This bill establishes a task force within Minnesota's Department of Veterans Affairs to address mental health service access for veterans living in rural areas. The task force will be responsible for identifying challenges and developing recommendations to improve how these veterans receive mental health care. Funding is allocated from the state's general fund to support the task force's operations over three fiscal years, starting in 2027. The legislation directly affects the Department of Veterans Affairs and rural veterans who may face barriers to accessing mental health services.
This bill authorizes the issuance of special Distinguished Flying Cross license plates in Minnesota for recipients of that military award. It allows qualified veterans to apply for these plates when renewing their vehicle registration, with the design featuring the medal and the phrase "DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS." The plates are provided free of charge, including replacement for damaged plates, and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same person without additional fees. The law takes effect on January 1, 2027, for plates issued on or after that date.
This bill creates a permanent Commanders Task Force to advise Minnesota's governor, legislature, and Department of Veterans Affairs on issues affecting veterans and their families. The task force will be made up of elected leaders from eight specific veteran service organizations operating in Minnesota, including the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Members will meet regularly, elect their own leadership, and serve as a communication bridge between state government and veteran organizations without receiving state compensation. The group will focus on providing recommendations related to veterans' services and the Department of Veterans Affairs.
This bill creates a permanent Commanders Task Force to advise Minnesota's governor, legislature, and Department of Veterans Affairs on issues affecting veterans and their families. The task force will be composed of elected leaders from eight major veteran service organizations operating in the state, including the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans. Members will meet regularly to discuss policy matters and act as a communication bridge between state government and veteran groups, but they will not receive any payment or expense reimbursement for their service.
This bill modifies eligibility requirements for burial in Minnesota state veterans cemeteries to include honorably discharged National Guard and reserve component members along with their spouses and dependent children. It establishes a fee schedule for these new eligible groups that covers actual interment costs while allowing fee waivers for indigent applicants, while maintaining free burial for service members who die on active duty and other eligible veterans. The legislation also clarifies that cemeteries must operate solely for the burial of these specified groups and their families.
This bill expands state veterans benefits to include Minnesota residents who served in the Secret War in Laos, specifically those who were naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act or who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975. The legislation directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to create an eligibility verification process and issue certificates of eligibility for these veterans, granting them access to benefits such as veteran designation on driver's licenses, civil service recruitment opportunities, employment preference, and burial fee waivers. The bill also allows the commissioner to establish a fee schedule for interment of eligible spouses and dependents of these veterans, with provisions for fee waivers for indigent applicants. Technical changes are made to existing statutes to incorporate these new definitions and benefits, with an effective date of July 2, 2025 for most provisions.
This bill appropriates $350,000 from the state general fund for a one-time grant to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. The funds will expand the veterans' memorial located in Stillwater Veterans Memorial Park within the city of Stillwater. The grant is designated for fiscal year 2027 and is specifically intended to support physical improvements to the memorial site. The bill is currently in its early legislative stage, having been introduced and referred to committee on February 19, 2026.
HF 3391 amends Minnesota's veteran special license plate inscriptions to update wording and add new categories. It requires plates to display specific inscriptions based on military service, such as "WOMAN VETERAN" for qualifying women veterans, corrected wording for Bronze Star and Silver Star recipients (e.g., "BRONZE STAR MERITORIOUS" or "SILVER STAR HEROISM"), and clarifies eligibility for National Guard members with certain medals. The bill directly affects Minnesota veterans who qualify for these specialized plates based on their service history or military awards. It takes effect October 1, 2026, for newly issued plates.
HF 3471 appropriates $350,000 from the general fund for a one-time grant to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. The funds are designated to expand the veterans' memorial located in Stillwater Veterans Memorial Park in Stillwater, Minnesota. This appropriation is specifically for fiscal year 2027 and is intended to support the physical expansion of the memorial site. The bill directly affects the Stillwater Veterans Memorial organization and the park's development.
HF 3472 appropriates $350,000 from the arts and cultural heritage fund for fiscal year 2027 to expand the Stillwater Veterans Memorial. The funds will be provided as a grant to the Stillwater Veterans Memorial to enhance its space honoring U.S. armed forces veterans. This bill directly affects the Stillwater memorial project and the veterans it commemorates. It makes a specific, concrete funding allocation without altering broader policies or creating new requirements. The bill's sole mechanism is the targeted appropriation for this memorial expansion.
