HF2410 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Continued education benefits provided to surviving spouses who remarry.
Related bill: SF1930
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The purpose of this bill is to amend existing Minnesota laws to provide continued educational benefits to the surviving spouses of deceased veterans, even if they remarry. The bill also updates the definitions and eligibility criteria for accessing these educational benefits.
Main Provisions
- Eligibility for Continuing Education: The bill stipulates that surviving spouses of veterans who have died due to their military service can continue receiving education benefits regardless of their marital status after the death of the veteran.
- Amendment of Definitions: It revises the definitions used to clarify who qualifies as an eligible veteran, spouse, and student in relation to accessing these benefits.
- Eligibility Verification: The bill outlines the requirements for providing documentation to verify eligibility for education benefits, including necessary military records, proof of residency, and academic progress.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Marital Status of Surviving Spouses: Previously, surviving spouses might lose educational benefits upon remarrying. This bill changes the law, allowing them to retain benefits even after remarriage.
- Documentation Requirements: The bill updates the process and documentation needed to confirm eligibility for educational benefits, ensuring a thorough verification process through various official records.
Relevant Terms
veterans' benefits, surviving spouse, remarriage, educational assistance, military service, Minnesota National Guard, United States armed forces, educational eligibility, Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), satisfactory academic progress.
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 16, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Veterans and Military Affairs Division |
| March 31, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Includes a provision that eligibility is maintained even if the surviving spouse remarries."
],
"removed": [
"Details regarding the veteran's residence duration relative to enlistment are omitted."
],
"summary": "This bill provides modifications to the definitions and eligibility for education benefits to surviving spouses and children under section 197.75.",
"modified": [
"Clarifies the use of federal form DD214 for establishing Minnesota residence."
]
},
"citation": "197.75"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Clarification on eligibility for federal education benefits under Title 38 chapters 33 and 35 is provided."
],
"removed": [
"Certain redundant criteria regarding military service and educational assistance applications are removed."
],
"summary": "This bill amends section 197.791 subdivision 4 to outline eligibility for educational assistance for veterans and their families.",
"modified": [
"Details regarding the necessity for official documentation to prove eligibility."
]
},
"citation": "197.791"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [
"Reiterates existing definitions related to academic progress and student status."
],
"removed": [
"In-depth details specific to these definitions are not reiterated in this bill."
],
"summary": "The bill references definitions in section 136A.101 for determining satisfactory academic progress and student residency.",
"modified": [
"Ensures alignment with the existing definitions of residency and progress."
]
},
"citation": "136A.101"
}
]