KEY: stricken = removed, old language.underscored = new language to be added
ss1959sub
1.1To: Senator Putnam, Chair
1.2Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
1.3Senator Putnam,
1.4Chair of the Subcommittee on Veterans, to which was referred
1.5S.F. No. 1959:
1.6the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; modifying
1.7accreditation and disclosure requirements for providers of veterans benefits services to
1.8veterans and veterans' families; requiring the commissioner of administration to place a
1.9memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families on State Capitol grounds;
1.10requiring reports; appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091,
1.11subdivision 4, by adding subdivisions; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
1.12chapter 197.
1.13Reports the same back with the recommendation that the bill be amended as follows:
1.14Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:
1.18 The sums shown in the columns marked "Appropriations" are appropriated to the agencies
1.19and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
1.20or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
1.21The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
1.22them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
1.23"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
1.24is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
1.31The amounts that may be spent for each
1.32purpose are specified in the following
1.33subdivisions.
2.4The appropriations in this subdivision are
2.5available until June 30, 2029.
2.6If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is
2.7insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available
2.8in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered
2.9balance does not cancel at the end of the first
2.10year and is available for the second year.
2.14The base for this appropriation is
2.15$151,130,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
2.16fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may
2.17be spent for each purpose are specified in the
2.18following subdivisions.
2.20The amounts that may be spent for each
2.21purpose are specified in the following
2.22paragraphs.
2.23(a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000
2.24each year is for the operation of the state
2.25veterans cemeteries.
2.26(b) Veterans Service Organizations.
2.27$500,000 each year is for grants to the
2.28following congressionally chartered veterans
2.29service organizations as designated by the
2.30commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
2.31Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
2.32American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
3.1Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, and
3.2Paralyzed Veterans of America. This funding
3.3must be allocated in direct proportion to the
3.4funding currently being provided by the
3.5commissioner to these organizations.
3.6(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
3.7compensation for honor guards at the funerals
3.8of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.9197.231.
3.10(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
3.11for the costs of administering the Minnesota
3.12GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
3.13on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
3.14program under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.15197.791.
3.16(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
3.17is for administering the Gold Star Program for
3.18surviving family members of deceased
3.19veterans.
3.20(f) County Veterans Service Office.
3.21$1,610,000 each year is for the County
3.22Veterans Service Office grant program under
3.23Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
3.24amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
3.25technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
3.26for a veteran suicide prevention technical
3.27assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
3.28justice-involved veteran technical assistance
3.29coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
3.30the first year does not cancel and is available
3.31in the second year.
3.32(g) Camp Bliss. $150,000 each year is for a
3.33grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
3.34provide therapy, transportation, and activities
4.1customized for veterans who are Minnesota
4.2residents and their spouses, domestic partners,
4.3and children, at Camp Bliss in the city of
4.4Walker. The commissioner of veterans affairs
4.5must report to the chairs and ranking minority
4.6members of the legislative committees with
4.7jurisdiction over veterans affairs on:
4.8(1) the number of veterans and veterans'
4.9family members served; and
4.10(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
4.11the grant money.
4.12(h) Veteran Resilience Project. $140,000
4.13each year is for a grant to the veteran resilience
4.14project. Grant funds must be used to make eye
4.15movement desensitization and reprocessing
4.16therapy available to veterans, veterans'
4.17spouses, current military service members,
4.18and current military service members' spouses
4.19who are suffering from posttraumatic stress
4.20disorder and trauma.
4.21The veteran resilience project must report to
4.22the commissioner of veterans affairs and the
4.23chairs and ranking minority members of the
4.24legislative committees with jurisdiction over
4.25veterans affairs policy and finance by January
4.2615 of each year on the program. The report
4.27must include an overview of the program's
4.28budget, a detailed explanation of program
4.29expenditures, the number of veterans and
4.30service members served by the program, and
4.31a list and explanation of the services provided
4.32to program participants.
4.33(i) CORE Program. $1,225,000 each year is
4.34for the Counseling and Case Management
5.1Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
5.2program.
5.3(j) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
5.4is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
5.5Center.
5.6(k) Recently Separated Veterans Program.
5.7$300,000 each year is for operation of the
5.8recently separated veterans program. The
5.9commissioner of veterans affairs may use
5.10Department of Defense and other veteran data
5.11that was provided with an appropriate
5.12disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
5.13to resources and new programming. The
5.14commissioner may use money for personnel,
5.15research, marketing, technology solutions, and
5.16professional or technical contracts.
5.17(l) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
5.18$1,344,000 each year is to operate the
5.19homeless veteran registry and homeless
5.20programs and to assist veterans, former service
5.21members, and veterans' and former service
5.22members' dependents with obtaining federal
5.23benefits through the Social Security
5.24Administration. The commissioner of veterans
5.25affairs may use money for personnel, training,
5.26research, marketing, and professional or
5.27technical contracts.
5.28(m) Minnesota Assistance Council for
5.29Veterans. $1,075,000 each year is for grants
5.30to the Minnesota Assistance Council for
5.31Veterans to provide assistance throughout
5.32Minnesota to veterans and veterans' families
5.33who are homeless or in danger of
5.34homelessness, including assistance with:
6.1(1) supportive services to maintain housing;
6.2(2) employment;
6.3(3) legal issues;
6.4(4) housing and housing-related costs;
6.5(5) transportation;
6.6(6) the acquisition and creation of permanent
6.7supportive housing; and
6.8(7) property management of permanent
6.9supportive housing.
6.10Any unencumbered balance remaining in this
6.11paragraph in the first year does not cancel and
6.12is available for the second year. Assistance
6.13authorized under this paragraph must be
6.14provided only to a veteran who has resided in
6.15Minnesota for 30 days prior to the veteran's
6.16application for assistance and according to
6.17other guidelines established by the
6.18commissioner. To avoid duplication of
6.19services, the commissioner must ensure that
6.20this assistance is coordinated with all other
6.21available programs for veterans.
6.22(n) Minnesota Military and Veterans
6.23Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
6.24the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
6.25for museum staff to provide direct services to
6.26veterans and their families.
6.27(o) Veteran Homelessness Initiative.
6.28$1,311,000 each year is for an initiative to
6.29prevent and end veteran homelessness.
6.31(a) $110,302,000 the first year and
6.32$114,670,000 the second year may be
7.1transferred to a veterans homes special
7.2revenue account in the special revenue fund
7.3in the same manner as other receipts are
7.4deposited according to Minnesota Statutes,
7.5section 198.34, and are appropriated to the
7.6commissioner of veterans affairs for the
7.7operation of veterans homes facilities and
7.8programs. The base for this transfer is
7.9$119,100,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
7.10fiscal year thereafter.
7.11(b) The department shall seek opportunities
7.12to maximize federal reimbursements of
7.13Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
7.14reports to the commissioner of management
7.15and budget on the federal Medicare
7.16reimbursements that are received. Contingent
7.17upon future federal Medicare receipts,
7.18reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
7.19appropriation may be made.
7.20(c) $400,000 each year is for the department
7.21to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
7.22in community-based hospitals.
7.23(d) $550,000 each year is for the department
7.24to operate the veteran suicide prevention
7.25program.
7.28 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
7.29 Subd. 27.State soldiers assistance program Veterans affairs programs. Access to
7.30information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program,
7.31the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division is governed by
7.32section197.065 .
8.1 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:
8.2193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.
8.3Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections193.141
8.4to
193.149 , shall possess all the powers of a body corporate necessary and convenient to
8.5accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections193.141 to
193.149 ,
8.6including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
8.7hereby conferred:
8.8(1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
8.9title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
8.10or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
8.11hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
8.12provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
8.13accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
8.14and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
8.15the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.
8.16(2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
8.17for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
8.18acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
8.19property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
8.20condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
8.21from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
8.22thereof has not been taken.
8.23(3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
8.24funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
8.25equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
8.26of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
8.27total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
8.28sum of$15,000,000 $45,000,000.
8.29(4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
8.30local funds, when available.
8.31(5) To sue and be sued.
8.32(6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
8.33activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
9.1or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
9.2contract in which such corporation is interested.
9.3(7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
9.4employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
9.5such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
9.6portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
9.7and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
9.8receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
9.9of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
9.10require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
9.11rates as it may determine.
9.12(8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
9.13the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
9.14corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
9.15subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
9.16if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.
9.17(9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
9.18from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
9.19of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
9.20thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
9.21the same:
9.22(a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
9.23of the corporation as herein authorized;
9.24(b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;
9.25(c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
9.26or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
9.27authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.
9.28(10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
9.29(11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
9.30such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
9.31and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
9.32armory for armory or military purposes.
9.33(12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.
10.1(13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
10.2in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
10.3of any liability of the corporation.
10.4(14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section193.142
10.5shall keep all money and credits received by it as a single fund, to be designated
as the
10.6"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
10.7armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
10.8armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
10.9be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
10.10to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
10.11armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
10.12operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
10.13such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
10.14any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
10.15commission.
10.16(15) The corporation created under section193.142 may designate one or more state or
10.17national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
10.18corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
10.19personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
10.20or other acts or omissions of such depository.
10.21(16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
10.22which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
10.23and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
10.24components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
10.25that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
10.26the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
10.27armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
10.28Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
10.29use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
10.30regulations not inconsistent therewith.
10.31 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:
10.32197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
10.33Notwithstanding section13.46, subdivision 2 , the commissioner of veterans affairs may
10.34electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department ofHuman Services
11.1Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of applicants
11.2for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable Housing
11.3Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division. The commissioner may electronically access
11.4the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and federal
11.5resources for which the veterans are eligible.
11.6 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
11.7 Subd. 8. Eligibility. Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
11.8who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
11.9defined in United States Code, title 38, section101 2402, paragraph (2) (a), subparagraphs
11.101 to 5 and 7.
11.11 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
11.12 Subd. 9. Burial fees. (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
11.13schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
11.14and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
11.15interment, excluding the value of the plot.
11.16 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
11.17eligible person. The commissioner shalldevelop maintain a policy, eligibility standards,
11.18and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
11.19applicants.
11.20 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
11.21on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section101
11.222402, paragraph(2) (a), subparagraphs 1 to 4 and 7.
11.23 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.608, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
11.24 Subd. 6. Grant amount. (a) Each county is eligible to receive an annual grant of $7,500
11.25for the following purposes:
11.26(1) to provide outreach to the county's veterans;
11.27(2) to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society;
11.28(3) to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other
11.29community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans;
11.30(4) to reduce homelessness among veterans; and
12.1(5) to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office.
12.2(b) In addition to the grant amount in paragraph (a), each county is eligible to receive
12.3an additional annual grant under this paragraph. The amount of each additional annual grant
12.4must be determined by the commissioner and may not exceed:
12.5(1) $0, if the county's veteran population is less than 1,000;
12.6(2) $2,500, if the county's veteran population is 1,000 or more but less than 3,000;
12.7(3) $5,000, if the county's veteran population is 3,000 or more but less than 5,000;
12.8(4) $7,500, if the county's veteran population is 5,000 or more but less than 10,000;
12.9(5) $10,000, if the county's veteran population is 10,000 or more but less than 20,000;
12.10(6) $15,000, if the county's veteran population is 20,000 or more but less than 30,000;
12.11or
12.12(7) $20,000, if the county's veteran population is 30,000 or more.
12.13(c) The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers is eligible to receive
12.14an annual grant of$100,000 $160,000. The grant shall must be used for administrative costs
12.15of the association, certification of mandated county veterans service officer training and
12.16accreditation, and costs associated with reintegration services. Up to $60,000 of this amount
12.17may be used to train technical assistance coordinators and for technical assistance
12.18coordinators to travel to consult with Minnesota counties on specific areas of expertise upon
12.19request. The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers executive board
12.20must select technical assistance coordinators, who are either county veterans service officers
12.21or assistant county veterans service officers, to serve for a minimum of one year.
12.22(d) The veteran population of each county shall be determined by the figure supplied
12.23by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as adopted by the commissioner.
12.24 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, is amended to read:
12.25197.6091 VETERANS BENEFITS SERVICES; DISCLOSURE AND
12.26ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS.
12.27 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
12.28the meanings given.
12.29(b)(1) "Advertising" or "advertisement" means any of the following:
13.1(i) any written or printed communication made for the purpose of soliciting business for
13.2veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services, including but not limited to
13.3a brochure, letter, pamphlet, newspaper, telephone listing, periodical, or other writing;
13.4(ii) any directory listing caused or permitted by a person and made available by that
13.5person indicating that veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services are
13.6being offered; or
13.7(iii) any radio, television, computer network, or similar airwave or electronic transmission
13.8that solicits business for or promotes a person offering veterans benefits services, or veterans
13.9benefits appeal services.
13.10(2) "Advertising" or "advertisement" does not include any of the following:
13.11(i) any printing or writing used on buildings, uniforms, or badges, where the purpose of
13.12the writing is for identification; or
13.13(ii) any printing or writing in a memorandum or other communication used in the ordinary
13.14course of business where the sole purpose of the writing is other than soliciting business
13.15for veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services.
13.16(c) "Benefit" means any payment, service, commodity, function, status, or entitlement
13.17under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pertaining to
13.18veterans and their dependents and survivors.
13.19(d) "Claim" means an application made under United States Code, title 38, and
13.20implementing directives, for entitlement to United States Department of Veterans Affairs
13.21benefits, reinstatement, continuation, or increase of benefits, or the defense of a proposed
13.22agency adverse action concerning benefits.
13.23(e) "Claimant" means a veteran, dependent, or other appropriate person with a claim for
13.24benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
13.25(f) "Compensation" means payment of money, a thing of value, or a financial benefit.
13.26(g) "Practice of law" means legal representation, legal services, legal advice, legal
13.27consultations, preparation of legal documents, or other legal activities provided by a licensed
13.28attorney.
13.29(h) "VA-accredited representative" means a person recognized by the United States
13.30Department of Veterans Affairs under Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629,
13.31including, but not limited to, VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, government employees,
13.32and representatives of veterans service organizations.
14.1(i) "Veterans benefits appeal services" means servicesthat a veteran might reasonably
14.2require in order to appeal a denial of federal or state veterans benefits provided after an
14.3initial claim decision is made by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, including
14.4but not limited to denials of disability, limited income, home loan, insurance, education and
14.5training, burial and memorial, and dependent and survivor benefits.
14.6(d) (j) "Veterans benefits services" means services that a veteran or a family member of
14.7a veteran might reasonably use in order to obtain federal, state, or county veterans benefits.
14.8(e) (k) "Written disclosure statement" means the written disclosure statement developed
14.9by the commissioner of veterans affairs pursuant to section196.05, subdivision 1 .
14.10 Subd. 2. Advertising disclosure requirements. A person advertising veterans benefits
14.11appeal services must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement, in similar type size or
14.12voice-over, that veterans benefits appeal services are also offered at no cost by county
14.13veterans service officers under sections197.603 and
197.604 . This subdivision does not
14.14apply to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under
14.15Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629.
14.16 Subd. 3. Veterans benefits services disclosure requirements. A person who provides
14.17veterans benefits services in exchange for compensation shall provide a written disclosure
14.18statement to each client or prospective client. Before a person enters into an agreement to
14.19provide veterans benefits services or acceptsmoney or any other thing of value compensation
14.20for the provision of veterans benefits services, the person must obtain the signature of the
14.21client on a written disclosure statement containing an attestation by the client that the client
14.22has read and understands the written disclosure statement. This subdivision does not apply
14.23to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under Code
14.24of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629.
14.25 Subd. 3a. Federal accreditation; other requirements. (a) A person who provides
14.26veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation
14.27must be accredited by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
14.28under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59.
14.29(b) A person may not receive compensation for referring a claimant to a provider of
14.30veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, unless they are accredited
14.31by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs except as permitted
14.32under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59.
14.33(c) A person subject to an accreditation requirement under paragraphs (a) or (b), and
14.34who provides veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, may charge
15.1a veteran or a family member of a veteran a fee or other form of compensation only as
15.2provided in Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636.
15.3(d) Before providing veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, a
15.4person must provide a veteran or a family member of a veteran a written fee agreement that
15.5complies with Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636, memorializing all terms
15.6regarding payment of fees, and signed by both parties.
15.7(e) A person shall not engage in the practice of law where it concerns veterans, in the
15.8preparation, presentation, or prosecution for veterans benefits before the United States
15.9Department of Veterans Affairs, except if the person is a VA-accredited representative.
15.10(f) A person seeking compensation in connection with a veterans benefit service or
15.11veterans benefit appeal service must:
15.12(1) not use a veteran's personal login, username, or password information to access the
15.13veteran's medical, financial, or government benefits information; and
15.14(2) ensure that any individual who has access to a veteran's medical or financial
15.15information undergoes a background check prior to having access to that information. The
15.16background check must be conducted by a reputable source and include identity verification
15.17and a criminal records check.
15.18 Subd. 3b. Guarantee of benefits prohibited. A person providing veterans benefits
15.19services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation, must not
15.20guarantee, either directly or by implication, that a veteran or a family member of a veteran
15.21is certain to receive specific federal, state, or county veterans benefits or any specific level,
15.22percentage, or amount of federal, state, or county veterans benefits.
15.23 Subd. 4. Violations; penalties.A person who fails to comply with this section is subject
15.24to a civil penalty not to exceed $1,000 for each violation. Civil penalties shall
be assessed
15.25by the district court in an action initiated by the attorney general. For the purposes
of
15.26computing the amount of each civil penalty, each day of a continuing violation constitutes
15.27a separate violation. Additionally, the attorney general may accept a civil penalty
as
15.28determined by the attorney general in settlement of an investigation of a violation
of this
15.29section regardless of whether an action has been filed under this section A violation of this
15.30section is an unlawful practice under section 325F.69. Any civil penalty recovered shall be
15.31deposited in the Support Our Troops account established under section190.19 .
16.1 Subd. 5. Nonapplicability. This section does not apply to the owner or personnel of any
16.2medium in which an advertisement appears or through which an advertisement is
16.3disseminated.
16.4 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
16.5 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
16.6 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
16.7 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
16.8service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
16.9of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
16.10six months preceding the veteran's date of death.
16.11 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who:
16.12 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and
16.13 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.14education.
16.15 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
16.16state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
16.17Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.
16.18 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of
16.19whether the surviving spouse remarries.
16.20 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:
16.21 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.22education;
16.23 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
16.24or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
16.25form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
16.26 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
16.27educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and
16.28 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
16.29student as defined in section136A.101, subdivision 8 .
16.30 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section136A.101 ,
16.31subdivision 10.
17.1 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section136A.101, subdivision 7 .
17.2 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section197.447 .
17.3 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
17.4 Subd. 4. Eligibility. (a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
17.55 if:
17.6 (1) the person is:
17.7 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
17.8States armed forces at any time;
17.9 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
17.10as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
17.11the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
17.1211, 2001;
17.13 (iii) the surviving spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries, or child
17.14of a person who has served in the military and who has died as a direct result of that military
17.15service, only if the surviving spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
17.16under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
17.17chapter 35, as amended; or
17.18 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who
17.19has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
17.20Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
17.21under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
17.22chapter 35, as amended; and
17.23 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
17.24in section136A.101, subdivision 8 ; and
17.25 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance:
17.26 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;
17.27 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
17.28participating in federal Title IV programs;
17.29 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
17.30an eligible institution;
18.1 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
18.2academic term for which the assistance is being requested;
18.3 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section136A.121,
18.4subdivision 2 , clause (5); and
18.5 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
18.6 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
18.7section135A.52 .
18.8 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
18.9including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
18.10correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
18.11certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
18.12proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
18.13to determine eligibility.
18.14 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
18.15any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
18.16program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
18.17of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
18.18application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
18.19requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
18.20applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
18.21may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
18.22any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
18.23regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
18.24by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
18.25more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.
18.26 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
18.27the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
18.28the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
18.29documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.
18.30 Sec. 10. GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL PLAQUE.
18.31The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial plaque in the court of honor
18.32on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices of Minnesota's Gold Star
18.33and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must solicit
19.1design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
19.2shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final production. The
19.3selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs and must be
19.4furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the state."
19.5Amend the title as follows:
19.6Page 1, line 5, after the semicolon, insert "modifying veterans services and benefits
19.7provisions;"
19.8Amend the title numbers accordingly
19.9And when so amended that the bill be recommended to pass and be referred to the full
19.10committee.
1.2Committee on Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
1.3Senator Putnam,
1.4Chair of the Subcommittee on Veterans, to which was referred
1.5S.F. No. 1959:
A bill for an act
relating to state government; establishing a budget for 1.6the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs; modifying
1.7accreditation and disclosure requirements for providers of veterans benefits services to
1.8veterans and veterans' families; requiring the commissioner of administration to place a
1.9memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families on State Capitol grounds;
1.10requiring reports; appropriating money;amending Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091,
1.11subdivision 4, by adding subdivisions; proposing coding for new law in Minnesota Statutes,
1.12chapter 197.
1.13Reports the same back with the recommendation that the bill be amended as follows:
1.14Delete everything after the enacting clause and insert:
| 1.17 |
Section 1. APPROPRIATIONS. |
||||||
1.19and for the purposes specified in this article. The appropriations are from the general fund,
1.20or another named fund, and are available for the fiscal years indicated for each purpose.
1.21The figures "2026" and "2027" used in this article mean that the appropriations listed under
1.22them are available for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026, or June 30, 2027, respectively.
1.23"The first year" is fiscal year 2026. "The second year" is fiscal year 2027. "The biennium"
1.24is fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
| 1.25 |
APPROPRIATIONS |
||||||
| 1.26 |
Available for the Year |
||||||
| 1.27 |
Ending June 30 |
||||||
| 1.28 |
2026 |
2027 |
|||||
| 1.29 |
Sec. 2. MILITARY AFFAIRS |
||||||
| 1.30 |
Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation |
$ |
26,872,000 |
$ |
27,081,000 |
||
1.32purpose are specified in the following
1.33subdivisions.
| 2.1 |
Subd. 2.Maintenance of Training Facilities |
10,067,000 |
10,067,000 |
||||
| 2.2 |
Subd. 3.General Support |
4,391,000 |
4,600,000 |
||||
| 2.3 |
Subd. 4.Enlistment Incentives |
12,114,000 |
12,114,000 |
||||
2.5available until June 30, 2029.
2.6If the amount for fiscal year 2026 is
2.7insufficient, the amount for 2027 is available
2.8in fiscal year 2026. Any unencumbered
2.9balance does not cancel at the end of the first
2.10year and is available for the second year.
| 2.11 |
Subd. 5.Emergency Services |
300,000 |
300,000 |
||||
| 2.12 |
Sec. 3. VETERANS AFFAIRS |
||||||
| 2.13 |
Subdivision 1.Total Appropriation |
$ |
141,929,000 |
$ |
146,700,000 |
||
2.15$151,130,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
2.16fiscal year thereafter. The amounts that may
2.17be spent for each purpose are specified in the
2.18following subdivisions.
| 2.19 |
Subd. 2.Veterans Programs and Services |
30,677,000 |
31,080,000 |
||||
2.21purpose are specified in the following
2.22paragraphs.
2.23(a) State Veterans Cemeteries. $3,782,000
2.24each year is for the operation of the state
2.25veterans cemeteries.
2.26(b) Veterans Service Organizations.
2.27$500,000 each year is for grants to the
2.28following congressionally chartered veterans
2.29service organizations as designated by the
2.30commissioner: Disabled American Veterans,
2.31Military Order of the Purple Heart, the
2.32American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars,
3.1Vietnam Veterans of America, AMVETS, and
3.2Paralyzed Veterans of America. This funding
3.3must be allocated in direct proportion to the
3.4funding currently being provided by the
3.5commissioner to these organizations.
3.6(c) Honor Guards. $200,000 each year is for
3.7compensation for honor guards at the funerals
3.8of veterans under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.9197.231.
3.10(d) Minnesota GI Bill. $200,000 each year is
3.11for the costs of administering the Minnesota
3.12GI Bill postsecondary educational benefits,
3.13on-the-job training, and apprenticeship
3.14program under Minnesota Statutes, section
3.15197.791.
3.16(e) Gold Star Program. $100,000 each year
3.17is for administering the Gold Star Program for
3.18surviving family members of deceased
3.19veterans.
3.20(f) County Veterans Service Office.
3.21$1,610,000 each year is for the County
3.22Veterans Service Office grant program under
3.23Minnesota Statutes, section 197.608. Of this
3.24amount, $20,000 is for a women veterans
3.25technical assistance coordinator, $20,000 is
3.26for a veteran suicide prevention technical
3.27assistance coordinator, and $20,000 is for a
3.28justice-involved veteran technical assistance
3.29coordinator. Any unencumbered balance in
3.30the first year does not cancel and is available
3.31in the second year.
3.32(g) Camp Bliss. $150,000 each year is for a
3.33grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to
3.34provide therapy, transportation, and activities
4.1customized for veterans who are Minnesota
4.2residents and their spouses, domestic partners,
4.3and children, at Camp Bliss in the city of
4.4Walker. The commissioner of veterans affairs
4.5must report to the chairs and ranking minority
4.6members of the legislative committees with
4.7jurisdiction over veterans affairs on:
4.8(1) the number of veterans and veterans'
4.9family members served; and
4.10(2) a detailed explanation of expenditures of
4.11the grant money.
4.12(h) Veteran Resilience Project. $140,000
4.13each year is for a grant to the veteran resilience
4.14project. Grant funds must be used to make eye
4.15movement desensitization and reprocessing
4.16therapy available to veterans, veterans'
4.17spouses, current military service members,
4.18and current military service members' spouses
4.19who are suffering from posttraumatic stress
4.20disorder and trauma.
4.21The veteran resilience project must report to
4.22the commissioner of veterans affairs and the
4.23chairs and ranking minority members of the
4.24legislative committees with jurisdiction over
4.25veterans affairs policy and finance by January
4.2615 of each year on the program. The report
4.27must include an overview of the program's
4.28budget, a detailed explanation of program
4.29expenditures, the number of veterans and
4.30service members served by the program, and
4.31a list and explanation of the services provided
4.32to program participants.
4.33(i) CORE Program. $1,225,000 each year is
4.34for the Counseling and Case Management
5.1Outreach Referral and Education (CORE)
5.2program.
5.3(j) LinkVet Call Center. $369,000 each year
5.4is for the operation of the state's LinkVet Call
5.5Center.
5.6(k) Recently Separated Veterans Program.
5.7$300,000 each year is for operation of the
5.8recently separated veterans program. The
5.9commissioner of veterans affairs may use
5.10Department of Defense and other veteran data
5.11that was provided with an appropriate
5.12disclosure to assist with connecting veterans
5.13to resources and new programming. The
5.14commissioner may use money for personnel,
5.15research, marketing, technology solutions, and
5.16professional or technical contracts.
5.17(l) Homeless Veterans and SOAR Program.
5.18$1,344,000 each year is to operate the
5.19homeless veteran registry and homeless
5.20programs and to assist veterans, former service
5.21members, and veterans' and former service
5.22members' dependents with obtaining federal
5.23benefits through the Social Security
5.24Administration. The commissioner of veterans
5.25affairs may use money for personnel, training,
5.26research, marketing, and professional or
5.27technical contracts.
5.28(m) Minnesota Assistance Council for
5.29Veterans. $1,075,000 each year is for grants
5.30to the Minnesota Assistance Council for
5.31Veterans to provide assistance throughout
5.32Minnesota to veterans and veterans' families
5.33who are homeless or in danger of
5.34homelessness, including assistance with:
6.1(1) supportive services to maintain housing;
6.2(2) employment;
6.3(3) legal issues;
6.4(4) housing and housing-related costs;
6.5(5) transportation;
6.6(6) the acquisition and creation of permanent
6.7supportive housing; and
6.8(7) property management of permanent
6.9supportive housing.
6.10Any unencumbered balance remaining in this
6.11paragraph in the first year does not cancel and
6.12is available for the second year. Assistance
6.13authorized under this paragraph must be
6.14provided only to a veteran who has resided in
6.15Minnesota for 30 days prior to the veteran's
6.16application for assistance and according to
6.17other guidelines established by the
6.18commissioner. To avoid duplication of
6.19services, the commissioner must ensure that
6.20this assistance is coordinated with all other
6.21available programs for veterans.
6.22(n) Minnesota Military and Veterans
6.23Museum. $300,000 each year is for a grant to
6.24the Minnesota Military and Veterans Museum
6.25for museum staff to provide direct services to
6.26veterans and their families.
6.27(o) Veteran Homelessness Initiative.
6.28$1,311,000 each year is for an initiative to
6.29prevent and end veteran homelessness.
| 6.30 |
Subd. 3.Veterans Health Care |
111,252,000 |
115,620,000 |
||||
6.32$114,670,000 the second year may be
7.1transferred to a veterans homes special
7.2revenue account in the special revenue fund
7.3in the same manner as other receipts are
7.4deposited according to Minnesota Statutes,
7.5section 198.34, and are appropriated to the
7.6commissioner of veterans affairs for the
7.7operation of veterans homes facilities and
7.8programs. The base for this transfer is
7.9$119,100,000 in fiscal year 2028 and each
7.10fiscal year thereafter.
7.11(b) The department shall seek opportunities
7.12to maximize federal reimbursements of
7.13Medicare-eligible expenses and provide annual
7.14reports to the commissioner of management
7.15and budget on the federal Medicare
7.16reimbursements that are received. Contingent
7.17upon future federal Medicare receipts,
7.18reductions to the veterans homes' general fund
7.19appropriation may be made.
7.20(c) $400,000 each year is for the department
7.21to staff Veteran Community Health Navigators
7.22in community-based hospitals.
7.23(d) $550,000 each year is for the department
7.24to operate the veteran suicide prevention
7.25program.
7.28 Section 1. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 13.461, subdivision 27, is amended to read:
7.29 Subd. 27.
7.30information for purposes of verifying eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program,
7.31the Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division is governed by
7.32section
8.1 Sec. 2. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 193.143, is amended to read:
8.2193.143 STATE ARMORY BUILDING COMMISSION, POWERS.
8.3Such corporation, subject to the conditions and limitations prescribed in sections
8.5accomplish the objectives and perform the duties prescribed by sections
8.6including the following, which shall not be construed as a limitation upon the general powers
8.7hereby conferred:
8.8(1) To acquire by lease, purchase, gift, or condemnation proceedings all necessary right,
8.9title, and interest in and to the lands required for a site for a new armory and all other real
8.10or personal property required for the purposes contemplated by the Military Code and to
8.11hold and dispose of the same, subject to the conditions and limitations herein prescribed;
8.12provided that any such real or personal property or interest therein may be so acquired or
8.13accepted subject to any condition which may be imposed thereon by the grantor or donor
8.14and agreed to by such corporation not inconsistent with the proper use of such property by
8.15the state for armory or military purposes as herein provided.
8.16(2) To exercise the power of eminent domain in the manner provided by chapter 117,
8.17for the purpose of acquiring any property which such corporation is herein authorized to
8.18acquire by condemnation; provided, that the corporation may take possession of any such
8.19property so to be acquired at any time after the filing of the petition describing the same in
8.20condemnation proceedings; provided further, that this shall not preclude the corporation
8.21from abandoning the condemnation of any such property in any case where possession
8.22thereof has not been taken.
8.23(3) To construct and equip new armories as authorized herein; to pay therefor out of the
8.24funds obtained as hereinafter provided and to hold, manage, and dispose of such armory,
8.25equipment, and site as hereinafter provided. The total amount of bonds issued on account
8.26of such armories shall not exceed the amount of the cost thereof; provided also, that the
8.27total bonded indebtedness of the commission shall not at any time exceed the aggregate
8.28sum of
8.29(4) To provide partnerships with federal and state governments and to match federal and
8.30local funds, when available.
8.31(5) To sue and be sued.
8.32(6) To contract and be contracted with in any matter connected with any purpose or
8.33activity within the powers of such corporations as herein specified; provided, that no officer
9.1or member of such corporation shall be personally interested, directly or indirectly, in any
9.2contract in which such corporation is interested.
9.3(7) To employ any and all professional and nonprofessional services and all agents,
9.4employees, workers, and servants necessary and proper for the purposes and activities of
9.5such corporation as authorized or contemplated herein and to pay for the same out of any
9.6portion of the income of the corporation available for such purposes or activities. The officers
9.7and members of such corporation shall not receive any compensation therefrom, but may
9.8receive their reasonable and necessary expenses incurred in connection with the performance
9.9of their duties; provided however, that whenever the duties of any member of the commission
9.10require full time and attention the commission may compensate the member therefor at such
9.11rates as it may determine.
9.12(8) To borrow money and issue bonds for the purposes and in the manner and within
9.13the limitations herein specified, and to pledge any and all property and income of such
9.14corporation acquired or received as herein provided to secure the payment of such bonds,
9.15subject to the provisions and limitations herein prescribed, and to redeem any such bonds
9.16if so provided therein or in the mortgage or trust deed accompanying the same.
9.17(9) To use for the following purposes any available money received by such corporation
9.18from any source as herein provided in excess of those required for the payment of the cost
9.19of such armory and for the payment of any bonds issued by the corporation and interest
9.20thereon according to the terms of such bonds or of any mortgage or trust deed accompanying
9.21the same:
9.22(a) to pay the necessary incidental expenses of carrying on the business and activities
9.23of the corporation as herein authorized;
9.24(b) to pay the cost of operating, maintaining, repairing, and improving such new armories;
9.25(c) if any further excess money remains, to purchase upon the open market at or above
9.26or below the face or par value thereof any bonds issued by the corporation as herein
9.27authorized, provided that any bonds so purchased shall thereupon be canceled.
9.28(10) To adopt and use a corporate seal.
9.29(11) To adopt all needful bylaws and rules for the conduct of business and affairs of
9.30such corporation and for the management and use of all armories while under the ownership
9.31and control of such corporation as herein provided, not inconsistent with the use of such
9.32armory for armory or military purposes.
9.33(12) Such corporation shall issue no stock.
10.1(13) No officer or member of such corporation shall have any personal share or interest
10.2in any funds or property of the corporation or be subject to any personal liability by reason
10.3of any liability of the corporation.
10.4(14) The Minnesota State Armory Building Commission created under section
10.6"Minnesota State Armory Building Commission fund," with separate accounts for each
10.7armory; and the commission may make transfers of money from funds appertaining to any
10.8armory under its control for use for any other such armory; provided such transfers shall
10.9be made only from money on hand, from time to time, in excess of the amounts required
10.10to meet payments of interest or principal on bonds or other obligations appertaining to the
10.11armory to which such funds pertain and only when necessary to pay expenses of construction,
10.12operation, maintenance, debt service, and other obligations reasonable and necessary, of
10.13such other armory; provided further, no such transfer of any money paid for the support of
10.14any armory by the municipality in which such armory is situated shall be made by the
10.15commission.
10.16(15) The corporation created under section
10.17national banks as depositories of its funds, and may provide, upon such conditions as the
10.18corporation may determine, that the treasurer of the corporation shall be exempt from
10.19personal liability for loss of funds deposited in any such depository due to the insolvency
10.20or other acts or omissions of such depository.
10.21(16) The governor is empowered to apply for grants of money, equipment, and materials
10.22which may be made available to the states by the federal government for leasing, building,
10.23and equipping armories for the use of the military forces of the state which are reserve
10.24components of the armed forces of the United States, whenever the governor is satisfied
10.25that the conditions under which such grants are offered by the federal government, are for
10.26the best interests of the state and are not inconsistent with the laws of the state relating to
10.27armories, and to accept such grants in the name of the state. The Minnesota State Armory
10.28Building Commission is designated as the agency of the state to receive such grants and to
10.29use them for armory purposes as prescribed in this chapter, and by federal laws, and
10.30regulations not inconsistent therewith.
10.31 Sec. 3. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.065, is amended to read:
10.32197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
10.33Notwithstanding section
10.34electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of
11.1Children, Youth, and Families for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of applicants
11.2for benefits under the State Soldiers Assistance Program, the Veterans Stable Housing
11.3Initiative, and the Veterans Programs Division. The commissioner may electronically access
11.4the MAXIS database to ensure that veterans are connected to all available state and federal
11.5resources for which the veterans are eligible.
11.6 Sec. 4. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 8, is amended to read:
11.7 Subd. 8. Eligibility. Cemeteries must be operated solely for the burial of service members
11.8who die on active duty, eligible veterans, and their spouses and dependent children, as
11.9defined in United States Code, title 38, section
11.101 to 5 and 7.
11.11 Sec. 5. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, subdivision 9, is amended to read:
11.12 Subd. 9. Burial fees. (a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a fee
11.13schedule, which may be adjusted from time to time, for the interment of eligible spouses
11.14and dependent children. The fees shall cover as nearly as practicable the actual costs of
11.15interment, excluding the value of the plot.
11.16 (b) Upon application, the commissioner may waive or reduce the burial fee for an indigent
11.17eligible person. The commissioner shall
11.18and application form for requests to waive or reduce the burial fee to indigent eligible
11.19applicants.
11.20 (c) No plot or interment fees may be charged for the burial of service members who die
11.21on active duty or eligible veterans, as defined in United States Code, title 38, section
11.222402, paragraph
11.23 Sec. 6. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.608, subdivision 6, is amended to read:
11.24 Subd. 6. Grant amount. (a) Each county is eligible to receive an annual grant of $7,500
11.25for the following purposes:
11.26(1) to provide outreach to the county's veterans;
11.27(2) to assist in the reintegration of combat veterans into society;
11.28(3) to collaborate with other social service agencies, educational institutions, and other
11.29community organizations for the purposes of enhancing services offered to veterans;
11.30(4) to reduce homelessness among veterans; and
12.1(5) to enhance the operations of the county veterans service office.
12.2(b) In addition to the grant amount in paragraph (a), each county is eligible to receive
12.3an additional annual grant under this paragraph. The amount of each additional annual grant
12.4must be determined by the commissioner and may not exceed:
12.5(1) $0, if the county's veteran population is less than 1,000;
12.6(2) $2,500, if the county's veteran population is 1,000 or more but less than 3,000;
12.7(3) $5,000, if the county's veteran population is 3,000 or more but less than 5,000;
12.8(4) $7,500, if the county's veteran population is 5,000 or more but less than 10,000;
12.9(5) $10,000, if the county's veteran population is 10,000 or more but less than 20,000;
12.10(6) $15,000, if the county's veteran population is 20,000 or more but less than 30,000;
12.11or
12.12(7) $20,000, if the county's veteran population is 30,000 or more.
12.13(c) The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers is eligible to receive
12.14an annual grant of
12.15of the association, certification of mandated county veterans service officer training and
12.16accreditation, and costs associated with reintegration services. Up to $60,000 of this amount
12.17may be used to train technical assistance coordinators and for technical assistance
12.18coordinators to travel to consult with Minnesota counties on specific areas of expertise upon
12.19request. The Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers executive board
12.20must select technical assistance coordinators, who are either county veterans service officers
12.21or assistant county veterans service officers, to serve for a minimum of one year.
12.22(d) The veteran population of each county shall be determined by the figure supplied
12.23by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as adopted by the commissioner.
12.24 Sec. 7. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.6091, is amended to read:
12.25197.6091 VETERANS BENEFITS SERVICES; DISCLOSURE AND
12.26ACCREDITATION REQUIREMENTS.
12.27 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) For purposes of this section, the following terms have
12.28the meanings given.
12.29(b)(1) "Advertising" or "advertisement" means any of the following:
13.1(i) any written or printed communication made for the purpose of soliciting business for
13.2veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services, including but not limited to
13.3a brochure, letter, pamphlet, newspaper, telephone listing, periodical, or other writing;
13.4(ii) any directory listing caused or permitted by a person and made available by that
13.5person indicating that veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services are
13.6being offered; or
13.7(iii) any radio, television, computer network, or similar airwave or electronic transmission
13.8that solicits business for or promotes a person offering veterans benefits services, or veterans
13.9benefits appeal services.
13.10(2) "Advertising" or "advertisement" does not include any of the following:
13.11(i) any printing or writing used on buildings, uniforms, or badges, where the purpose of
13.12the writing is for identification; or
13.13(ii) any printing or writing in a memorandum or other communication used in the ordinary
13.14course of business where the sole purpose of the writing is other than soliciting business
13.15for veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeal services.
13.16(c) "Benefit" means any payment, service, commodity, function, status, or entitlement
13.17under laws administered by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs pertaining to
13.18veterans and their dependents and survivors.
13.19(d) "Claim" means an application made under United States Code, title 38, and
13.20implementing directives, for entitlement to United States Department of Veterans Affairs
13.21benefits, reinstatement, continuation, or increase of benefits, or the defense of a proposed
13.22agency adverse action concerning benefits.
13.23(e) "Claimant" means a veteran, dependent, or other appropriate person with a claim for
13.24benefits from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs.
13.25(f) "Compensation" means payment of money, a thing of value, or a financial benefit.
13.26(g) "Practice of law" means legal representation, legal services, legal advice, legal
13.27consultations, preparation of legal documents, or other legal activities provided by a licensed
13.28attorney.
13.29(h) "VA-accredited representative" means a person recognized by the United States
13.30Department of Veterans Affairs under Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629,
13.31including, but not limited to, VA-accredited attorneys, claims agents, government employees,
13.32and representatives of veterans service organizations.
14.1(i) "Veterans benefits appeal services" means services
14.2
14.3initial claim decision is made by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, including
14.4but not limited to denials of disability, limited income, home loan, insurance, education and
14.5training, burial and memorial, and dependent and survivor benefits.
14.6
14.7a veteran might reasonably use in order to obtain federal, state, or county veterans benefits.
14.8
14.9by the commissioner of veterans affairs pursuant to section
14.10 Subd. 2. Advertising disclosure requirements. A person advertising veterans benefits
14.11appeal services must conspicuously disclose in the advertisement, in similar type size or
14.12voice-over, that veterans benefits appeal services are also offered at no cost by county
14.13veterans service officers under sections
14.14apply to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under
14.15Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629.
14.16 Subd. 3. Veterans benefits services disclosure requirements. A person who provides
14.17veterans benefits services in exchange for compensation shall provide a written disclosure
14.18statement to each client or prospective client. Before a person enters into an agreement to
14.19provide veterans benefits services or accepts
14.20for the provision of veterans benefits services, the person must obtain the signature of the
14.21client on a written disclosure statement containing an attestation by the client that the client
14.22has read and understands the written disclosure statement. This subdivision does not apply
14.23to an attorney accredited by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs under Code
14.24of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.629.
14.25 Subd. 3a. Federal accreditation; other requirements. (a) A person who provides
14.26veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation
14.27must be accredited by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs
14.28under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59.
14.29(b) A person may not receive compensation for referring a claimant to a provider of
14.30veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, unless they are accredited
14.31by the secretary of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs except as permitted
14.32under United States Code, title 38, chapter 59.
14.33(c) A person subject to an accreditation requirement under paragraphs (a) or (b), and
14.34who provides veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, may charge
15.1a veteran or a family member of a veteran a fee or other form of compensation only as
15.2provided in Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636.
15.3(d) Before providing veterans benefits services, or veterans benefits appeals services, a
15.4person must provide a veteran or a family member of a veteran a written fee agreement that
15.5complies with Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 14.636, memorializing all terms
15.6regarding payment of fees, and signed by both parties.
15.7(e) A person shall not engage in the practice of law where it concerns veterans, in the
15.8preparation, presentation, or prosecution for veterans benefits before the United States
15.9Department of Veterans Affairs, except if the person is a VA-accredited representative.
15.10(f) A person seeking compensation in connection with a veterans benefit service or
15.11veterans benefit appeal service must:
15.12(1) not use a veteran's personal login, username, or password information to access the
15.13veteran's medical, financial, or government benefits information; and
15.14(2) ensure that any individual who has access to a veteran's medical or financial
15.15information undergoes a background check prior to having access to that information. The
15.16background check must be conducted by a reputable source and include identity verification
15.17and a criminal records check.
15.18 Subd. 3b. Guarantee of benefits prohibited. A person providing veterans benefits
15.19services, or veterans benefits appeals services, in exchange for compensation, must not
15.20guarantee, either directly or by implication, that a veteran or a family member of a veteran
15.21is certain to receive specific federal, state, or county veterans benefits or any specific level,
15.22percentage, or amount of federal, state, or county veterans benefits.
15.23 Subd. 4. Violations; penalties.
15.24
15.25
15.26
15.27
15.28
15.29
15.30section is an unlawful practice under section 325F.69. Any civil penalty recovered shall be
15.31deposited in the Support Our Troops account established under section
16.1 Subd. 5. Nonapplicability. This section does not apply to the owner or personnel of any
16.2medium in which an advertisement appears or through which an advertisement is
16.3disseminated.
16.4 Sec. 8. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.75, subdivision 1, is amended to read:
16.5 Subdivision 1. Definitions. (a) The definitions in this subdivision apply to this section.
16.6 (b) "Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
16.7 (c) "Deceased veteran" means a veteran who has died as a result of the person's military
16.8service, as determined by the United States Veterans Administration, and who was a resident
16.9of this state: (1) within six months of entering the United States armed forces, or (2) for the
16.10six months preceding the veteran's date of death.
16.11 (d) "Eligible child" means a person who:
16.12 (1) is the natural or adopted child or stepchild of a deceased veteran; and
16.13 (2) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.14education.
16.15 (e) "Eligible institution" means a postsecondary educational institution located in this
16.16state that either is operated by this state or the Board of Regents of the University of
16.17Minnesota, or is licensed or registered with the Office of Higher Education.
16.18 (f) "Eligible spouse" means the surviving spouse of a deceased veteran, regardless of
16.19whether the surviving spouse remarries.
16.20 (g) "Eligible veteran" means a veteran who:
16.21 (1) is a student making satisfactory academic progress at an eligible institution of higher
16.22education;
16.23 (2) had Minnesota as the person's state of residence at the time of the person's enlistment
16.24or any reenlistment into the United States armed forces, as shown by the person's federal
16.25form DD-214 or other official documentation to the satisfaction of the commissioner;
16.26 (3) except for benefits under this section, has no remaining military or veteran-related
16.27educational assistance benefits for which the person may have been entitled; and
16.28 (4) while using the educational assistance authorized in this section, remains a resident
16.29student as defined in section
16.30 (h) "Satisfactory academic progress" has the meaning given in section
16.31subdivision 10.
17.1 (i) "Student" has the meaning given in section
17.2 (j) "Veteran" has the meaning given in section
17.3 Sec. 9. Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.791, subdivision 4, is amended to read:
17.4 Subd. 4. Eligibility. (a) A person is eligible for educational assistance under subdivision
17.55 if:
17.6 (1) the person is:
17.7 (i) a veteran who is serving or has served honorably in any branch or unit of the United
17.8States armed forces at any time;
17.9 (ii) a nonveteran who has served honorably for a total of five years or more cumulatively
17.10as a member of the Minnesota National Guard or any other active or reserve component of
17.11the United States armed forces, and any part of that service occurred on or after September
17.1211, 2001;
17.13 (iii) the surviving spouse, regardless of whether the surviving spouse remarries, or child
17.14of a person who has served in the military and who has died as a direct result of that military
17.15service, only if the surviving spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
17.16under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
17.17chapter 35, as amended; or
17.18 (iv) the spouse or child of a person who has served in the military at any time and who
17.19has a total and permanent service-connected disability as rated by the United States Veterans
17.20Administration, only if the spouse or child is eligible to receive federal education benefits
17.21under United States Code, title 38, chapter 33, as amended, or United States Code, title 38,
17.22chapter 35, as amended; and
17.23 (2) the person receiving the educational assistance is a Minnesota resident, as defined
17.24in section
17.25 (3) the person receiving the educational assistance:
17.26 (i) is an undergraduate or graduate student at an eligible institution;
17.27 (ii) is maintaining satisfactory academic progress as defined by the institution for students
17.28participating in federal Title IV programs;
17.29 (iii) is enrolled in an education program leading to a certificate, diploma, or degree at
17.30an eligible institution;
18.1 (iv) has applied for educational assistance under this section prior to the end of the
18.2academic term for which the assistance is being requested;
18.3 (v) is in compliance with child support payment requirements under section
18.4subdivision 2
18.5 (vi) has completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
18.6 (b) A person's eligibility terminates when the person becomes eligible for benefits under
18.7section
18.8 (c) To determine eligibility, the commissioner may require official documentation,
18.9including the person's federal form DD-214 or other official military discharge papers;
18.10correspondence from the United States Veterans Administration; birth certificate; marriage
18.11certificate; proof of enrollment at an eligible institution; signed affidavits; proof of residency;
18.12proof of identity; or any other official documentation the commissioner considers necessary
18.13to determine eligibility.
18.14 (d) The commissioner may deny eligibility or terminate benefits under this section to
18.15any person who has not provided sufficient documentation to determine eligibility for the
18.16program. An applicant may appeal the commissioner's eligibility determination or termination
18.17of benefits in writing to the commissioner at any time. The commissioner must rule on any
18.18application or appeal within 30 days of receipt of all documentation that the commissioner
18.19requires. The decision of the commissioner regarding an appeal is final. However, an
18.20applicant whose appeal of an eligibility determination has been rejected by the commissioner
18.21may submit an additional appeal of that determination in writing to the commissioner at
18.22any time that the applicant is able to provide substantively significant additional information
18.23regarding the applicant's eligibility for the program. An approval of an applicant's eligibility
18.24by the commissioner following an appeal by the applicant is not retroactively effective for
18.25more than one year or the semester of the person's original application, whichever is later.
18.26 (e) Upon receiving an application with insufficient documentation to determine eligibility,
18.27the commissioner must notify the applicant within 30 days of receipt of the application that
18.28the application is being suspended pending receipt by the commissioner of sufficient
18.29documentation from the applicant to determine eligibility.
18.30 Sec. 10. GOLD STAR AND BLUE STAR FAMILIES; MEMORIAL PLAQUE.
18.31The commissioner of administration shall place a memorial plaque in the court of honor
18.32on State Capitol grounds to recognize the service and sacrifices of Minnesota's Gold Star
18.33and Blue Star families. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board must solicit
19.1design submissions from the public. The Capitol Area Architectural and Planning Board
19.2shall select a design from the submitted designs to use as a basis for final production. The
19.3selected design must be approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs and must be
19.4furnished by the person or group who submitted the design at no cost to the state."
19.5Amend the title as follows:
19.6Page 1, line 5, after the semicolon, insert "modifying veterans services and benefits
19.7provisions;"
19.8Amend the title numbers accordingly
19.9And when so amended that the bill be recommended to pass and be referred to the full
19.10committee.
| 19.11 |
.....
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| 19.12 |
(Subcommittee Chair) |
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| 19.13 |
April 2, 2025
.....
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| 19.14 |
(Date of Subcommittee recommendation) |