Veterans

died · Minnesota · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SF 4075: Secret War in Laos veterans benefits availability modifications and eligibility process establishment by the commissioner of veterans affairs requirement provision

This bill modifies Minnesota veterans benefits to include veterans of the Secret War in Laos, a group that includes both naturalized Hmong veterans and those who served with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos between 1961 and 1975. It directs the commissioner of veterans affairs to establish an eligibility verification process and issue certificates of eligibility for these veterans to access existing state benefits. The legislation also requires the creation of a fee schedule for burial services and allows fee waivers for indigent eligible applicants. Changes take effect on July 2, 2025, for naturalized veterans and after verification for those who served in guerrilla units, with a driver's license designation option becoming available on November 1, 2026.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill expands veterans benefits to include Secret War in Laos veterans, establishes eligibility verification, and issues certificates of eligibility to access existing state benefits.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition Veteran Benefits

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 23, 2026

SF 4676: Veterans' access to mental health services in rural areas improvement task force establishment and appropriation

This bill establishes a task force within the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to improve access to mental health services for veterans living in rural areas. The task force will be responsible for reviewing current challenges and developing recommendations to address veterans' mental health needs in these regions. Funding is allocated to support the task force's operations over three fiscal years, with the exact amounts to be determined later. The legislation directly affects rural veterans and the state veterans affairs agency tasked with their care.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill allocates funding for a task force to improve veterans' mental health services in rural areas, directly supporting government spending on public services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes task force to improve mental health access for rural veterans and allocates funding over three fiscal years.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes task force to improve mental health access for rural veterans and allocates funding for operations over three fiscal years.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Appropriations Mental Health Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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passed both · Minnesota · Senate May 5, 2026

SF 4807: Omnibus Veterans policy and supplemental appropriations

This bill modifies how the state of Minnesota pays military personnel serving in state active service. It requires commissioned officers and enlisted members to receive pay and allowances equal to what they would earn in the U.S. armed forces for the same rank and service time, with a minimum basic pay floor set at the federal E-5 pay grade rate. The legislation removes an older provision that allowed a flat $130 daily payment for enlisted members, replacing it with the requirement to match federal military pay standards. This change directly affects Minnesota National Guard members and other military personnel called to state active duty service.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill increases pay for state military personnel by matching federal rates, strengthening compensation for those serving in state active duty.90% confidence

Sub-Topics National Guard & Reserve

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Apr 29, 2026

SF 4736: Hmong heritage week of observance establishment

This bill establishes May 14 to May 20 each year as Hmong Heritage Week in Minnesota to honor the history, culture, and contributions of Hmong people to the state. The legislation encourages residents, schools, community organizations, and local governments to hold events and educational activities that recognize Hmong heritage and acknowledge the community's service during the Secret War in Laos and their journey as refugees. The governor is also encouraged to issue a proclamation supporting the observance, though the bill does not mandate specific actions from any government entity.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill encourages schools to hold educational activities recognizing Hmong heritage, promoting cultural education and inclusivity in K-12 settings75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes Hmong veterans' service during Secret War in Laos and encourages acknowledgment of their contributions, supporting veteran recognition efforts.85% confidence

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in committee · Minnesota · Senate Mar 26, 2026

SF 4919: Wavier parking fees at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for a veteran with a total service-connected disability

This bill would allow veterans with a total service-connected disability to park for free at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for up to ten days within any 90-day period starting January 1, 2027. To qualify, veterans must show proof of their 100 percent disability rating through a driver's license, military ID, or a letter from the Veterans Administration. The airport commission must create a process to handle these fee waivers by December 1, 2026, and inform veterans statewide about how to use the benefit.

Topics ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill provides fee waivers for veterans parking at airport, supporting transportation access for disabled veterans.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill provides free airport parking for veterans with total service-connected disability, expanding benefits and recognizing veteran service.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Airports Driver Licensing Memorials & Recognition Veteran Education Veteran Healthcare

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 26, 2026

HF 4734: Week of observance for Hmong heritage established.

This bill establishes May 14 to May 20 each year as an official Hmong Heritage Week in Minnesota to honor the history, culture, and contributions of the Hmong community. The legislation encourages residents, schools, libraries, and community organizations to recognize Hmong heritage through educational programs, cultural events, and ceremonies that highlight the Hmong people's resilience, service, and impact on the state. The bill does not create new legal requirements or funding but instead promotes awareness and appreciation of Hmong heritage through voluntary community engagement and official recognition.

Topics ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill encourages schools to recognize Hmong heritage through educational programs and cultural events, promoting cultural awareness in education75% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes Hmong veterans' service and contributions, honoring their resilience and impact on the state, which aligns with veteran recognition and support.75% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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signed · Minnesota · Senate May 18, 2026

SF 4760: Omnibus Public Safety policy bill

This bill modifies Minnesota's laws regarding employment and occupational licensing restrictions for people with criminal convictions. It requires hiring and licensing authorities to consider evidence of rehabilitation, including military honorable discharge, release orders, and documentation showing compliance with probation or parole. The legislation also mandates that when an applicant is denied employment or a license due to a criminal record, the authority must provide written notice explaining the reasons and outlining the process for reapplication. These changes aim to create a more structured framework for evaluating applicants with prior convictions while maintaining transparency in the decision-making process.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes criminal justice reform by reducing employment barriers for people with convictions, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration efforts.90% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill expands employment opportunities for people with criminal convictions by requiring consideration of rehabilitation evidence, strengthening worker rights and reducing discriminatory barriers to employment.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill explicitly recognizes military honorable discharge as evidence of rehabilitation, supporting veteran employment and reducing barriers to occupational licensing.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

in committee · Minnesota · House Apr 16, 2026

HF 4588: Task force established to improve veterans' access to mental health services in rural areas, and money appropriated.

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.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill appropriates state funds to establish a task force for veterans' mental health services, directly increasing government spending on public services.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill establishes task force to improve veterans' mental health access in rural areas and allocates funding for operations, directly supporting healthcare services.95% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes task force to improve veterans' mental health access in rural areas and appropriates funding for this purpose.95% confidence

Sub-Topics State Budget Mental Health Memorials & Recognition Veteran Healthcare Veteran Mental Health

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in committee · Minnesota · House Mar 2, 2026

HF 3836: Distinguished Flying Cross special license plates authorized.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill authorizes free special license plates for Distinguished Flying Cross recipients, recognizing veteran service and providing a benefit.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition

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signed · Minnesota · House May 27, 2026

HF 4492: Read Act modified, early literacy field experiences required for teacher candidates, high school diploma established for veterans, and rulemaking required.

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.

Topics ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill establishes permanent task force to advise on veteran issues, strengthen communication between government and veteran organizations, and improve veteran services.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Memorials & Recognition National Guard & Reserve Veteran Healthcare