated to the commissioner of veterans
307		-	9.25affairs for the operation of veterans homes
308		-	9.26facilities and programs. The base for this
309		-	9.27transfer is $99,204,000 in fiscal year 2028 and
310		-	9.28each fiscal year thereafter.
311		-	9.29(b) The department shall seek opportunities
312		-	9.30to maximize federal reimbursements of
313		-	9.31Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
314		-	9.32reports to the commissioner of management
315		-	9.33and budget on the federal Medicare
316		-	9.34reimbursements that are received. Contingent
317		-	9.35upon future federal Medicare receipts,
318		-	9Article 1 Sec. 3.
319		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 10.1reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
320		-	10.2appropriation may be made.
321		-	10.3(c) $400,000 each year is for the department
322		-	10.4to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
323		-	10.5in community-based hospitals.
324		-	10.6(d) $1,650,000 each year is for the department
325		-	10.7to operate the veteran suicide prevention
326		-	10.8program.
327		-	10.9(e) The commissioner of veterans affairs is
328		-	10.10not required to perform the annual calculation
329		-	10.11of the cost of care for veterans homes in
330		-	10.12Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji in the first
331		-	10.13year and second year. In the first year and
332		-	10.14second year, the commissioner must calculate
333		-	10.15the average daily cost of care per resident by
334		-	10.16averaging the cost of care of veterans homes
335		-	10.17in Luverne and Fergus Falls. The
336		-	10.18commissioner must only use this method of
337		-	10.19calculating the cost of care of veterans homes
338		-	10.20in the first year and second year. This
339		-	10.21paragraph expires June 30, 2027.
340		-	10.22 ARTICLE 2
341		-	10.23 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY
342		-	10.24Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
343		-	10.25 Subd. 27.State soldiers assistance program Veterans affairs programs.Access to
344		-	10.26information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program,
345		-	10.27the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and veterans programs is governed by section
346		-	10.28197.065.
347		-	10.29Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
348		-	10.30 Subdivision 1.Officers.Every commissioned officer of the military forces shall receive
349		-	10.31from the state, while engaged in any state active service ordered by the governor as defined
350		-	10.32in section 190.05, subdivision 5a, pay and allowances at the rate now or hereafter paid or
351		-	10Article 2 Sec. 2.
352		-	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
353		-	11.2the United States, but not less than $130 a day.
354		-	11.3 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, subdivision 2, is amended to read:
355		-	11.4 Subd. 2.Enlisted persons.When called into state active service by the governor, other
356		-	11.5than for encampment or maneuvers, including the time necessarily consumed in travel, each
357		-	11.6enlisted person of the military forces shall be paid by the state the pay and the allowances,
358		-	11.7when not furnished in kind, provided by law for enlisted persons of similar grade, rating,
359		-	11.8and length of service in the armed forces of the United States, or $130 a day, whichever is
360		-	11.9more.
361		-	11.10Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 192.49, is amended by adding a subdivision to
362		-	11.11read:
363		-	11.12 Subd. 2a.Pension offset stipend.The adjutant general is authorized to pay service
364		-	11.13members ordered into state active service a stipend equivalent to five percent of basic pay
365		-	11.14for the period of duty to compensate the service member for pension inequity compared to
366		-	11.15similar federal service.
367		-	11.16Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:
368		-	11.17 193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.
369		-	11.18 Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections 193.141
370		-	11.19to 193.149, shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to
371		-	11.20accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections 193.141 to 193.149,
372		-	11.21including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
373		-	11.22hereby conferred:
374		-	11.23 (1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
375		-	11.24title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
376		-	11.25or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
377		-	11.26hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
378		-	11.27provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
379		-	11.28accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
380		-	11.29and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
381		-	11.30the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.
382		-	11.31 (2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
383		-	11.32for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
384		-	11Article 2 Sec. 5.
385		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 12.1acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
386		-	12.2property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
387		-	12.3condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
388		-	12.4from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
389		-	12.5thereof has not been taken.
390		-	12.6 (3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
391		-	12.7funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
392		-	12.8equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
393		-	12.9of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
394		-	12.10total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
395		-	12.11sum of $15,000,000 $45,000,000.
396		-	12.12 (4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
397		-	12.13local funds, when available.
398		-	12.14 (5) To sue and be sued.
399		-	12.15 (6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
400		-	12.16activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
401		-	12.17or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
402		-	12.18contract in which such corporation is interested.
403		-	12.19 (7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
404		-	12.20employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
405		-	12.21such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
406		-	12.22portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
407		-	12.23and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
408		-	12.24receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
409		-	12.25of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
410		-	12.26require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
411		-	12.27rates as it may determine.
412		-	12.28 (8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
413		-	12.29the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
414		-	12.30corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
415		-	12.31subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
416		-	12.32if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.
417		-	12.33 (9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
418		-	12.34from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
419		-	12Article 2 Sec. 5.
420		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 13.1of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
421		-	13.2thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
422		-	13.3the same:
423		-	13.4 (a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
424		-	13.5of the corporation as herein authorized;
425		-	13.6 (b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;
426		-	13.7 (c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
427		-	13.8or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
428		-	13.9authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.
429		-	13.10 (10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
430		-	13.11 (11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
431		-	13.12such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
432		-	13.13and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
433		-	13.14armory for armory or military purposes.
434		-	13.15 (12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.
435		-	13.16 (13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
436		-	13.17in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
437		-	13.18of any liability of the corporation.
438		-	13.19 (14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section 193.142
439		-	13.20shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated as the
440		-	13.21"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
441		-	13.22armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
442		-	13.23armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
443		-	13.24be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
444		-	13.25to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
445		-	13.26armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
446		-	13.27operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
447		-	13.28such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
448		-	13.29any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
449		-	13.30commission.
450		-	13.31 (15) The corporation created under section 193.142 may designate one or more state or
451		-	13.32national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
452		-	13.33corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
453		-	13Article 2 Sec. 5.
454		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 14.1personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
455		-	14.2or other acts or omissions of such depository.
456		-	14.3 (16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
457		-	14.4which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
458		-	14.5and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
459		-	14.6components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
460		-	14.7that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
461		-	14.8the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
462		-	14.9armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
463		-	14.10Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
464		-	14.11use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
465		-	14.12regulations not inconsistent therewith.
466		-	14.13Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:
467		-	14.14 197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
468		-	14.15 (a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs
469		-	14.16may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of Human
470		-	14.17Services Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of
471		-	14.18applicants for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable
472		-	14.19Housing Initiative, and veterans programs. The commissioner may electronically access
473		-	14.20the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and federal
474		-	14.21resources for which the veterans are eligible.
475		-	14.22 (b) In order to access any private data on individuals, as defined by section 13.02,
476		-	14.23subdivision 12, pursuant to paragraph (a), the commissioner of veterans affairs must have
477		-	14.24received informed consent from the subject of the data.
478		-	14.25Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
479		-	14.26 Subd. 8.Eligibility.Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
480		-	14.27who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
481		-	14.28defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101 2402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs
482		-	14.291 to 5 and 7.
483		-	14.30Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
484		-	14.31 Subd. 9.Burial fees.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
485		-	14.32schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
486		-	14Article 2 Sec. 8.
487		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 15.1and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
488		-	15.2interment, excluding the value of the plot.
489		-	15.3 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
490		-	15.4eligible person. The commissioner shall develop maintain a policy, eligibility standards,
491		-	15.5and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
492		-	15.6applicants.
493		-	15.7 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
494		-	15.8on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101
495		-	15.92402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7.
496		-	15.10Sec. 9. [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS.
497		-	15.11 Subdivision 1.Definition.As used in this section, the term "veteran of the secret war
498		-	15.12in Laos" means a person who resides in Minnesota and who:
499		-	15.13 (1) was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans'
500		-	15.14Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207; or
501		-	15.15 (2) is a person who the commissioner of veterans affairs determines served honorably
502		-	15.16with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in
503		-	15.17support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning
504		-	15.18February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an
505		-	15.19alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
506		-	15.20 Subd. 2.Eligibility for benefits and privileges.(a) A veteran of the secret war in Laos,
507		-	15.21as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in
508		-	15.22paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act.
509		-	15.23 (b) A veteran of the secret war in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled
510		-	15.24to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner of veterans
511		-	15.25affairs verifies the person's veteran status. The commissioner must not begin accepting
512		-	15.26applications for verification until the legislature enacts criteria and a protocol to determine:
513		-	15.27 (1) which Minnesotans served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos;
514		-	15.28and
515		-	15.29 (2) which of the Minnesotans who served in secret guerilla units or with irregular forces
516		-	15.30in Laos are deserving of Minnesota veterans benefits.
517		-	15.31 (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in
518		-	15.32section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the secret war in Laos: section 171.07,
519		-	15Article 2 Sec. 9.
520		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 16.1subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards);
521		-	16.2section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236
522		-	16.3(state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551
523		-	16.4(permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for
524		-	16.5meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.58 (veterans
525		-	16.6organizations); section 197.61 (veterans service organizations grant program); section 197.63
526		-	16.7(vital records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor
527		-	16.8vehicle registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).
528		-	16.9 Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
529		-	16.10 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
530		-	16.11 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
531		-	16.12 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
532		-	16.13service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
533		-	16.14of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
534		-	16.15six months preceding the veteran's date of death.
535		-	16.16 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who:
536		-	16.17 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and
537		-	16.18 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
538		-	16.19education.
539		-	16.20 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
540		-	16.21state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
541		-	16.22Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.
542		-	16.23 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of
543		-	16.24whether the surviving spouse remarries.
544		-	16.25 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:
545		-	16.26 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
546		-	16.27education;
547		-	16.28 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
548		-	16.29or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
549		-	16.30form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
550		-	16Article 2 Sec. 10.
551		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 17.1 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
552		-	17.2educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and
553		-	17.3 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
554		-	17.4student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8.
555		-	17.5 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101,
556		-	17.6subdivision 10.
557		-	17.7 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7.
558		-	17.8 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447.
559		-	17.9 Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
560		-	17.10 Subd. 4.Eligibility.(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
561		-	17.115 if:
562		-	17.12 (1) the person is:
563		-	17.13 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
564		-	17.14States armed forces at any time;
565		-	17.15 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
566		-	17.16as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
567		-	17.17the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
568		-	17.1811, 2001;
569		-	17.19 (iii) the surviving spouse or child of a person who has served in the military and who
570		-	17.20has died as a direct result of that military service, only if the surviving spouse or child is
571		-	17.21eligible to receive federal education benefits under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33,
572		-	17.22as amended, or United States Code, title 38, chapter 35, as amended, except that remarriage
573		-	17.23does not terminate a surviving spouse's eligibility; or
574		-	17.24 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who
575		-	17.25has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
576		-	17.26Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
577		-	17.27under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
578		-	17.28chapter 35, as amended; and
579		-	17.29 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
580		-	17.30in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and
581		-	17.31 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance:
582		-	17Article 2 Sec. 11.
583		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 18.1 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;
584		-	18.2 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
585		-	18.3participating in federal Title IV programs;
586		-	18.4 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
587		-	18.5an eligible institution;
588		-	18.6 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
589		-	18.7academic term for which the assistance is being requested;
590		-	18.8 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121,
591		-	18.9subdivision 2, clause (5); and
592		-	18.10 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
593		-	18.11 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
594		-	18.12section 135A.52.
595		-	18.13 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
596		-	18.14including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
597		-	18.15correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
598		-	18.16certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
599		-	18.17proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
600		-	18.18to determine eligibility.
601		-	18.19 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
602		-	18.20any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
603		-	18.21program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
604		-	18.22of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
605		-	18.23application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
606		-	18.24requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
607		-	18.25applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
608		-	18.26may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
609		-	18.27any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
610		-	18.28regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
611		-	18.29by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
612		-	18.30more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.
613		-	18.31 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
614		-	18.32the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
615		-	18Article 2 Sec. 11.
616		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 19.1the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
617		-	19.2documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.
618		-	19.3 Sec. 12. [197.989] GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL
619		-	19.4PLAQUE.
620		-	19.5 Subdivision 1.Purpose.The state of Minnesota wishes to honor and recognize the
621		-	19.6service and sacrifices of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
622		-	19.7 Subd. 2.Memorial plaque.The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial
623		-	19.8plaque in the court of honor on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices
624		-	19.9of Minnesota's Gold Star and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
625		-	19.10Board must solicit design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and
626		-	19.11Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final
627		-	19.12production. The selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs
628		-	19.13and must be furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the
629		-	19.14state of Minnesota.
630		-	19.15Sec. 13. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET
631		-	19.16GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS.
632		-	19.17 Subdivision 1.Establishment; membership.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs
633		-	19.18must establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory
634		-	19.19Task Force.
635		-	19.20 (b) The advisory task force must consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the
636		-	19.21following additional 12 members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise
637		-	19.22provided:
638		-	19.23 (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by
639		-	19.24the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs;
640		-	19.25 (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the
641		-	19.26Commanders Task Force;
642		-	19.27 (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota;
643		-	19.28 (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during
644		-	19.29the Vietnam War;
645		-	19.30 (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces;
646		-	19.31 (6) a veteran of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos;
647		-	19Article 2 Sec. 13.
648		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT 20.1 (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos;
649		-	20.2 (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the
650		-	20.3Vietnam War designated by the museum's director; and
651		-	20.4 (9) four legislators, with one member each appointed by the speaker of the house of
652		-	20.5representatives, the house DFL leader, the senate majority leader, and the senate minority
653		-	20.6leader.
654		-	20.7 Subd. 2.Duties; report.(a) The task force must:
655		-	20.8 (1) establish criteria for determining which Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla
656		-	20.9units or with irregular forces in Laos; and
657		-	20.10 (2) establish criteria and a protocol to determine which Minnesotans who served in the
658		-	20.11secret guerilla units or with irregular forces in Laos are deserving of the benefits of a veteran
659		-	20.12under Minnesota law and which veterans benefits should be extended to these Minnesotans.
660		-	20.13 (b) The task force must prepare a report to the legislature that includes the findings,
661		-	20.14criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph (a). The commissioner
662		-	20.15must deliver the report to the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative
663		-	20.16committees with jurisdiction over veterans affairs policy and finance by February 15, 2026.
664		-	20.17 Subd. 3.Administration; terms of membership.The commissioner shall convene the
665		-	20.18first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to
666		-	20.19the advisory task force. Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision 6, governs the terms
667		-	20.20and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of the task force serve without
668		-	20.21compensation or per diem.
669		-	20.22 Subd. 4.Expiration.The task force expires February 15, 2026.
670		-	20Article 2 Sec. 13.
671		-	REVISOR BD H2444-1HF2444 FIRST ENGROSSMENT Page.Ln 1.12
672		-	MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
673		-	APPROPRIATIONS...............................................................................ARTICLE 1
674		-	Page.Ln 10.22MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS POLICY............ARTICLE 2
	103	+	REVISOR BD/HL 25-0248601/31/25 4.1Montevideo, Preston, and Bemidji in the first
	104	+	4.2year and second year. In the first year and
	105	+	4.3second year, the commissioner must calculate
	106	+	4.4the average daily cost of care per resident by
	107	+	4.5averaging the cost of care of veterans homes
	108	+	4.6in Luverne and Fergus Falls. The
	109	+	4.7commissioner must only use this method of
	110	+	4.8calculating the cost of care of veterans homes
	111	+	4.9in the first year and second year. This
	112	+	4.10paragraph expires June 30, 2027.
	113	+	4.11 ARTICLE 2
	114	+	4.12 MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS STATUTORY CHANGES
	115	+	4.13 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, is amended by adding a subdivision
	116	+	4.14to read:
	117	+	4.15 Subd. 3a.Federal accreditation and fee agreement required.(a) A person who provides
	118	+	4.16veterans benefits services in exchange for compensation must be accredited by the secretary
	119	+	4.17of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under United States Code, title 38,
	120	+	4.18chapter 59.
	121	+	4.19 (b) A person who refers, in exchange for compensation, a veteran or a family member
	122	+	4.20of a veteran to a provider of veterans benefits services must be accredited by the secretary
	123	+	4.21of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under United States Code, title 38,
	124	+	4.22chapter 59.
	125	+	4.23 (c) A person subject to an accreditation requirement under paragraph (a) or (b) who
	126	+	4.24provides veterans benefits services may charge a veteran or veteran's family member a fee
	127	+	4.25or other form of compensation only as provided in Code of Federal Regulations, chapter
	128	+	4.2638, section 14.636. Before providing veterans benefits services, a person subject to an
	129	+	4.27accreditation requirement under paragraph (a) or (b) must provide a veteran or veteran's
	130	+	4.28family member a written fee agreement that complies with Code of Federal Regulations,
	131	+	4.29title 38, section 14.636, paragraph (g).
	132	+	4.30 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, is amended by adding a subdivision
	133	+	4.31to read:
	134	+	4.32 Subd. 3b.Guarantee of benefits prohibited.A person who provides veterans benefits
	135	+	4.33services in exchange for compensation must not guarantee, either directly or by implication,
	136	+	4Article 2 Sec. 2.
	137	+	REVISOR BD/HL 25-0248601/31/25 5.1that a veteran or veteran's family member will receive specific federal, state, or county
	138	+	5.2veterans benefits or any specific level, percentage, or amount of federal, state, or county
	139	+	5.3veterans benefits.
	140	+	5.4 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
	141	+	5.5 Subd. 4.Violations; penalties.A person who fails to comply with this section is subject
	142	+	5.6to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Civil penalties shall be assessed
	143	+	5.7by the district court in an action initiated by the attorney general. For the purposes of
	144	+	5.8computing the amount of each civil penalty, each day of a continuing violation constitutes
	145	+	5.9a separate violation. Additionally, the attorney general may accept a civil penalty as
	146	+	5.10determined by the attorney general in settlement of an investigation of a violation of this
	147	+	5.11section regardless of whether an action has been filed under this section. A violation of this
	148	+	5.12section is an unlawful practice under section 325F.69. A person who violates this section
	149	+	5.13is subject to the remedies in section 325F.70. Any civil penalty recovered shall be deposited
	150	+	5.14in the Support Our Troops account established under section 190.19.
	151	+	5.15 Sec. 4. [197.989] GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL
	152	+	5.16PLAQUE.
	153	+	5.17 Subdivision 1.Purpose.The state wishes to honor and recognize the service and sacrifices
	154	+	5.18of Gold Star and Blue Star families.
	155	+	5.19 Subd. 2.Memorial plaque.The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial
	156	+	5.20plaque in the court of honor on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices
	157	+	5.21of Minnesota's Gold Star and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning
	158	+	5.22Board must solicit design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and
	159	+	5.23Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final
	160	+	5.24production. The selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs
	161	+	5.25and must be furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the
	162	+	5.26state.
	163	+	5Article 2 Sec. 4.
	164	+	REVISOR BD/HL 25-0248601/31/25 Page.Ln 1.11MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS...........................ARTICLE 1
	165	+	Page.Ln 4.11MILITARY AND VETERANS AFFAIRS STATUTORY CHANGES..ARTICLE 2
675	166		1
676	167		APPENDIX
677		-	Article locations for ~~H2444-1~~
	168	+	Article locations for 25-02486