| 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; modifying | |
| 4 | - | 1.4 | |
| 5 | - | 1.5 | |
| 6 | - | 1.6 | |
| 7 | - | 1.7 | |
| 8 | - | 1.8 requiring | |
| 9 | - | 1.9 | |
| 10 | - | 1.10 | |
| 11 | - | 1.11 | |
| 12 | - | 1. | |
| 13 | - | 1.13 | |
| 14 | - | 1. | |
| 15 | - | 1. | |
| 16 | - | 1.16 | |
| 17 | - | 1. | |
| 18 | - | 1. | |
| 19 | - | 1. | |
| 20 | - | 1. | |
| 21 | - | 1. | |
| 22 | - | 1. | |
| 23 | - | 1.23 | |
| 24 | - | 1. | |
| 25 | - | 1.25 | |
| 26 | - | ||
| 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; modifying veterans services and benefits provisions; requiring | |
| 6 | + | 1.6 the commissioner of administration to place a memorial plaque honoring Gold | |
| 7 | + | 1.7 Star and Blue Star families on State Capitol grounds; providing benefits to veterans | |
| 8 | + | 1.8 of the Secret War in Laos; requiring county veteran services officers to aid certain | |
| 9 | + | 1.9 additional veterans; establishing a task force; requiring reports; appropriating | |
| 10 | + | 1.10 money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections 13.461, subdivision 27; | |
| 11 | + | 1.11 193.143; 197.065; 197.236, subdivisions 8, 9; 197.603, subdivision 1; 197.608, | |
| 12 | + | 1.12 subdivision 6; 197.6091; 197.75, subdivision 1; 197.791, subdivision 4; proposing | |
| 13 | + | 1.13 coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197. | |
| 14 | + | 1.14BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA: | |
| 15 | + | 1.15 ARTICLE 1 | |
| 16 | + | 1.16 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS | |
| 17 | + | 1.17Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS. | |
| 18 | + | 1.18 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies | |
| 19 | + | 1.19and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund, | |
| 20 | + | 1.20or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose. | |
| 21 | + | 1.21The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under | |
| 22 | + | 1.22them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively. | |
| 23 | + | 1.23"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium" | |
| 24 | + | 1.24is fiscal years 2026 and 2027. | |
| 25 | + | 1.25 APPROPRIATIONS | |
| 26 | + | 1.26 Available for the Year | |
| 27 | 27 | 1Article 1 Section 1. | |
| 28 | - | S1959- | |
| 28 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD | |
| 29 | 29 | SENATE | |
| 30 | 30 | STATE OF MINNESOTA | |
| 31 | 31 | S.F. No. 1959NINETY-FOURTH SESSION | |
| 32 | 32 | (SENATE AUTHORS: PUTNAM, Carlson and Mitchell) | |
| 33 | 33 | OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE | |
| 34 | 34 | Introduction and first reading56602/27/2025 | |
| 35 | 35 | Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development | |
| 36 | 36 | Author added Carlson111403/27/2025 | |
| 37 | 37 | Author added Mitchell135504/03/2025 | |
| 38 | 38 | Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance1562a04/07/2025 | |
| 39 | - | Comm report: To pass as amended | |
| 40 | - | Second reading | |
| 41 | - | ||
| 42 | - | ||
| 43 | - | 27,081,000$26,872,000$2. | |
| 44 | - | 2. | |
| 45 | - | 2. | |
| 46 | - | 2. | |
| 47 | - | 10,067,00010,067,0002. | |
| 48 | - | 4,600,0004,391,0002. | |
| 49 | - | 12,114,00012,114,0002. | |
| 50 | - | 2. | |
| 51 | - | 2. | |
| 52 | - | 2. | |
| 53 | - | 2. | |
| 54 | - | 2. | |
| 55 | - | 2. | |
| 56 | - | 2. | |
| 57 | - | 300,000300,0002. | |
| 58 | - | 2. | |
| 59 | - | 146,700,000$141,929,000$2. | |
| 60 | - | 2. | |
| 61 | - | 2. | |
| 62 | - | 2. | |
| 63 | - | 2. | |
| 64 | - | 2. | |
| 65 | - | 31,080,00030,677,0002. | |
| 66 | - | 2. | |
| 67 | - | 2. | |
| 68 | - | 2. | |
| 69 | - | 2. | |
| 70 | - | 2. | |
| 71 | - | 2. | |
| 39 | + | Comm report: To pass as amended04/10/2025 | |
| 40 | + | Second reading 2.1 Ending June 30 | |
| 41 | + | 20272.2 2026 | |
| 42 | + | 2.3Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS | |
| 43 | + | 27,081,000$26,872,000$2.4Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation | |
| 44 | + | 2.5The amounts that may be spent for each | |
| 45 | + | 2.6purpose are specified in the following | |
| 46 | + | 2.7subdivisions. | |
| 47 | + | 10,067,00010,067,0002.8Subd. 2.Maintenance of Training Facilities | |
| 48 | + | 4,600,0004,391,0002.9Subd. 3.General Support | |
| 49 | + | 12,114,00012,114,0002.10Subd. 4.Enlistment Incentives | |
| 50 | + | 2.11The appropriations in this subdivision are | |
| 51 | + | 2.12available until June 30, 2029. | |
| 52 | + | 2.13If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is | |
| 53 | + | 2.14insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available | |
| 54 | + | 2.15in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered | |
| 55 | + | 2.16balance does not cancel at the end of the first | |
| 56 | + | 2.17year and is available for the second year. | |
| 57 | + | 300,000300,0002.18Subd. 5.Emergency Services | |
| 58 | + | 2.19Sec. 3. VETERANS AFFAIRS | |
| 59 | + | 146,700,000$141,929,000$2.20Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation | |
| 60 | + | 2.21The base for this appropriation is | |
| 61 | + | 2.22$151,130,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each | |
| 62 | + | 2.23fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may | |
| 63 | + | 2.24be spent for each purpose are specified in the | |
| 64 | + | 2.25following subdivisions. | |
| 65 | + | 31,080,00030,677,0002.26Subd. 2.Veterans Programs and Services | |
| 66 | + | 2.27The amounts that may be spent for each | |
| 67 | + | 2.28purpose are specified in the following | |
| 68 | + | 2.29paragraphs. | |
| 69 | + | 2.30(a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000 | |
| 70 | + | 2.31each year is for the operation of the state | |
| 71 | + | 2.32veterans cemeteries. | |
| 72 | 72 | 2Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 73 | - | S1959- | |
| 73 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 3.1(b) Veterans Service Organizations. | |
| 74 | 74 | 3.2$500,000 each year is for grants to the | |
| 75 | 75 | 3.3following congressionally chartered veterans | |
| 76 | 76 | 3.4service organizations as designated by the | |
| 77 | 77 | 3.5commissioner: Disabled American Veterans, | |
| 78 | 78 | 3.6Military Order of the Purple Heart, the | |
| 79 | 79 | 3.7American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, | |
| 80 | 80 | 3.8Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, and | |
| 81 | 81 | 3.9Paralyzed Veterans of America. This funding | |
| 82 | 82 | 3.10must be allocated in direct proportion to the | |
| 83 | 83 | 3.11funding currently being provided by the | |
| 84 | 84 | 3.12commissioner to these organizations. | |
| 85 | 85 | 3.13(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for | |
| 86 | 86 | 3.14compensation for honor guards at the funerals | |
| 87 | 87 | 3.15of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section | |
| 88 | 88 | 3.16197.231. | |
| 89 | 89 | 3.17(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is | |
| 90 | 90 | 3.18for the costs of administering the Minnesota | |
| 91 | 91 | 3.19GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits, | |
| 92 | 92 | 3.20on-the-job training, and apprenticeship | |
| 93 | 93 | 3.21program under Minnesota Statutes, section | |
| 94 | 94 | 3.22197.791. | |
| 95 | 95 | 3.23(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year | |
| 96 | 96 | 3.24is for administering the Gold Star Program for | |
| 97 | 97 | 3.25surviving family members of deceased | |
| 98 | 98 | 3.26veterans. | |
| 99 | 99 | 3.27(f) County Veterans Service Office. | |
| 100 | 100 | 3.28$1,610,000 each year is for the County | |
| 101 | 101 | 3.29Veterans Service Office grant program under | |
| 102 | 102 | 3.30Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this | |
| 103 | 103 | 3.31amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans | |
| 104 | 104 | 3.32technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is | |
| 105 | 105 | 3.33for a veteran suicide prevention technical | |
| 106 | 106 | 3.34assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a | |
| 107 | 107 | 3.35justice-involved veteran technical assistance | |
| 108 | 108 | 3Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 109 | - | S1959- | |
| 109 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 4.1coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in | |
| 110 | 110 | 4.2the first year does not cancel and is available | |
| 111 | 111 | 4.3in the second year. | |
| 112 | 112 | 4.4(g) Camp Bliss. $150,000 each year is for a | |
| 113 | 113 | 4.5grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to | |
| 114 | 114 | 4.6provide therapy, transportation, and activities | |
| 115 | 115 | 4.7customized for veterans who are Minnesota | |
| 116 | 116 | 4.8residents and their spouses, domestic partners, | |
| 117 | 117 | 4.9and children, at Camp Bliss in the city of | |
| 118 | 118 | 4.10Walker. The commissioner of veterans affairs | |
| 119 | 119 | 4.11must report to the chairs and ranking minority | |
| 120 | 120 | 4.12members of the legislative committees with | |
| 121 | 121 | 4.13jurisdiction over veterans affairs on: | |
| 122 | 122 | 4.14(1) the number of veterans and veterans' | |
| 123 | 123 | 4.15family members served; and | |
| 124 | 124 | 4.16(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of | |
| 125 | 125 | 4.17the grant money. | |
| 126 | 126 | 4.18(h) Veteran Resilience Project. $140,000 | |
| 127 | 127 | 4.19each year is for a grant to the veteran resilience | |
| 128 | 128 | 4.20project. Grant funds must be used to make eye | |
| 129 | 129 | 4.21movement desensitization and reprocessing | |
| 130 | 130 | 4.22therapy available to veterans, veterans' | |
| 131 | 131 | 4.23spouses, current military service members, | |
| 132 | 132 | 4.24and current military service members' spouses | |
| 133 | 133 | 4.25who are suffering from posttraumatic stress | |
| 134 | 134 | 4.26disorder and trauma. | |
| 135 | 135 | 4.27The veteran resilience project must report to | |
| 136 | 136 | 4.28the commissioner of veterans affairs and the | |
| 137 | 137 | 4.29chairs and ranking minority members of the | |
| 138 | 138 | 4.30legislative committees with jurisdiction over | |
| 139 | 139 | 4.31veterans affairs policy and finance by January | |
| 140 | 140 | 4.3215 of each year on the program. The report | |
| 141 | 141 | 4.33must include an overview of the program's | |
| 142 | 142 | 4.34budget, a detailed explanation of program | |
| 143 | 143 | 4Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 144 | - | S1959- | |
| 144 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 5.1expenditures, the number of veterans and | |
| 145 | 145 | 5.2service members served by the program, and | |
| 146 | 146 | 5.3a list and explanation of the services provided | |
| 147 | 147 | 5.4to program participants. | |
| 148 | 148 | 5.5(i) CORE Program. $1,225,000 each year is | |
| 149 | 149 | 5.6for the Counseling and Case Management | |
| 150 | 150 | 5.7Outreach Referral and Education (CORE) | |
| 151 | 151 | 5.8program. | |
| 152 | 152 | 5.9(j) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year | |
| 153 | 153 | 5.10is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call | |
| 154 | 154 | 5.11Center. | |
| 155 | 155 | 5.12(k) Recently Separated Veterans Program. | |
| 156 | 156 | 5.13$300,000 each year is for operation of the | |
| 157 | 157 | 5.14recently separated veterans program. The | |
| 158 | 158 | 5.15commissioner of veterans affairs may use | |
| 159 | 159 | 5.16Department of Defense and other veteran data | |
| 160 | 160 | 5.17that was provided with an appropriate | |
| 161 | 161 | 5.18disclosure to assist with connecting veterans | |
| 162 | 162 | 5.19to resources and new programming. The | |
| 163 | 163 | 5.20commissioner may use money for personnel, | |
| 164 | 164 | 5.21research, marketing, technology solutions, and | |
| 165 | 165 | 5.22professional or technical contracts. | |
| 166 | 166 | 5.23(l) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program. | |
| 167 | 167 | 5.24$1,344,000 each year is to operate the | |
| 168 | 168 | 5.25homeless veteran registry and homeless | |
| 169 | 169 | 5.26programs and to assist veterans, former service | |
| 170 | 170 | 5.27members, and veterans' and former service | |
| 171 | 171 | 5.28members' dependents with obtaining federal | |
| 172 | 172 | 5.29benefits through the Social Security | |
| 173 | 173 | 5.30Administration. The commissioner of veterans | |
| 174 | 174 | 5.31affairs may use money for personnel, training, | |
| 175 | 175 | 5.32research, marketing, and professional or | |
| 176 | 176 | 5.33technical contracts. | |
| 177 | 177 | 5Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 178 | - | S1959- | |
| 178 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 6.1(m) Minnesota Assistance Council for | |
| 179 | 179 | 6.2Veterans. $1,075,000 each year is for grants | |
| 180 | 180 | 6.3to the Minnesota Assistance Council for | |
| 181 | 181 | 6.4Veterans to provide assistance throughout | |
| 182 | 182 | 6.5Minnesota to veterans and veterans' families | |
| 183 | 183 | 6.6who are homeless or in danger of | |
| 184 | 184 | 6.7homelessness, including assistance with: | |
| 185 | 185 | 6.8(1) supportive services to maintain housing; | |
| 186 | 186 | 6.9(2) employment; | |
| 187 | 187 | 6.10(3) legal issues; | |
| 188 | 188 | 6.11(4) housing and housing-related costs; | |
| 189 | 189 | 6.12(5) transportation; | |
| 190 | 190 | 6.13(6) the acquisition and creation of permanent | |
| 191 | 191 | 6.14supportive housing; and | |
| 192 | 192 | 6.15(7) property management of permanent | |
| 193 | 193 | 6.16supportive housing. | |
| 194 | 194 | 6.17Any unencumbered balance remaining in this | |
| 195 | 195 | 6.18paragraph in the first year does not cancel and | |
| 196 | 196 | 6.19is available for the second year. Assistance | |
| 197 | 197 | 6.20authorized under this paragraph must be | |
| 198 | 198 | 6.21provided only to a veteran who has resided in | |
| 199 | 199 | 6.22Minnesota for 30 days prior to the veteran's | |
| 200 | 200 | 6.23application for assistance and according to | |
| 201 | 201 | 6.24other guidelines established by the | |
| 202 | 202 | 6.25commissioner. To avoid duplication of | |
| 203 | 203 | 6.26services, the commissioner must ensure that | |
| 204 | 204 | 6.27this assistance is coordinated with all other | |
| 205 | 205 | 6.28available programs for veterans. | |
| 206 | 206 | 6.29(n) Minnesota Military and Veterans | |
| 207 | 207 | 6.30Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to | |
| 208 | 208 | 6.31the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum | |
| 209 | 209 | 6.32for museum staff to provide direct services to | |
| 210 | 210 | 6.33veterans and their families. | |
| 211 | 211 | 6Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 212 | - | S1959- | |
| 212 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 7.1(o) Veteran Homelessness Initiative. | |
| 213 | 213 | 7.2$1,311,000 each year is for an initiative to | |
| 214 | 214 | 7.3prevent and end veteran homelessness. | |
| 215 | 215 | 115,620,000111,252,0007.4Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care | |
| 216 | 216 | 7.5(a) $110,302,000 the first year and | |
| 217 | 217 | 7.6$114,670,000 the second year may be | |
| 218 | 218 | 7.7transferred to a veterans homes special | |
| 219 | 219 | 7.8revenue account in the special revenue fund | |
| 220 | 220 | 7.9in the same manner as other receipts are | |
| 221 | 221 | 7.10deposited according to Minnesota Statutes, | |
| 222 | 222 | 7.11section 198.34, and are appropriated to the | |
| 223 | 223 | 7.12commissioner of veterans affairs for the | |
| 224 | 224 | 7.13operation of veterans homes facilities and | |
| 225 | 225 | 7.14programs. The base for this transfer is | |
| 226 | 226 | 7.15$119,100,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each | |
| 227 | 227 | 7.16fiscal year thereafter. | |
| 228 | 228 | 7.17(b) The department shall seek opportunities | |
| 229 | 229 | 7.18to maximize federal reimbursements of | |
| 230 | 230 | 7.19Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual | |
| 231 | 231 | 7.20reports to the commissioner of management | |
| 232 | 232 | 7.21and budget on the federal Medicare | |
| 233 | 233 | 7.22reimbursements that are received. Contingent | |
| 234 | 234 | 7.23upon future federal Medicare receipts, | |
| 235 | 235 | 7.24reductions to the veterans homes' general fund | |
| 236 | 236 | 7.25appropriation may be made. | |
| 237 | 237 | 7.26(c) $400,000 each year is for the department | |
| 238 | 238 | 7.27to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators | |
| 239 | 239 | 7.28in community-based hospitals. | |
| 240 | 240 | 7.29(d) $550,000 each year is for the department | |
| 241 | 241 | 7.30to operate the veteran suicide prevention | |
| 242 | 242 | 7.31program. | |
| 243 | 243 | 7Article 1 Sec. 3. | |
| 244 | - | S1959- | |
| 244 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 8.1 ARTICLE 2 | |
| 245 | 245 | 8.2 VETERANS POLICY | |
| 246 | 246 | 8.3 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read: | |
| 247 | 247 | 8.4 Subd. 27.State soldiers assistance program Veterans affairs programs.Access to | |
| 248 | 248 | 8.5information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program, | |
| 249 | 249 | 8.6the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division is governed by | |
| 250 | 250 | 8.7section 197.065. | |
| 251 | 251 | 8.8 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read: | |
| 252 | 252 | 8.9 193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS. | |
| 253 | 253 | 8.10 Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections 193.141 | |
| 254 | 254 | 8.11to 193.149, shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to | |
| 255 | 255 | 8.12accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections 193.141 to 193.149, | |
| 256 | 256 | 8.13including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers | |
| 257 | 257 | 8.14hereby conferred: | |
| 258 | 258 | 8.15 (1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right, | |
| 259 | 259 | 8.16title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real | |
| 260 | 260 | 8.17or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to | |
| 261 | 261 | 8.18hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed; | |
| 262 | 262 | 8.19provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or | |
| 263 | 263 | 8.20accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor | |
| 264 | 264 | 8.21and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by | |
| 265 | 265 | 8.22the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided. | |
| 266 | 266 | 8.23 (2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117, | |
| 267 | 267 | 8.24for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to | |
| 268 | 268 | 8.25acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such | |
| 269 | 269 | 8.26property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in | |
| 270 | 270 | 8.27condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation | |
| 271 | 271 | 8.28from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession | |
| 272 | 272 | 8.29thereof has not been taken. | |
| 273 | 273 | 8.30 (3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the | |
| 274 | 274 | 8.31funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory, | |
| 275 | 275 | 8.32equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account | |
| 276 | 276 | 8.33of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the | |
| 277 | 277 | 8Article 2 Sec. 2. | |
| 278 | - | S1959- | |
| 278 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 9.1total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate | |
| 279 | 279 | 9.2sum of $15,000,000 $45,000,000. | |
| 280 | 280 | 9.3 (4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and | |
| 281 | 281 | 9.4local funds, when available. | |
| 282 | 282 | 9.5 (5) To sue and be sued. | |
| 283 | 283 | 9.6 (6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or | |
| 284 | 284 | 9.7activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer | |
| 285 | 285 | 9.8or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any | |
| 286 | 286 | 9.9contract in which such corporation is interested. | |
| 287 | 287 | 9.10 (7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents, | |
| 288 | 288 | 9.11employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of | |
| 289 | 289 | 9.12such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any | |
| 290 | 290 | 9.13portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers | |
| 291 | 291 | 9.14and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may | |
| 292 | 292 | 9.15receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance | |
| 293 | 293 | 9.16of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission | |
| 294 | 294 | 9.17require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such | |
| 295 | 295 | 9.18rates as it may determine. | |
| 296 | 296 | 9.19 (8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within | |
| 297 | 297 | 9.20the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such | |
| 298 | 298 | 9.21corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds, | |
| 299 | 299 | 9.22subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds | |
| 300 | 300 | 9.23if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same. | |
| 301 | 301 | 9.24 (9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation | |
| 302 | 302 | 9.25from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost | |
| 303 | 303 | 9.26of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest | |
| 304 | 304 | 9.27thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying | |
| 305 | 305 | 9.28the same: | |
| 306 | 306 | 9.29 (a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities | |
| 307 | 307 | 9.30of the corporation as herein authorized; | |
| 308 | 308 | 9.31 (b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories; | |
| 309 | 309 | 9Article 2 Sec. 2. | |
| 310 | - | S1959- | |
| 310 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 10.1 (c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above | |
| 311 | 311 | 10.2or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein | |
| 312 | 312 | 10.3authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled. | |
| 313 | 313 | 10.4 (10) To adopt and use a corporate seal. | |
| 314 | 314 | 10.5 (11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of | |
| 315 | 315 | 10.6such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership | |
| 316 | 316 | 10.7and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such | |
| 317 | 317 | 10.8armory for armory or military purposes. | |
| 318 | 318 | 10.9 (12) Such corporation shall issue no stock. | |
| 319 | 319 | 10.10 (13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest | |
| 320 | 320 | 10.11in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason | |
| 321 | 321 | 10.12of any liability of the corporation. | |
| 322 | 322 | 10.13 (14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section 193.142 | |
| 323 | 323 | 10.14shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated as the | |
| 324 | 324 | 10.15"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each | |
| 325 | 325 | 10.16armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any | |
| 326 | 326 | 10.17armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall | |
| 327 | 327 | 10.18be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required | |
| 328 | 328 | 10.19to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the | |
| 329 | 329 | 10.20armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction, | |
| 330 | 330 | 10.21operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of | |
| 331 | 331 | 10.22such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of | |
| 332 | 332 | 10.23any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the | |
| 333 | 333 | 10.24commission. | |
| 334 | 334 | 10.25 (15) The corporation created under section 193.142 may designate one or more state or | |
| 335 | 335 | 10.26national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the | |
| 336 | 336 | 10.27corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from | |
| 337 | 337 | 10.28personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency | |
| 338 | 338 | 10.29or other acts or omissions of such depository. | |
| 339 | 339 | 10.30 (16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials | |
| 340 | 340 | 10.31which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building, | |
| 341 | 341 | 10.32and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve | |
| 342 | 342 | 10.33components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied | |
| 343 | 343 | 10.34that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for | |
| 344 | 344 | 10Article 2 Sec. 2. | |
| 345 | - | S1959- | |
| 345 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 11.1the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to | |
| 346 | 346 | 11.2armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory | |
| 347 | 347 | 11.3Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to | |
| 348 | 348 | 11.4use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and | |
| 349 | 349 | 11.5regulations not inconsistent therewith. | |
| 350 | 350 | 11.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read: | |
| 351 | 351 | 11.7 197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE. | |
| 352 | 352 | 11.8 (a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs | |
| 353 | 353 | 11.9may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of Human | |
| 354 | 354 | 11.10Services Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of | |
| 355 | 355 | 11.11applicants for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable | |
| 356 | 356 | 11.12Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division. The commissioner may electronically | |
| 357 | 357 | 11.13access the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and | |
| 358 | 358 | 11.14federal resources for which the veterans are eligible. | |
| 359 | 359 | 11.15 (b) In order to access any private data on individuals, as defined by section 13.02, | |
| 360 | 360 | 11.16subdivision 12, pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the commissioner of veterans | |
| 361 | 361 | 11.17affairs must have received informed consent from the subject of that data. | |
| 362 | 362 | 11.18Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read: | |
| 363 | 363 | 11.19 Subd. 8.Eligibility.Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members | |
| 364 | 364 | 11.20who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as | |
| 365 | 365 | 11.21defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101 2402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs | |
| 366 | 366 | 11.221 to 5 and 7. | |
| 367 | 367 | 11.23Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read: | |
| 368 | 368 | 11.24 Subd. 9.Burial fees.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee | |
| 369 | 369 | 11.25schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses | |
| 370 | 370 | 11.26and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of | |
| 371 | 371 | 11.27interment, excluding the value of the plot. | |
| 372 | 372 | 11.28 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent | |
| 373 | 373 | 11.29eligible person. The commissioner shall develop maintain a policy, eligibility standards, | |
| 374 | 374 | 11.30and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible | |
| 375 | 375 | 11.31applicants. | |
| 376 | 376 | 11Article 2 Sec. 5. | |
| 377 | - | S1959- | |
| 377 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 12.1 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die | |
| 378 | 378 | 12.2on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101 | |
| 379 | 379 | 12.32402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7. | |
| 380 | 380 | 12.4 Sec. 6. [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS. | |
| 381 | 381 | 12.5 Subdivision 1.Definition.As used in this section, the term "veteran of the Secret War | |
| 382 | 382 | 12.6in Laos" means a person who resides in this state and who: | |
| 383 | 383 | 12.7 (1) was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans' | |
| 384 | 384 | 12.8Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207, or received a Medal of Honor, Purple | |
| 385 | 385 | 12.9Heart, or other military award for service in support of the armed forces of the United States | |
| 386 | 386 | 12.10in Laos; or | |
| 387 | 387 | 12.11 (2) is a person who the commissioner of veterans affairs determines served honorably | |
| 388 | 388 | 12.12with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in | |
| 389 | 389 | 12.13support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning | |
| 390 | 390 | 12.14February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an | |
| 391 | 391 | 12.15alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States. | |
| 392 | 392 | 12.16 Subd. 2.Eligibility for benefits and privileges.(a) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos, | |
| 393 | 393 | 12.17as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in | |
| 394 | 394 | 12.18paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act. | |
| 395 | 395 | 12.19 (b) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled | |
| 396 | 396 | 12.20to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner verifies the | |
| 397 | 397 | 12.21person's veteran status. By March 30, 2026, the commissioner must: | |
| 398 | 398 | 12.22 (1) adopt criteria and a protocol to determine eligibility under subdivision 1, clause (2), | |
| 399 | 399 | 12.23based upon the recommendations of the Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular | |
| 400 | 400 | 12.24Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; and | |
| 401 | 401 | 12.25 (2) begin accepting applications for verification. | |
| 402 | 402 | 12.26 (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in | |
| 403 | 403 | 12.27section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the Secret War in Laos: section 171.07, | |
| 404 | 404 | 12.28subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards); | |
| 405 | 405 | 12.29section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236 | |
| 406 | 406 | 12.30(state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551 | |
| 407 | 407 | 12.31(permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for | |
| 408 | 408 | 12.32meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.63 (vital | |
| 409 | 409 | 12Article 2 Sec. 6. | |
| 410 | - | S1959- | |
| 410 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 13.1records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor vehicle | |
| 411 | 411 | 13.2registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag). | |
| 412 | 412 | 13.3 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.603, subdivision 1, is amended to read: | |
| 413 | 413 | 13.4 Subdivision 1.Veterans benefits and assistance.(a) It shall be the duty of the county | |
| 414 | 414 | 13.5veterans service officer to aid all residents of the governmental subdivision by which the | |
| 415 | 415 | 13.6officer is employed in securing benefits provided by law on account of the service of any | |
| 416 | 416 | 13.7person in the armed forces of the United States, from which the person has a discharge other | |
| 417 | 417 | 13.8than dishonorable. The county veterans service officer shall aid all veterans who are residents | |
| 418 | 418 | 13.9of the governmental subdivision by which the officer is employed, regardless of the nature | |
| 419 | 419 | 13.10of discharge, in securing counseling or treatment concerning substance use disorder and | |
| 420 | 420 | 13.11substance abuse. | |
| 421 | 421 | 13.12 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if a veteran cannot secure an appointment to receive | |
| 422 | 422 | 13.13aid from a county veterans service officer in the governmental subdivision where the veteran | |
| 423 | 423 | 13.14resides, the veteran may request aid from any county veterans service officer in the state, | |
| 424 | 424 | 13.15and it shall be the duty of the county veterans service officer to aid the veteran regardless | |
| 425 | 425 | 13.16of whether the veteran resides in the governmental subdivision by which the officer is | |
| 426 | 426 | 13.17employed. | |
| 427 | 427 | 13.18Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.608, subdivision 6, is amended to read: | |
| 428 | 428 | 13.19 Subd. 6.Grant amount.(a) Each county is eligible to receive an annual grant of $7,500 | |
| 429 | 429 | 13.20for the following purposes: | |
| 430 | 430 | 13.21 (1) to provide outreach to the county's veterans; | |
| 431 | 431 | 13.22 (2) to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society; | |
| 432 | 432 | 13.23 (3) to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other | |
| 433 | 433 | 13.24community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans; | |
| 434 | 434 | 13.25 (4) to reduce homelessness among veterans; and | |
| 435 | 435 | 13.26 (5) to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office. | |
| 436 | 436 | 13.27 (b) In addition to the grant amount in paragraph (a), each county is eligible to receive | |
| 437 | 437 | 13.28an additional annual grant under this paragraph. The amount of each additional annual grant | |
| 438 | 438 | 13.29must be determined by the commissioner and may not exceed: | |
| 439 | 439 | 13.30 (1) $0, if the county's veteran population is less than 1,000; | |
| 440 | 440 | 13.31 (2) $2,500, if the county's veteran population is 1,000 or more but less than 3,000; | |
| 441 | 441 | 13Article 2 Sec. 8. | |
| 442 | - | S1959- | |
| 442 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 14.1 (3) $5,000, if the county's veteran population is 3,000 or more but less than 5,000; | |
| 443 | 443 | 14.2 (4) $7,500, if the county's veteran population is 5,000 or more but less than 10,000; | |
| 444 | 444 | 14.3 (5) $10,000, if the county's veteran population is 10,000 or more but less than 20,000; | |
| 445 | 445 | 14.4 (6) $15,000, if the county's veteran population is 20,000 or more but less than 30,000; | |
| 446 | 446 | 14.5or | |
| 447 | 447 | 14.6 (7) $20,000, if the county's veteran population is 30,000 or more. | |
| 448 | 448 | 14.7 (c) The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers is eligible to receive | |
| 449 | 449 | 14.8an annual grant of $100,000 $160,000. The grant shall must be used for administrative costs | |
| 450 | 450 | 14.9of the association, certification of mandated county veterans service officer training and | |
| 451 | 451 | 14.10accreditation, and costs associated with reintegration services. Up to $60,000 of this amount | |
| 452 | 452 | 14.11may be used to train technical assistance coordinators and for technical assistance | |
| 453 | 453 | 14.12coordinators to travel to consult with Minnesota counties on specific areas of expertise upon | |
| 454 | 454 | 14.13request. The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers executive board | |
| 455 | 455 | 14.14must select technical assistance coordinators, who are either county veterans service officers | |
| 456 | 456 | 14.15or assistant county veterans service officers, to serve for a minimum of one year. | |
| 457 | 457 | 14.16 (d) The veteran population of each county shall be determined by the figure supplied | |
| 458 | 458 | 14.17by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as adopted by the commissioner. | |
| 459 | - | 14.18Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read: | |
| 460 | - | 14.19 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section. | |
| 461 | - | 14.20 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs. | |
| 462 | - | 14.21 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military | |
| 463 | - | 14.22service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident | |
| 464 | - | 14.23of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the | |
| 465 | - | 14.24six months preceding the veteran's date of death. | |
| 466 | - | 14.25 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who: | |
| 467 | - | 14.26 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and | |
| 468 | - | 14.27 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher | |
| 469 | - | 14.28education. | |
| 470 | - | 14.29 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this | |
| 471 | - | 14.30state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of | |
| 472 | - | 14.31Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education. | |
| 459 | + | 14.18Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, is amended to read: | |
| 460 | + | 14.19 197.6091 VETERANS BENEFITS SERVICES; DISCLOSURE AND | |
| 461 | + | 14.20ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS. | |
| 462 | + | 14.21 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have | |
| 463 | + | 14.22the meanings given. | |
| 464 | + | 14.23 (b)(1) "Advertising" or "advertisement" means any of the following: | |
| 465 | + | 14.24 (i) any written or printed communication made for the purpose of soliciting business for | |
| 466 | + | 14.25veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services, including but not limited to | |
| 467 | + | 14.26a brochure, letter, pamphlet, newspaper, telephone listing, periodical, or other writing; | |
| 468 | + | 14.27 (ii) any directory listing caused or permitted by a person and made available by that | |
| 469 | + | 14.28person indicating that veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services, are | |
| 470 | + | 14.29being offered; or | |
| 473 | 471 | 14Article 2 Sec. 9. | |
| 474 | - | S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 15.1 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of | |
| 475 | - | 15.2whether the surviving spouse remarries. | |
| 476 | - | 15.3 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who: | |
| 477 | - | 15.4 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher | |
| 478 | - | 15.5education; | |
| 479 | - | 15.6 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment | |
| 480 | - | 15.7or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal | |
| 481 | - | 15.8form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner; | |
| 482 | - | 15.9 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related | |
| 483 | - | 15.10educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and | |
| 484 | - | 15.11 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident | |
| 485 | - | 15.12student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8. | |
| 486 | - | 15.13 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, | |
| 487 | - | 15.14subdivision 10. | |
| 488 | - | 15.15 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7. | |
| 489 | - | 15.16 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447. | |
| 490 | - | 15.17Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read: | |
| 491 | - | 15.18 Subd. 4.Eligibility.(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision | |
| 492 | - | 15.195 if: | |
| 493 | - | 15.20 (1) the person is: | |
| 494 | - | 15.21 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United | |
| 495 | - | 15.22States armed forces at any time; | |
| 496 | - | 15.23 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively | |
| 497 | - | 15.24as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of | |
| 498 | - | 15.25the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September | |
| 499 | - | 15.2611, 2001; | |
| 500 | - | 15.27 (iii) the surviving spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries, or child | |
| 501 | - | 15.28of a person who has served in the military and who has died as a direct result of that military | |
| 502 | - | 15.29service, only if the surviving spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits | |
| 503 | - | 15.30under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38, | |
| 504 | - | 15.31chapter 35, as amended; or | |
| 505 | - | 15Article 2 Sec. 10. | |
| 506 | - | S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 16.1 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who | |
| 507 | - | 16.2has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans | |
| 508 | - | 16.3Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits | |
| 509 | - | 16.4under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38, | |
| 510 | - | 16.5chapter 35, as amended; and | |
| 511 | - | 16.6 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined | |
| 512 | - | 16.7in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and | |
| 513 | - | 16.8 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance: | |
| 514 | - | 16.9 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution; | |
| 515 | - | 16.10 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students | |
| 516 | - | 16.11participating in federal Title IV programs; | |
| 517 | - | 16.12 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at | |
| 518 | - | 16.13an eligible institution; | |
| 519 | - | 16.14 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the | |
| 520 | - | 16.15academic term for which the assistance is being requested; | |
| 521 | - | 16.16 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121, | |
| 522 | - | 16.17subdivision 2, clause (5); and | |
| 523 | - | 16.18 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). | |
| 524 | - | 16.19 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under | |
| 525 | - | 16.20section 135A.52. | |
| 526 | - | 16.21 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation, | |
| 527 | - | 16.22including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers; | |
| 528 | - | 16.23correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage | |
| 529 | - | 16.24certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency; | |
| 530 | - | 16.25proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary | |
| 531 | - | 16.26to determine eligibility. | |
| 532 | - | 16.27 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to | |
| 533 | - | 16.28any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the | |
| 534 | - | 16.29program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination | |
| 535 | - | 16.30of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any | |
| 536 | - | 16.31application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner | |
| 537 | - | 16.32requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an | |
| 538 | - | 16Article 2 Sec. 10. | |
| 539 | - | S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 17.1applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner | |
| 540 | - | 17.2may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at | |
| 541 | - | 17.3any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information | |
| 542 | - | 17.4regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility | |
| 543 | - | 17.5by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for | |
| 544 | - | 17.6more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later. | |
| 545 | - | 17.7 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility, | |
| 546 | - | 17.8the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that | |
| 547 | - | 17.9the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient | |
| 548 | - | 17.10documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility. | |
| 549 | - | 17.11Sec. 11. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET | |
| 550 | - | 17.12GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS. | |
| 551 | - | 17.13 Subdivision 1.Establishment; membership.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs | |
| 552 | - | 17.14shall establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory | |
| 553 | - | 17.15Task Force. | |
| 554 | - | 17.16 (b) The advisory task force shall consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the | |
| 555 | - | 17.17following additional nine members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise | |
| 556 | - | 17.18provided: | |
| 557 | - | 17.19 (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by | |
| 558 | - | 17.20the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs; | |
| 559 | - | 17.21 (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the | |
| 560 | - | 17.22Commanders Task Force; | |
| 561 | - | 17.23 (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota; | |
| 562 | - | 17.24 (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during | |
| 563 | - | 17.25the Vietnam War; | |
| 564 | - | 17.26 (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces; | |
| 565 | - | 17.27 (6) two veterans of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos; | |
| 566 | - | 17.28 (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos; | |
| 567 | - | 17.29and | |
| 568 | - | 17.30 (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the | |
| 569 | - | 17.31Vietnam War designated by the museum's director. | |
| 570 | - | 17Article 2 Sec. 11. | |
| 571 | - | S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 18.1 Subd. 2.Duties; report.(a) The task force must establish criteria for determining which | |
| 572 | - | 18.2Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla units or with irregular forces in Laos. | |
| 573 | - | 18.3 (b) By February 15, 2026, the task force must deliver a report to the commissioner that | |
| 574 | - | 18.4includes the findings, criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph | |
| 575 | - | 18.5(a). | |
| 576 | - | 18.6 Subd. 3.Administration; terms of membership.The commissioner shall convene the | |
| 577 | - | 18.7first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to | |
| 578 | - | 18.8the advisory task force. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision | |
| 579 | - | 18.96, shall govern the terms and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of | |
| 580 | - | 18.10the task force serve without compensation or per diem. | |
| 581 | - | 18.11 Subd. 4.Expiration.The task force expires on February 15, 2026. | |
| 582 | - | 18.12Sec. 12. GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL PLAQUE. | |
| 583 | - | 18.13 The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial plaque in the court of honor | |
| 584 | - | 18.14on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices of Minnesota's Gold Star | |
| 585 | - | 18.15and Blue Star families. The process for determining design and location of the Gold Star | |
| 586 | - | 18.16and Blue Star memorial will follow the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board | |
| 587 | - | 18.17commemorative works rules under Minnesota Rules, part 2400.2703. The Capitol Area | |
| 588 | - | 18.18Architectural and Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use | |
| 589 | - | 18.19as a basis for final production. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must | |
| 590 | - | 18.20include the commissioner of veterans affairs on the design review committee established | |
| 591 | - | 18.21under Minnesota Rules, part 2400.2703. The memorial design must be furnished by the | |
| 592 | - | 18.22person or group who submit the design at no cost to the state. | |
| 593 | - | 18Article 2 Sec. 12. | |
| 594 | - | S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD Page.Ln 1.13 | |
| 472 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 15.1 (iii) any radio, television, computer network, or similar airwave or electronic transmission | |
| 473 | + | 15.2that solicits business for or promotes a person offering veterans benefits services, or veterans | |
| 474 | + | 15.3benefits appeal services. | |
| 475 | + | 15.4 (2) "Advertising" or "advertisement" does not include any of the following: | |
| 476 | + | 15.5 (i) any printing or writing used on buildings, uniforms, or badges, where the purpose of | |
| 477 | + | 15.6the writing is for identification; or | |
| 478 | + | 15.7 (ii) any printing or writing in a memorandum or other communication used in the ordinary | |
| 479 | + | 15.8course of business where the sole purpose of the writing is other than soliciting business | |
| 480 | + | 15.9for veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services. | |
| 481 | + | 15.10 (c) "Benefit" means any payment, service, commodity, function, status, or entitlement | |
| 482 | + | 15.11to which is determined under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans | |
| 483 | + | 15.12Affairs pertaining to veterans, dependents, and survivors. | |
| 484 | + | 15.13 (d) "Claim" means an application made under United States Code, title 38, and | |
| 485 | + | 15.14implementing directives, for entitlement to United States Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| 486 | + | 15.15benefits, reinstatement, continuation, or increase of benefits, or the defense of a proposed | |
| 487 | + | 15.16agency adverse action concerning benefits. | |
| 488 | + | 15.17 (e) "Claimant" means a veteran, dependent, or other appropriate person with a claim for | |
| 489 | + | 15.18benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs. | |
| 490 | + | 15.19 (f) "Compensation" means payment of money, a thing of value, or a financial benefit. | |
| 491 | + | 15.20 (g) "Recognition" means certification by the United States Department of Veterans | |
| 492 | + | 15.21Affairs of organizations to assist claimants in the preparation, presentation, and prosecution | |
| 493 | + | 15.22of claims for benefits. | |
| 494 | + | 15.23 (h) "Person" means an individual, agency, government or governmental subdivision, | |
| 495 | + | 15.24government employee, veterans service organization, corporation, business trust, estate, | |
| 496 | + | 15.25trust, partnership, limited liability company, association, joint venture, public corporation, | |
| 497 | + | 15.26instrumentality, or any other legal or commercial entity. | |
| 498 | + | 15.27 (i) "Practice of law" means legal representation, legal services, legal advice, legal | |
| 499 | + | 15.28consultations, preparation of legal documents, or other legal activities provided by a licensed | |
| 500 | + | 15.29attorney. | |
| 501 | + | 15.30 (j) "Representation" means the acts associated with representing a claimant in a | |
| 502 | + | 15.31proceeding before VA pursuant to a properly executed and filed VA Form 21-22 | |
| 503 | + | 15Article 2 Sec. 9. | |
| 504 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 16.1(Appointment of Veterans Service Organization as Claimant's Representative) or VA Form | |
| 505 | + | 16.221-22a (Appointment of Individual as Claimant's Representative). | |
| 506 | + | 16.3 (k) "VA accreditation" means the federal credentialing process required pursuant to | |
| 507 | + | 16.4United States Code, tile 38, section 5904, by the United States Department of Veterans | |
| 508 | + | 16.5Affairs for representatives of veterans at the agency. Accreditation is not required for | |
| 509 | + | 16.6representation in federal courts. | |
| 510 | + | 16.7 (l) "VA-accredited representative" means a person recognized by the United States | |
| 511 | + | 16.8Department of Veterans Affairs under Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629, | |
| 512 | + | 16.9including, but not limited to, VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, government employees, | |
| 513 | + | 16.10and representatives of veterans service organizations. | |
| 514 | + | 16.11 (m) "Veterans benefits appeal services" means services that a veteran might reasonably | |
| 515 | + | 16.12require in order to appeal a denial of federal or state veterans benefits provided after an | |
| 516 | + | 16.13initial claim decision is made by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, including | |
| 517 | + | 16.14but not limited to denials of disability, limited income, home loan, insurance, education and | |
| 518 | + | 16.15training, burial and memorial, and dependent and survivor benefits. | |
| 519 | + | 16.16 (d) (n) "Veterans benefits services" means services that a veteran or a family member | |
| 520 | + | 16.17of a veteran might reasonably use in order to obtain federal, state, or county veterans benefits. | |
| 521 | + | 16.18 (e) (o) "Written disclosure statement" means the written disclosure statement developed | |
| 522 | + | 16.19by the commissioner of veterans affairs pursuant to section 196.05, subdivision 1. | |
| 523 | + | 16.20 Subd. 2.Advertising disclosure requirements.A person advertising veterans benefits | |
| 524 | + | 16.21appeal services must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement, in similar type size or | |
| 525 | + | 16.22voice-over, that veterans benefits appeal services are also offered at no cost by county | |
| 526 | + | 16.23veterans service officers under sections 197.603 and 197.604. This subdivision does not | |
| 527 | + | 16.24apply to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under | |
| 528 | + | 16.25Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629. | |
| 529 | + | 16.26 Subd. 3.Veterans benefits services disclosure requirements.A person who provides | |
| 530 | + | 16.27veterans benefits services in exchange for compensation shall provide a written disclosure | |
| 531 | + | 16.28statement to each client or prospective client. Before a person enters into an agreement to | |
| 532 | + | 16.29provide veterans benefits services or accepts money or any other thing of value compensation | |
| 533 | + | 16.30for the provision of veterans benefits services, the person must obtain the signature of the | |
| 534 | + | 16.31client on a written disclosure statement containing an attestation by the client that the client | |
| 535 | + | 16.32has read and understands the written disclosure statement. This subdivision does not apply | |
| 536 | + | 16.33to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under Code | |
| 537 | + | 16.34of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629. | |
| 538 | + | 16Article 2 Sec. 9. | |
| 539 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 17.1 Subd. 3a.Federal accreditation; other requirements.(a) A person who provides | |
| 540 | + | 17.2veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation | |
| 541 | + | 17.3must be accredited by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs | |
| 542 | + | 17.4under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59. | |
| 543 | + | 17.5 (b) A person may not make a referral for compensation of claimant to a provider of | |
| 544 | + | 17.6veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, unless they are accredited | |
| 545 | + | 17.7by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs except as permitted | |
| 546 | + | 17.8under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59. | |
| 547 | + | 17.9 (c) A person subject to an accreditation requirement under paragraph (a), and who | |
| 548 | + | 17.10provides veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, may charge a | |
| 549 | + | 17.11veteran or a family member of a veteran a fee or other form of compensation only as provided | |
| 550 | + | 17.12in Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636. | |
| 551 | + | 17.13 (d) Before providing veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, a | |
| 552 | + | 17.14person must provide a veteran or a family member of a veteran a written fee agreement that | |
| 553 | + | 17.15complies with Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636, memorializing all terms | |
| 554 | + | 17.16regarding payment of fees, and signed by both parties. | |
| 555 | + | 17.17 (e) A person shall not engage in the practice of law where it concerns veterans, in the | |
| 556 | + | 17.18preparation, presentation, or prosecution for veterans benefits before the United States | |
| 557 | + | 17.19Department of Veterans Affairs, except if the person is a VA-accredited representative. | |
| 558 | + | 17.20 (f) A person seeking compensation in connection with a veterans benefit service or | |
| 559 | + | 17.21veterans benefit appeal service must: | |
| 560 | + | 17.22 (1) not use a veteran's personal login, username, or password information to access the | |
| 561 | + | 17.23veteran's medical, financial, or government benefits information; and | |
| 562 | + | 17.24 (2) ensure that any individual who has access to a veteran's medical or financial | |
| 563 | + | 17.25information undergoes a background check prior to having access to that information. The | |
| 564 | + | 17.26background check must be conducted by a reputable source and include identity verification | |
| 565 | + | 17.27and a criminal records check. | |
| 566 | + | 17.28 Subd. 3b.Guarantee of benefits prohibited.A person providing veterans benefits | |
| 567 | + | 17.29services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation, must not | |
| 568 | + | 17.30guarantee, either directly or by implication, that a veteran or a family member of a veteran | |
| 569 | + | 17.31is certain to receive specific federal, state, or county veterans benefits or any specific level, | |
| 570 | + | 17.32percentage, or amount of federal, state, or county veterans benefits. | |
| 571 | + | 17Article 2 Sec. 9. | |
| 572 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 18.1 Subd. 4.Violations; penalties.A person who fails to comply with this section is subject | |
| 573 | + | 18.2to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Civil penalties shall be assessed | |
| 574 | + | 18.3by the district court in an action initiated by the attorney general. For the purposes of | |
| 575 | + | 18.4computing the amount of each civil penalty, each day of a continuing violation constitutes | |
| 576 | + | 18.5a separate violation. Additionally, the attorney general may accept a civil penalty as | |
| 577 | + | 18.6determined by the attorney general in settlement of an investigation of a violation of this | |
| 578 | + | 18.7section regardless of whether an action has been filed under this section A violation of this | |
| 579 | + | 18.8section is an unlawful practice under section 325F.69. Any civil penalty recovered shall be | |
| 580 | + | 18.9deposited in the Support Our Troops account established under section 190.19. | |
| 581 | + | 18.10 Subd. 5.Nonapplicability.This section does not apply to the owner or personnel of any | |
| 582 | + | 18.11medium in which an advertisement appears or through which an advertisement is | |
| 583 | + | 18.12disseminated. | |
| 584 | + | 18.13Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read: | |
| 585 | + | 18.14 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section. | |
| 586 | + | 18.15 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs. | |
| 587 | + | 18.16 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military | |
| 588 | + | 18.17service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident | |
| 589 | + | 18.18of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the | |
| 590 | + | 18.19six months preceding the veteran's date of death. | |
| 591 | + | 18.20 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who: | |
| 592 | + | 18.21 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and | |
| 593 | + | 18.22 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher | |
| 594 | + | 18.23education. | |
| 595 | + | 18.24 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this | |
| 596 | + | 18.25state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of | |
| 597 | + | 18.26Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education. | |
| 598 | + | 18.27 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of | |
| 599 | + | 18.28whether the surviving spouse remarries. | |
| 600 | + | 18.29 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who: | |
| 601 | + | 18.30 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher | |
| 602 | + | 18.31education; | |
| 603 | + | 18Article 2 Sec. 10. | |
| 604 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 19.1 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment | |
| 605 | + | 19.2or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal | |
| 606 | + | 19.3form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner; | |
| 607 | + | 19.4 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related | |
| 608 | + | 19.5educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and | |
| 609 | + | 19.6 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident | |
| 610 | + | 19.7student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8. | |
| 611 | + | 19.8 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, | |
| 612 | + | 19.9subdivision 10. | |
| 613 | + | 19.10 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7. | |
| 614 | + | 19.11 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447. | |
| 615 | + | 19.12Sec. 11. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read: | |
| 616 | + | 19.13 Subd. 4.Eligibility.(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision | |
| 617 | + | 19.145 if: | |
| 618 | + | 19.15 (1) the person is: | |
| 619 | + | 19.16 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United | |
| 620 | + | 19.17States armed forces at any time; | |
| 621 | + | 19.18 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively | |
| 622 | + | 19.19as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of | |
| 623 | + | 19.20the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September | |
| 624 | + | 19.2111, 2001; | |
| 625 | + | 19.22 (iii) the surviving spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries, or child | |
| 626 | + | 19.23of a person who has served in the military and who has died as a direct result of that military | |
| 627 | + | 19.24service, only if the surviving spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits | |
| 628 | + | 19.25under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38, | |
| 629 | + | 19.26chapter 35, as amended; or | |
| 630 | + | 19.27 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who | |
| 631 | + | 19.28has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans | |
| 632 | + | 19.29Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits | |
| 633 | + | 19.30under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38, | |
| 634 | + | 19.31chapter 35, as amended; and | |
| 635 | + | 19Article 2 Sec. 11. | |
| 636 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 20.1 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined | |
| 637 | + | 20.2in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and | |
| 638 | + | 20.3 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance: | |
| 639 | + | 20.4 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution; | |
| 640 | + | 20.5 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students | |
| 641 | + | 20.6participating in federal Title IV programs; | |
| 642 | + | 20.7 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at | |
| 643 | + | 20.8an eligible institution; | |
| 644 | + | 20.9 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the | |
| 645 | + | 20.10academic term for which the assistance is being requested; | |
| 646 | + | 20.11 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121, | |
| 647 | + | 20.12subdivision 2, clause (5); and | |
| 648 | + | 20.13 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). | |
| 649 | + | 20.14 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under | |
| 650 | + | 20.15section 135A.52. | |
| 651 | + | 20.16 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation, | |
| 652 | + | 20.17including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers; | |
| 653 | + | 20.18correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage | |
| 654 | + | 20.19certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency; | |
| 655 | + | 20.20proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary | |
| 656 | + | 20.21to determine eligibility. | |
| 657 | + | 20.22 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to | |
| 658 | + | 20.23any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the | |
| 659 | + | 20.24program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination | |
| 660 | + | 20.25of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any | |
| 661 | + | 20.26application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner | |
| 662 | + | 20.27requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an | |
| 663 | + | 20.28applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner | |
| 664 | + | 20.29may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at | |
| 665 | + | 20.30any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information | |
| 666 | + | 20.31regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility | |
| 667 | + | 20.32by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for | |
| 668 | + | 20.33more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later. | |
| 669 | + | 20Article 2 Sec. 11. | |
| 670 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 21.1 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility, | |
| 671 | + | 21.2the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that | |
| 672 | + | 21.3the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient | |
| 673 | + | 21.4documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility. | |
| 674 | + | 21.5 Sec. 12. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET | |
| 675 | + | 21.6GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS. | |
| 676 | + | 21.7 Subdivision 1.Establishment; membership.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs | |
| 677 | + | 21.8shall establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory | |
| 678 | + | 21.9Task Force. | |
| 679 | + | 21.10 (b) The advisory task force shall consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the | |
| 680 | + | 21.11following additional nine members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise | |
| 681 | + | 21.12provided: | |
| 682 | + | 21.13 (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by | |
| 683 | + | 21.14the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs; | |
| 684 | + | 21.15 (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the | |
| 685 | + | 21.16Commanders Task Force; | |
| 686 | + | 21.17 (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota; | |
| 687 | + | 21.18 (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during | |
| 688 | + | 21.19the Vietnam War; | |
| 689 | + | 21.20 (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces; | |
| 690 | + | 21.21 (6) two veterans of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos; | |
| 691 | + | 21.22 (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos; | |
| 692 | + | 21.23and | |
| 693 | + | 21.24 (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the | |
| 694 | + | 21.25Vietnam War designated by the museum's director. | |
| 695 | + | 21.26 Subd. 2.Duties; report.(a) The task force must establish criteria for determining which | |
| 696 | + | 21.27Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla units or with irregular forces in Laos. | |
| 697 | + | 21.28 (b) By February 15, 2026, the task force must deliver a report to the commissioner that | |
| 698 | + | 21.29includes the findings, criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph | |
| 699 | + | 21.30(a). | |
| 700 | + | 21Article 2 Sec. 12. | |
| 701 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 22.1 Subd. 3.Administration; terms of membership.The commissioner shall convene the | |
| 702 | + | 22.2first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to | |
| 703 | + | 22.3the advisory task force. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision | |
| 704 | + | 22.46, shall govern the terms and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of | |
| 705 | + | 22.5the task force serve without compensation or per diem. | |
| 706 | + | 22.6 Subd. 4.Expiration.The task force expires on February 15, 2026. | |
| 707 | + | 22.7 Sec. 13. GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL PLAQUE. | |
| 708 | + | 22.8 The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial plaque in the court of honor | |
| 709 | + | 22.9on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices of Minnesota's Gold Star | |
| 710 | + | 22.10and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must solicit | |
| 711 | + | 22.11design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board | |
| 712 | + | 22.12shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final production. The | |
| 713 | + | 22.13selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs and must be | |
| 714 | + | 22.14furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the state. | |
| 715 | + | 22Article 2 Sec. 13. | |
| 716 | + | S1959-2 2nd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD Page.Ln 1.15 | |
| 595 | 717 | MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS | |
| 596 | 718 | APPROPRIATIONS...............................................................................ARTICLE 1 | |
| 597 | 719 | Page.Ln 8.1VETERANS POLICY............................................................................ARTICLE 2 | |
| 598 | 720 | 1 | |
| 599 | 721 | APPENDIX | |
| 600 | - | Article locations for S1959- | |
| 722 | + | Article locations for S1959-2 |