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SF1959 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs budget establishment provision, veterans benefits services accreditation disclosure requirements to veterans and veterans' family modifications provision, Gold and Blue Star families honor plaque on State Capitol grounds placed by the commissioner of administration requirement provision, and appropriation

Related bill: HF2444

AI Generated Summary

This bill, S.F. No. 1959, relates to state government funding and policy changes concerning military and veterans affairs in Minnesota. The bill contains two main articles:

Article 1: Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs Appropriations

  • Allocates the budget for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
  • Department of Military Affairs receives $30,025,000 in 2026 and $33,478,000 in 2027 for training facilities, general support, enlistment incentives, and emergency services.
  • Department of Veterans Affairs receives $141,929,000 in 2026 and $146,700,000 in 2027, allocated for veterans programs, health care, and suicide prevention.
  • Provides funding for holistic health and fitness initiatives in the Minnesota Army National Guard.
  • Establishes a Veteran Community Health Navigator program in hospitals.
  • Requires reports on maximizing federal Medicare reimbursements.

Article 2: Statutory Changes

  • Prohibits unaccredited individuals from charging veterans for benefit services without federal accreditation.
  • Bars service providers from guaranteeing specific veteran benefits.
  • Imposes civil penalties (up to $1,000 per violation) for noncompliance, with funds deposited into the Support Our Troops account.
  • Directs the commissioner of administration to place a memorial plaque honoring Gold Star and Blue Star families at the Minnesota State Capitol.

This bill aims to strengthen veterans' access to services, increase oversight of benefit providers, and honor military families through a memorial initiative.

Bill text versions

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
February 26, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
March 26, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 02, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 02, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 06, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toFinance

Citations

 
[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "A new subdivision requiring federal accreditation and fee agreements.",
        "A prohibition against guaranteeing specific benefit outcomes."
      ],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "The bill amends provisions related to accreditation and service charging for providers of veterans benefits under section 197.6091.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarification on penalties for non-compliance with accreditation requirements."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "197.6091"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Budgetary appropriations related to veterans homes reference existing statute section 198.34.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "198.34"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Citations regarding unlawful practices connect to statute section 325F.69.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325F.69"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Remedies for violations under section 197.6091 include references to remedies in section 325F.70.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "325F.70"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [],
      "removed": [],
      "summary": "Civil penalties under section 197.6091 are directed to the Support Our Troops account established under section 190.19.",
      "modified": []
    },
    "citation": "190.19"
  }
]

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