SF1705

This bill, Minnesota Senate File No. 1705, seeks to amend Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.236, modifying provisions related to veterans' burials. The key changes include:

1. Eligibility for Burial (Subdivision 8):

   • Clarifies that cemeteries governed by this statute are exclusively for the burial of service members who die on active duty, eligible veterans, their spouses, and dependent children as defined by federal law (United States Code, Title 38, Section 101, 2402).

2. Burial Fees (Subdivision 9):

   • The Commissioner of Veterans Affairs must establish and periodically adjust a fee schedule for the interment of eligible spouses and dependent children, with fees covering actual burial costs (excluding the value of the plot).
     
   • The commissioner may waive or reduce burial fees for indigent (financially needy) individuals, with a policy and application process established for such requests.
     
   • No fees (including plot or interment fees) will be charged for the burial of service members who die on active duty and eligible veterans, as defined under the relevant federal statute.

The bill was introduced and referred to the Senate Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development Committee on February 20, 2025.