This bill exempts veterans with a total service-connected disability, a term that is defined in the bill, from certain fees and taxes.  The exemptions begin January 1, 2020.

Sections 1 and 2 (86B.415, subd. 12, 86B.870, subd. 3a) amend the water safety and watercraft chapter of law by exempting a veteran with a total service-connected disability, hereinafter “veteran,” from watercraft license fees and title fees, respectively, provided all other requirements are met.

Section 3 (163.051, subd. 1) amends the county highways chapter of law by exempting from the wheelage tax a vehicle owned by a veteran.

Section 4 (168.012, subd. 13) amends the vehicle registration, taxation, sale chapter of law, by exempting a veteran from taxes and registration fees associated with owning a vehicle.  The exemption does not include fees for personalized plates or a required contribution or donation for a special license plate.

Section 5 (168A.29, subd. 4) amends the vehicle titles chapter of law by exempting a veteran from fees related to a certificate of title for a vehicle.

Sections 6 and 7 amend the drivers’ licenses and training schools chapter of law.

Section 6 (171.01, subd. 51) defines the term “Veteran with a total service-connected disability,” which means a veteran as defined in Minnesota Statutes, section 197.447, who provides satisfactory evidence to the Commissioner of Public Safety demonstrating that the veteran has received a 100 percent total and permanent service–connected disability rating as adjudicated by the United States Veterans Affairs Administration or the retirement board of one of the several branches of the armed forces.  

Section 7 (171.06, subd. 2c) exempts a veteran from various fees imposed by the Commissioner of Public Safety, including fees related to obtaining a Minnesota driver’s license, fees for a motorized bicycle permit, and fees for an identification card.

Section 8 (297A.67, subd. 37) amends the general sales and use taxes chapter of law by exempting a veteran who has purchased a watercraft from sales tax.

Section 9 (297B.03) amends the sales tax on motor vehicles chapter of law by exempting a veteran from motor vehicle sales tax on the purchase of a motor vehicle.