1.1 A bill for an act
1.2 relating to state government; establishing a budget for the Department of Military
1.3 Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; modifying veterans services and
1.4 benefits provisions; requiring the commissioner of administration to place a
1.5 memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families on State Capitol
1.6 grounds; providing benefits to veterans of the Secret War in Laos; requiring county
1.7 veteran services officers to aid certain additional veterans; establishing a task force;
1.8 requiring reports; appropriating money; amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, sections
1.9 13.461, subdivision 27; 193.143; 197.065; 197.236, subdivisions 8, 9; 197.603,
1.10 subdivision 1; 197.608, subdivision 6; 197.75, subdivision 1; 197.791, subdivision
1.11 4; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197.
1.12BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:
1.13 ARTICLE 1
1.14 MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS APPROPRIATIONS
1.15Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS.
1.16 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
1.17and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
1.18or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
1.19The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
1.20them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
1.21"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
1.22is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
1.23 APPROPRIATIONS
1.24 Available for the Year
1.25 Ending June 30
20271.26 2026
1Article 1 Section 1.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD
SENATE
STATE OF MINNESOTA
S.F. No. 1959NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
(SENATE AUTHORS: PUTNAM, Carlson and Mitchell)
OFFICIAL STATUSD-PGDATE
Introduction and first reading56602/27/2025
Referred to Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
Author added Carlson111403/27/2025
Author added Mitchell135504/03/2025
Comm report: To pass as amended and re-refer to Finance1562a04/07/2025
Comm report: To pass as amended1792a04/10/2025
Second reading1982
Special Order: Amended04/23/2025
Third reading Passed as amended 2.1Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS
27,081,000$26,872,000$2.2Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
2.3The amounts that may be spent for each
2.4purpose are specified in the following
2.5subdivisions.
10,067,00010,067,0002.6Subd. 2.Maintenance of Training Facilities
4,600,0004,391,0002.7Subd. 3.General Support
12,114,00012,114,0002.8Subd. 4.Enlistment Incentives
2.9The appropriations in this subdivision are
2.10available until June 30, 2029.
2.11If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is
2.12insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available
2.13in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered
2.14balance does not cancel at the end of the first
2.15year and is available for the second year.
300,000300,0002.16Subd. 5.Emergency Services
2.17Sec. 3. VETERANS AFFAIRS
146,700,000$141,929,000$2.18Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation
2.19The base for this appropriation is
2.20$151,130,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
2.21fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may
2.22be spent for each purpose are specified in the
2.23following subdivisions.
31,080,00030,677,0002.24Subd. 2.Veterans Programs and Services
2.25The amounts that may be spent for each
2.26purpose are specified in the following
2.27paragraphs.
2.28(a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000
2.29each year is for the operation of the state
2.30veterans cemeteries.
2Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 3.1(b) Veterans Service Organizations.
3.2$500,000 each year is for grants to the
3.3following congressionally chartered veterans
3.4service organizations as designated by the
3.5commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
3.6Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
3.7American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
3.8Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, and
3.9Paralyzed Veterans of America. This funding
3.10must be allocated in direct proportion to the
3.11funding currently being provided by the
3.12commissioner to these organizations.
3.13(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
3.14compensation for honor guards at the funerals
3.15of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.16197.231.
3.17(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
3.18for the costs of administering the Minnesota
3.19GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
3.20on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
3.21program under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.22197.791.
3.23(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
3.24is for administering the Gold Star Program for
3.25surviving family members of deceased
3.26veterans.
3.27(f) County Veterans Service Office.
3.28$1,610,000 each year is for the County
3.29Veterans Service Office grant program under
3.30Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
3.31amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
3.32technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
3.33for a veteran suicide prevention technical
3.34assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
3.35justice-involved veteran technical assistance
3Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 4.1coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
4.2the first year does not cancel and is available
4.3in the second year.
4.4(g) Camp Bliss. $150,000 each year is for a
4.5grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
4.6provide therapy, transportation, and activities
4.7customized for veterans who are Minnesota
4.8residents and their spouses, domestic partners,
4.9and children, at Camp Bliss in the city of
4.10Walker. The commissioner of veterans affairs
4.11must report to the chairs and ranking minority
4.12members of the legislative committees with
4.13jurisdiction over veterans affairs on:
4.14(1) the number of veterans and veterans'
4.15family members served; and
4.16(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
4.17the grant money.
4.18(h) Veteran Resilience Project. $140,000
4.19each year is for a grant to the veteran resilience
4.20project. Grant funds must be used to make eye
4.21movement desensitization and reprocessing
4.22therapy available to veterans, veterans'
4.23spouses, current military service members,
4.24and current military service members' spouses
4.25who are suffering from posttraumatic stress
4.26disorder and trauma.
4.27The veteran resilience project must report to
4.28the commissioner of veterans affairs and the
4.29chairs and ranking minority members of the
4.30legislative committees with jurisdiction over
4.31veterans affairs policy and finance by January
4.3215 of each year on the program. The report
4.33must include an overview of the program's
4.34budget, a detailed explanation of program
4Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 5.1expenditures, the number of veterans and
5.2service members served by the program, and
5.3a list and explanation of the services provided
5.4to program participants.
5.5(i) CORE Program. $1,225,000 each year is
5.6for the Counseling and Case Management
5.7Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
5.8program.
5.9(j) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
5.10is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
5.11Center.
5.12(k) Recently Separated Veterans Program.
5.13$300,000 each year is for operation of the
5.14recently separated veterans program. The
5.15commissioner of veterans affairs may use
5.16Department of Defense and other veteran data
5.17that was provided with an appropriate
5.18disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
5.19to resources and new programming. The
5.20commissioner may use money for personnel,
5.21research, marketing, technology solutions, and
5.22professional or technical contracts.
5.23(l) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
5.24$1,344,000 each year is to operate the
5.25homeless veteran registry and homeless
5.26programs and to assist veterans, former service
5.27members, and veterans' and former service
5.28members' dependents with obtaining federal
5.29benefits through the Social Security
5.30Administration. The commissioner of veterans
5.31affairs may use money for personnel, training,
5.32research, marketing, and professional or
5.33technical contracts.
5Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 6.1(m) Minnesota Assistance Council for
6.2Veterans. $1,075,000 each year is for grants
6.3to the Minnesota Assistance Council for
6.4Veterans to provide assistance throughout
6.5Minnesota to veterans and veterans' families
6.6who are homeless or in danger of
6.7homelessness, including assistance with:
6.8(1) supportive services to maintain housing;
6.9(2) employment;
6.10(3) legal issues;
6.11(4) housing and housing-related costs;
6.12(5) transportation;
6.13(6) the acquisition and creation of permanent
6.14supportive housing; and
6.15(7) property management of permanent
6.16supportive housing.
6.17Any unencumbered balance remaining in this
6.18paragraph in the first year does not cancel and
6.19is available for the second year. Assistance
6.20authorized under this paragraph must be
6.21provided only to a veteran who has resided in
6.22Minnesota for 30 days prior to the veteran's
6.23application for assistance and according to
6.24other guidelines established by the
6.25commissioner. To avoid duplication of
6.26services, the commissioner must ensure that
6.27this assistance is coordinated with all other
6.28available programs for veterans.
6.29(n) Minnesota Military and Veterans
6.30Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
6.31the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
6.32for museum staff to provide direct services to
6.33veterans and their families.
6Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 7.1(o) Veteran Homelessness Initiative.
7.2$1,311,000 each year is for an initiative to
7.3prevent and end veteran homelessness.
115,620,000111,252,0007.4Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care
7.5(a) $110,302,000 the first year and
7.6$114,670,000 the second year may be
7.7transferred to a veterans homes special
7.8revenue account in the special revenue fund
7.9in the same manner as other receipts are
7.10deposited according to Minnesota Statutes,
7.11section 198.34, and are appropriated to the
7.12commissioner of veterans affairs for the
7.13operation of veterans homes facilities and
7.14programs. The base for this transfer is
7.15$119,100,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
7.16fiscal year thereafter.
7.17(b) The department shall seek opportunities
7.18to maximize federal reimbursements of
7.19Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
7.20reports to the commissioner of management
7.21and budget on the federal Medicare
7.22reimbursements that are received. Contingent
7.23upon future federal Medicare receipts,
7.24reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
7.25appropriation may be made.
7.26(c) $400,000 each year is for the department
7.27to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
7.28in community-based hospitals.
7.29(d) $550,000 each year is for the department
7.30to operate the veteran suicide prevention
7.31program.
7Article 1 Sec. 3.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 8.1 ARTICLE 2
8.2 VETERANS POLICY
8.3 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
8.4 Subd. 27.State soldiers assistance program Veterans affairs programs.Access to
8.5information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program,
8.6the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division is governed by
8.7section 197.065.
8.8 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:
8.9 193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.
8.10 Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections 193.141
8.11to 193.149, shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to
8.12accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections 193.141 to 193.149,
8.13including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
8.14hereby conferred:
8.15 (1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
8.16title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
8.17or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
8.18hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
8.19provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
8.20accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
8.21and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
8.22the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.
8.23 (2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
8.24for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
8.25acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
8.26property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
8.27condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
8.28from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
8.29thereof has not been taken.
8.30 (3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
8.31funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
8.32equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
8.33of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
8Article 2 Sec. 2.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 9.1total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
9.2sum of $15,000,000 $45,000,000.
9.3 (4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
9.4local funds, when available.
9.5 (5) To sue and be sued.
9.6 (6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
9.7activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
9.8or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
9.9contract in which such corporation is interested.
9.10 (7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
9.11employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
9.12such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
9.13portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
9.14and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
9.15receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
9.16of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
9.17require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
9.18rates as it may determine.
9.19 (8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
9.20the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
9.21corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
9.22subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
9.23if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.
9.24 (9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
9.25from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
9.26of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
9.27thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
9.28the same:
9.29 (a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
9.30of the corporation as herein authorized;
9.31 (b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;
9Article 2 Sec. 2.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 10.1 (c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
10.2or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
10.3authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.
10.4 (10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
10.5 (11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
10.6such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
10.7and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
10.8armory for armory or military purposes.
10.9 (12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.
10.10 (13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
10.11in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
10.12of any liability of the corporation.
10.13 (14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section 193.142
10.14shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated as the
10.15"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
10.16armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
10.17armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
10.18be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
10.19to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
10.20armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
10.21operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
10.22such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
10.23any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
10.24commission.
10.25 (15) The corporation created under section 193.142 may designate one or more state or
10.26national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
10.27corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
10.28personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
10.29or other acts or omissions of such depository.
10.30 (16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
10.31which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
10.32and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
10.33components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
10.34that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
10Article 2 Sec. 2.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 11.1the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
11.2armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
11.3Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
11.4use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
11.5regulations not inconsistent therewith.
11.6 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:
11.7 197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
11.8 (a) Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs
11.9may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of Human
11.10Services Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of
11.11applicants for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable
11.12Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division. The commissioner may electronically
11.13access the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and
11.14federal resources for which the veterans are eligible.
11.15 (b) In order to access any private data on individuals, as defined by section 13.02,
11.16subdivision 12, pursuant to paragraph (a) of this section, the commissioner of veterans
11.17affairs must have received informed consent from the subject of that data.
11.18Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
11.19 Subd. 8.Eligibility.Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
11.20who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
11.21defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101 2402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs
11.221 to 5 and 7.
11.23Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
11.24 Subd. 9.Burial fees.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
11.25schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
11.26and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
11.27interment, excluding the value of the plot.
11.28 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
11.29eligible person. The commissioner shall develop maintain a policy, eligibility standards,
11.30and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
11.31applicants.
11Article 2 Sec. 5.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 12.1 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
12.2on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section 101
12.32402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7.
12.4 Sec. 6. [197.448] VETERAN OF THE SECRET WAR IN LAOS.
12.5 Subdivision 1.Definition.As used in this section, the term "veteran of the Secret War
12.6in Laos" means a person who resides in this state and who:
12.7 (1) was naturalized as provided in section 2(1) of the federal Hmong Veterans'
12.8Naturalization Act of 2000, Public Law 106-207, or received a Medal of Honor, Purple
12.9Heart, or other military award for service in support of the armed forces of the United States
12.10in Laos; or
12.11 (2) is a person who the commissioner of veterans affairs determines served honorably
12.12with a special guerrilla unit or with irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in
12.13support of the armed forces of the United States at any time during the period beginning
12.14February 28, 1961, and ending May 14, 1975, and is a citizen of the United States or an
12.15alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence in the United States.
12.16 Subd. 2.Eligibility for benefits and privileges.(a) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos,
12.17as defined in subdivision 1, clause (1), is entitled to the benefits and privileges listed in
12.18paragraph (c) the day following the effective date of this act.
12.19 (b) A veteran of the Secret War in Laos, as defined in subdivision 1, clause (2), is entitled
12.20to the benefits and privileges listed in paragraph (c) after the commissioner verifies the
12.21person's veteran status. By March 30, 2026, the commissioner must:
12.22 (1) adopt criteria and a protocol to determine eligibility under subdivision 1, clause (2),
12.23based upon the recommendations of the Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular
12.24Forces in Laos Advisory Task Force; and
12.25 (2) begin accepting applications for verification.
12.26 (c) The following statutory benefits and privileges available to a veteran, as defined in
12.27section 197.447, are also available to a veteran of the Secret War in Laos: section 171.07,
12.28subdivision 15 (veteran designation on drivers' licenses and state identification cards);
12.29section 197.23 (purchase of grave markers); section 197.231 (honor guards); section 197.236
12.30(state veterans cemeteries); section 197.455 (veterans preference); section 197.4551
12.31(permissive preference for veterans in private employment); section 197.55 (quarters for
12.32meetings of veterans organizations); section 197.56 (use of quarters); section 197.63 (vital
12Article 2 Sec. 6.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 13.1records, certified copies); section 197.65 (renewal of professional license, motor vehicle
13.2registration, and driver's license); and section 197.987 (honor and remember flag).
13.3 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.603, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
13.4 Subdivision 1.Veterans benefits and assistance.(a) It shall be the duty of the county
13.5veterans service officer to aid all residents of the governmental subdivision by which the
13.6officer is employed in securing benefits provided by law on account of the service of any
13.7person in the armed forces of the United States, from which the person has a discharge other
13.8than dishonorable. The county veterans service officer shall aid all veterans who are residents
13.9of the governmental subdivision by which the officer is employed, regardless of the nature
13.10of discharge, in securing counseling or treatment concerning substance use disorder and
13.11substance abuse.
13.12 (b) Notwithstanding paragraph (a), if a veteran cannot secure an appointment to receive
13.13aid from a county veterans service officer in the governmental subdivision where the veteran
13.14resides, the veteran may request aid from any county veterans service officer in the state,
13.15and it shall be the duty of the county veterans service officer to aid the veteran regardless
13.16of whether the veteran resides in the governmental subdivision by which the officer is
13.17employed.
13.18Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.608, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
13.19 Subd. 6.Grant amount.(a) Each county is eligible to receive an annual grant of $7,500
13.20for the following purposes:
13.21 (1) to provide outreach to the county's veterans;
13.22 (2) to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society;
13.23 (3) to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other
13.24community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans;
13.25 (4) to reduce homelessness among veterans; and
13.26 (5) to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office.
13.27 (b) In addition to the grant amount in paragraph (a), each county is eligible to receive
13.28an additional annual grant under this paragraph. The amount of each additional annual grant
13.29must be determined by the commissioner and may not exceed:
13.30 (1) $0, if the county's veteran population is less than 1,000;
13.31 (2) $2,500, if the county's veteran population is 1,000 or more but less than 3,000;
13Article 2 Sec. 8.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 14.1 (3) $5,000, if the county's veteran population is 3,000 or more but less than 5,000;
14.2 (4) $7,500, if the county's veteran population is 5,000 or more but less than 10,000;
14.3 (5) $10,000, if the county's veteran population is 10,000 or more but less than 20,000;
14.4 (6) $15,000, if the county's veteran population is 20,000 or more but less than 30,000;
14.5or
14.6 (7) $20,000, if the county's veteran population is 30,000 or more.
14.7 (c) The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers is eligible to receive
14.8an annual grant of $100,000 $160,000. The grant shall must be used for administrative costs
14.9of the association, certification of mandated county veterans service officer training and
14.10accreditation, and costs associated with reintegration services. Up to $60,000 of this amount
14.11may be used to train technical assistance coordinators and for technical assistance
14.12coordinators to travel to consult with Minnesota counties on specific areas of expertise upon
14.13request. The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers executive board
14.14must select technical assistance coordinators, who are either county veterans service officers
14.15or assistant county veterans service officers, to serve for a minimum of one year.
14.16 (d) The veteran population of each county shall be determined by the figure supplied
14.17by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as adopted by the commissioner.
14.18Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
14.19 Subdivision 1.Definitions.(a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
14.20 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
14.21 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
14.22service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
14.23of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
14.24six months preceding the veteran's date of death.
14.25 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who:
14.26 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and
14.27 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
14.28education.
14.29 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
14.30state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
14.31Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.
14Article 2 Sec. 9.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 15.1 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of
15.2whether the surviving spouse remarries.
15.3 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:
15.4 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
15.5education;
15.6 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
15.7or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
15.8form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
15.9 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
15.10educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and
15.11 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
15.12student as defined in section 136A.101, subdivision 8.
15.13 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section 136A.101,
15.14subdivision 10.
15.15 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section 136A.101, subdivision 7.
15.16 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section 197.447.
15.17Sec. 10. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
15.18 Subd. 4.Eligibility.(a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
15.195 if:
15.20 (1) the person is:
15.21 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
15.22States armed forces at any time;
15.23 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
15.24as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
15.25the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
15.2611, 2001;
15.27 (iii) the surviving spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries, or child
15.28of a person who has served in the military and who has died as a direct result of that military
15.29service, only if the surviving spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
15.30under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
15.31chapter 35, as amended; or
15Article 2 Sec. 10.
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
16.2has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
16.3Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
16.4under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
16.5chapter 35, as amended; and
16.6 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
16.7in section 136A.101, subdivision 8; and
16.8 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance:
16.9 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;
16.10 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
16.11participating in federal Title IV programs;
16.12 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
16.13an eligible institution;
16.14 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
16.15academic term for which the assistance is being requested;
16.16 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section 136A.121,
16.17subdivision 2, clause (5); and
16.18 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
16.19 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
16.20section 135A.52.
16.21 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
16.22including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
16.23correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
16.24certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
16.25proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
16.26to determine eligibility.
16.27 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
16.28any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
16.29program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
16.30of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
16.31application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
16.32requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
16Article 2 Sec. 10.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 17.1applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
17.2may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
17.3any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
17.4regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
17.5by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
17.6more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.
17.7 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
17.8the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
17.9the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
17.10documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.
17.11Sec. 11. ADVISORY TASK FORCE ESTABLISHED; VETERANS OF SECRET
17.12GUERILLA UNITS AND IRREGULAR FORCES IN LAOS.
17.13 Subdivision 1.Establishment; membership.(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs
17.14shall establish a Veterans of Secret Guerilla Units and Irregular Forces in Laos Advisory
17.15Task Force.
17.16 (b) The advisory task force shall consist of the commissioner, or a designee, and the
17.17following additional nine members appointed by the commissioner, except as otherwise
17.18provided:
17.19 (1) a representative of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, appointed by
17.20the United States Commissioner of Veterans Affairs;
17.21 (2) a representative of the Minnesota Commanders Task Force designated by the
17.22Commanders Task Force;
17.23 (3) a representative of the Disabled American Veterans of Minnesota;
17.24 (4) a United States armed forces veteran who served on active duty in Vietnam during
17.25the Vietnam War;
17.26 (5) a Hmong American Minnesota resident who served in the United States armed forces;
17.27 (6) two veterans of a secret guerilla unit or irregular forces in Laos;
17.28 (7) a historian knowledgeable about the secret guerilla units and irregular forces in Laos;
17.29and
17.30 (8) a representative of the Minnesota Military Museum who has knowledge of the
17.31Vietnam War designated by the museum's director.
17Article 2 Sec. 11.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD 18.1 Subd. 2.Duties; report.(a) The task force must establish criteria for determining which
18.2Minnesotans served in the secret guerrilla units or with irregular forces in Laos.
18.3 (b) By February 15, 2026, the task force must deliver a report to the commissioner that
18.4includes the findings, criteria, protocol, and recommendations required under paragraph
18.5(a).
18.6 Subd. 3.Administration; terms of membership.The commissioner shall convene the
18.7first meeting of the advisory task force by August 15, 2025, and provide staff support to
18.8the advisory task force. The provisions of Minnesota Statutes, section 15.059, subdivision
18.96, shall govern the terms and removal of members of the advisory task force. Members of
18.10the task force serve without compensation or per diem.
18.11 Subd. 4.Expiration.The task force expires on February 15, 2026.
18.12Sec. 12. GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL PLAQUE.
18.13 The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial plaque in the court of honor
18.14on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices of Minnesota's Gold Star
18.15and Blue Star families. The process for determining design and location of the Gold Star
18.16and Blue Star memorial will follow the Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
18.17commemorative works rules under Minnesota Rules, part 2400.2703. The Capitol Area
18.18Architectural and Planning Board shall select a design from the submitted designs to use
18.19as a basis for final production. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must
18.20include the commissioner of veterans affairs on the design review committee established
18.21under Minnesota Rules, part 2400.2703. The memorial design must be furnished by the
18.22person or group who submit the design at no cost to the state.
18Article 2 Sec. 12.
S1959-3 3rd EngrossmentSF1959 REVISOR BD Page.Ln 1.13
MILITARY AFFAIRS AND VETERANS AFFAIRS
APPROPRIATIONS...............................................................................ARTICLE 1
Page.Ln 8.1VETERANS POLICY............................................................................ARTICLE 2
1
APPENDIX
Article locations for S1959-3