HF1845

HF1845 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

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

Related bill: SF568

AI Generated Summary

This bill proposes amendments to Minnesota Statutes section 197.447 to expand the definition of "veteran" to include:

U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who served honorably in certain irregular forces or special guerrilla units that operated from a base in Laos in support of the U.S. Armed Forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975.
Individuals naturalized under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000.

Additionally, the bill establishes an Advisory Task Force under the Minnesota Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. The task force, composed of up to seven individuals with expertise in the Secret War in Laos—including veterans, academics, and community members—will advise the commissioner on criteria to determine eligibility for veteran status under this expanded definition.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Past committee meetings

Veterans and Military Affairs Division on: April 02, 2025 08:15

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Veterans and Military Affairs Division
March 09, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author stricken
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new provision includes veterans who served with special guerrilla units in Laos."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "This bill expands the definition of 'veteran' under section 197.447.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification regarding citizenship and residency requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "197.447"
  }
]