Veterans

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 3, 2025

SF 1782: Fishing with Vets grant appropriation

SF 1782 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for a grant to "Fishing with Vets," a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans and the nonprofit. The bill requires the commissioner to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the funds were used, including administrative costs, to relevant legislative committees. The nonprofit must provide necessary information to support these reports.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $50,000 from general fund for veterans' fishing program, directly funding a public service initiative aligned with fiscal responsibility.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppropriates $50k total for veteran fishing program, directly funding services for veterans via nonprofit, aligning with 'funds veteran programs' support indicator.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Feb 13, 2025

SF 185: Homestead market value exclusion amounts to veterans with a disability modification

SF 185 increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the homestead market value exclusion from $150,000 to $250,000 for veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating, and from $300,000 to $450,000 for veterans with a total (100%) permanent disability. The bill also allows surviving spouses of qualifying veterans to continue receiving the higher exclusion amount ($450,000) if they reside in the home and meet specific conditions. Primary family caregivers approved by the VA may also qualify for the exclusion on the veteran's homestead. This policy directly affects veterans, their spouses, and designated caregivers who own qualifying property in Minnesota.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesIncreases property tax exclusions for veterans with disabilities, reducing their tax burden through higher homestead value thresholds.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransIncreases property tax relief for veterans with disabilities by raising exclusion amounts, directly expanding financial benefits for qualifying veterans and surviving spouses.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 24, 2025

SF 1706: Human services data and veterans data provisions modifications

This bill modifies data access rules to help veterans verify eligibility for specific programs. It allows the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to electronically access the Human Services Department's MAXIS database to confirm eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and SSI/SSDI Outreach program. The change ensures veterans can be connected to all available state and federal resources they qualify for. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility criteria, only streamlining verification between agencies.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransModifies data access to streamline veterans' eligibility verification for existing programs, ensuring access to all qualifying benefits without altering benefit amounts.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare Veteran Housing

Track

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 13, 2025

SF 2473: Minnesota Black Farmers Association purchase of advanced 21st century farming equipment for use by a cooperative of Black veteran farmers appropriation

This bill appropriates $2.5 million from the general fund for the Minnesota Black Farmers Association to purchase advanced farming equipment (including skid steers and John Deere tractors with attachments) for a cooperative of Black veteran farmers. The funds would be awarded by the Commissioner of Agriculture as a grant to the Association, which would then provide the equipment for use by the cooperative members. The bill directly affects Black veteran farmers through this cooperative and the Minnesota Black Farmers Association as the grant recipient. It is a funding measure with no policy changes beyond the allocation of state resources for equipment access.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $2.5M from general fund for equipment grants to Black veteran farmers cooperative, directly funding a targeted program per budget & appropriations focus.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppropriates $2.5M for equipment via cooperative specifically for Black veteran farmers, directly funding veteran agricultural opportunities.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations State Budget

Track

in committee · Minnesota · House Feb 10, 2025

HF 236: Veterans and surviving spouses provided full subtraction of taxable Social Security benefits.

HF 236 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow veterans and surviving spouses of veterans to subtract all of their taxable Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, without the income-based phaseouts that apply to other taxpayers. Currently, Minnesota reduces Social Security benefit subtractions for higher-income earners, but this bill creates an exception for veterans and their surviving spouses. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and defines "veteran" per Minnesota Statute 197.447. This directly benefits eligible veterans and surviving spouses by reducing their state income tax burden on Social Security benefits.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesProvides tax relief by allowing full subtraction of Social Security benefits for veterans, reducing their taxable income without phaseouts, directly advancing tax policy for a specific group.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill removes income-based phaseouts for veterans' Social Security benefit deductions, expanding tax benefits for veterans and surviving spouses without restricting access.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 10, 2025

HF 2069: Special veterans' license plates created for each branch of the armed forces.

HF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransCreates free veteran recognition license plates with branch emblems, honoring service through dedicated identification and transferable options per eligibility criteria.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 27, 2025

SF 1074: Education benefit establishment for dependents of disabled veterans

This bill establishes education benefits for dependents of disabled veterans in Minnesota. It provides tuition, fee, and book coverage at state-operated colleges or University of Minnesota institutions for dependent children of veterans with a 100% permanent disability or a 70%+ disability rating. The benefit covers 100% of costs (after subtracting other aid) for the highest disability tier and 50% for the 70%+ tier. Payments are processed through the Office of Higher Education upon institution verification of student eligibility and enrollment.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationProvides tuition coverage for veterans' dependents at state colleges, expanding educational access through targeted funding.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransEstablishes education benefits for dependents of disabled veterans, expanding support through tuition/fee coverage at state institutions for eligible veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Benefits Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

Track

in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 3, 2025

SF 725: Classification rate removal and property that exemption establishment for certain property owned and operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations

This bill exempts property owned and operated by congressionally chartered veterans service organizations from Minnesota's property tax classification rates. It establishes a specific tax exemption for qualifying property under existing law, removing the standard 1.25% classification rate applied to similar properties. The exemption requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to provide an annual list of eligible organizations to the commissioner of revenue by January 1. The change takes effect for property assessments beginning in 2026.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts veterans org property from standard 1.25% property tax rate, providing direct tax relief per bill's explicit tax classification change.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExempts veterans service org property from taxes, reducing costs to strengthen their ability to provide services to veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Property Tax Tax Incentives Veteran Housing

Track

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 12, 2025

HF 1997: Fishing with Vets grant funding provided, reports required, and money appropriated.

HF 1997 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a grant to Fishing with Vets, a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans seeking recreational therapy. The bill requires the commissioner of veterans affairs to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the grant money was spent, including any administrative costs, to legislative committees and the Legislative Reference Library. Fishing with Vets must provide necessary information to support these reports.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesAppropriates $50,000 total from general fund for veterans' recreational therapy grants, directly funding a public service program through state budget allocation.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds guided fishing trips for veterans as recreational therapy, directly supporting mental health services under healthcare policy.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransAppropriates $50,000 for guided fishing trips for veterans via Fishing with Vets, directly funding recreational therapy services for veterans.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Veteran Mental Health

Track

in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 13, 2025

HF 1845: Veterans definition expanded to include units operating from Laos and or naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act.

HF 1845 expands Minnesota's definition of "veteran" to include two specific groups: (1) Hmong veterans naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with secret guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to add these categories to the existing definition, ensuring these veterans qualify for state benefits. It also creates an advisory task force of veterans, experts, and community members to help determine eligibility under the new definition. This change directly affects Hmong veterans and Laotian-based veterans who previously may not have met Minnesota's veteran criteria.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransExpands Minnesota's veteran definition to include Hmong veterans and Laos-based guerrilla units, ensuring eligibility for state benefits and recognition.95% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve Veteran Benefits

Track