HF4228

Purpose

Create a program to waive or abate parking fees at Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) for veterans with a total service-connected disability. The goal is to recognize and support veterans with permanent and total disability when they use MSP parking.

Main provisions

• Eligibility and benefit

  • Starting January 1, 2027, a veteran with a total service-connected disability may park for free for up to ten consecutive or nonconsecutive days within any 90-day period at all MSP parking facilities.
  • If the veteran parks more than the ten free days in a 90-day window, any additional days are charged at the standard parking rate.
  • The benefit applies to all MSP parking facilities.

• Definition of eligible veteran

  • A “veteran with a total service-connected disability” is a veteran defined in section 197.447 who has a permanent and total service-connected disability as certified by the United States Veterans Administration (VA).

• Implementation and process

  • By December 1, 2026, the commission must establish a process to waive or abate fees for these veterans at MSP parking facilities.
  • The commission must conduct outreach with veterans organizations statewide and post the process on the MSP airport website.

• Documentation required

  • To qualify, a veteran must provide one of the following at the time of parking:
  • A driver’s license with a graphic or written designation of “Veteran 100 TP” under section 171.07 subdivision 15.
  • A Department of Defense (DoD) military identification card indicating a 100% disability rating.
  • A letter from the VA confirming the veteran’s 100% disability rating.

How it works in practice

• The program creates a specific parking fee waiver for qualifying veterans at MSP.
• The waiver is limited to ten days within any 90-day period; beyond that, standard rates apply.
• Veterans must show approved documentation to qualify for the waiver or any abatement.
• The commission is responsible for establishing the waiver process and informing veterans statewide.

Significant changes to existing law

• Adds a new eligibility-based parking fee waiver program at MSP for veterans with permanent and total service-connected disabilities.
• Establishes a defined time frame (ten free days per 90 days) starting in 2027.
• Requires a formal, documented process to waive or abate fees and mandatory outreach and public posting.
• Introduces specific documentation options to verify disability status (VA letter, DoD ID, or driver’s license designation).

Implementation timeline highlights

• By December 1, 2026: the commission must establish the waiver/abatement process and begin statewide outreach; publish details on MSP’s website.
• January 1, 2027: the parking fee waiver for up to ten days in a 90-day period becomes effective.

Potential impacts

• Veterans with a total service-connected disability can save parking costs when visiting MSP.
• Airports and veterans groups gain a clear process and criteria for waivers, with standardized documentation requirements.

Relevant Terms - total service-connected disability - permanent and total service-connected disability - United States Veterans Administration (VA) - Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport (MSP) - parking facilities - waive / abate fees - ten days - 90-day period - documentation - Veteran 100 TP designation - DoD ID indicating 100% disability rating - VA letter confirming 100% disability rating - 100 percent disability rating - commission - December 1, 2026 - January 1, 2027