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HF1350 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Veterans service office grant program modified, and money appropriated.

Related bill: SF1452

AI Generated Summary

This bill modifies the Veterans Service Office Grant Program in Minnesota and appropriates additional funding for various veterans' services.

Key Provisions:

  1. Grant Funding for Counties:

    • Each county is eligible for a base annual grant of $7,500 to:
      • Provide outreach to veterans.
      • Assist in reintegration of combat veterans.
      • Collaborate with organizations to enhance veteran services.
      • Reduce veteran homelessness.
      • Improve county veterans service offices.
    • Additional grants are available based on the county’s veteran population:
      • $2,500 for counties with 1,000–2,999 veterans.
      • $5,000 for counties with 3,000–4,999 veterans.
      • $7,500 for counties with 5,000–9,999 veterans.
      • $10,000 for counties with 10,000–19,999 veterans.
      • $15,000 for counties with 20,000–29,999 veterans.
      • $20,000 for counties with 30,000 or more veterans.

  2. Grant for Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers:

    • Annual funding increase from $100,000 to $160,000.
    • Funds must be used for:
      • Administrative costs.
      • Certification and accreditation of County Veterans Service Officers (CVSOs).
      • Reintegration services.
      • Up to $60,000 can be allocated for training and travel expenses for technical assistance coordinators.

  3. Additional Appropriations for Fiscal Years 2026-2027:

    • $60,000 per year (FY 2026 & FY 2027) is allocated to the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
    • Funds will support three specialized technical assistance coordinators:
      • $20,000 for a Women Veterans Technical Assistance Coordinator.
      • $20,000 for a Veteran Suicide Prevention Technical Assistance Coordinator.
      • $20,000 for a Justice-Involved Veteran Technical Assistance Coordinator.
    • Unused funds from FY 2026 will carry over to FY 2027.

This bill aims to enhance veteran services across Minnesota by increasing state grants to counties and supporting specialized programs to assist women veterans, veterans at risk for suicide, and those involved in the justice system.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 23, 2025HouseFloorActionIntroduction and first reading, referred toVeterans and Military Affairs Division
February 25, 2025HouseFloorActionAuthors added

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Provides specific grant amounts based on county veteran population."
      ],
      "removed": [
        "No explicit removals mentioned."
      ],
      "summary": "This bill modifies the veterans service office grant program under section 197.608.",
      "modified": [
        "Adjusts the annual grant amount available to the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "197.608"
  }
]

Sponsors