HF 2868 appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a one-time grant to the organization Every Third Saturday. This grant funds emergency assistance for veterans in Minnesota. The bill requires Every Third Saturday to submit detailed reports by September 1, 2026, and 2027, explaining how the funds were used and the number of veterans served. The reports must be sent to the commissioner of veterans affairs and relevant legislative committee chairs.
Minnesota Senate File 395 creates special veterans' license plates for each branch of the U.S. armed forces (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). It allows eligible veterans who do not qualify for existing veteran plates to obtain free plates displaying "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem, provided they pay standard registration fees and meet ownership criteria for passenger vehicles, motorcycles, or specific trucks. The plates must be designed in consultation with veterans' organizations and can be transferred to another qualifying vehicle owned by the same person. The bill takes effect January 1, 2026.
SF 3322 appropriates $1 million from the general fund for a grant to the United Heroes League, a Hastings, Minnesota-based nonprofit. The grant must fund capital improvements at the organization's campus to directly benefit current service members, veterans, and their dependents. By January 15, 2027, the commissioner of veterans affairs must report to legislative committees on how the funds were used, including administrative costs. The United Heroes League must provide necessary information to support this reporting requirement.
This bill eliminates all-terrain vehicle (ATV) registration fees for Minnesota veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Specifically, it exempts these veterans from the $60 public-use or $6 private-use registration fees under Minnesota Statutes §84.922, providing a three-year free registration. To qualify, veterans must provide proof of their 100% disability rating from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs or military retirement board. The exemption directly affects eligible veterans, not all ATV owners or general veterans.
This bill establishes a grant program to fund county veterans service offices and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Counties receive a base $7,500 annual grant for outreach, veteran reintegration, and reducing veteran homelessness, plus additional funds up to $20,000 based on their veteran population size (e.g., $10,000 for counties with 10,000-20,000 veterans). The state association gets $160,000 annually - $60,000 specifically for three technical assistance coordinators focused on women veterans, suicide prevention, and justice-involved veterans. The bill appropriates $60,000 for each of fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support these grants, with unspent 2026 funds rolling into 2027.
SF 2501 amends Minnesota's state contracting laws to protect the state from unfavorable terms in agreements. It bans contract provisions requiring the state to pay for others' liabilities, allowing unilateral changes by contractors, or automatically renewing contracts without new approval. The bill also establishes preferences for small businesses (up to 12% preference, $100,000 direct awards) and specifically for veteran-owned small businesses (including verification by the Veterans Affairs commissioner). Additionally, it requires state agencies to set subcontracting goals for veteran-owned businesses on large contracts, with financial incentives for meeting targets and waivers when qualified businesses aren't available.
HF 619 creates a property tax exemption for up to three acres of land owned or leased by veterans organizations with federal charters (congressionally chartered). To qualify, the property cannot be used residentially and must either limit revenue-generating activities to six days per year or make annual charitable contributions equal to the property taxes they would otherwise owe. Organizations must maintain records of contributions and public events for inspection. This exemption applies to property taxes due in 2026 and later.
SF 189 extends Minnesota's existing vehicle tax and fee exemptions for veterans with total service-connected disability to eligible surviving spouses of veterans (known as "Gold Star spouses"). The bill defines a Gold Star spouse as the surviving spouse of a veteran who died while serving honorably in active duty and includes them in the list of individuals exempt from registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. These exemptions apply to up to two vehicles registered by the spouse and take effect for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2026. The bill does not cover personalized plate fees or special plate donations, which remain subject to standard fees.
SF 3275 appropriates $250,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a Stillwater-based nonprofit. The bill funds outdoor recreational activities and mental health services specifically for currently serving military personnel and veterans. This grant aims to improve mental health, promote longevity, and support community interactions through organized outdoor programs. The funding is allocated to a single nonprofit organization to deliver these services, with no new state laws created.
Minnesota Senate Bill SF 977 amends Minnesota law to eliminate replacement fees for motor vehicles displaying Purple Heart medal special license plates. The bill specifically removes a $5 fee required when replacing these plates due to loss, theft, or damage, extending an existing exemption currently limited to certain scenarios. This change directly affects Minnesota veterans who hold Purple Heart medal special plates, ensuring they pay no fee when replacing their plates. The provision modifies sections 168.12 and 168.123 of Minnesota Statutes to align with the existing fee exemption for Purple Heart plates under section 168.1245.
