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SF1959 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Omnibus Veterans policy and appropriations

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

Past committee meetings

Actions

DateChamberWhereTypeNameCommittee Name
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionReceived from Senate
February 27, 2025SenateFloorActionIntroduction and first reading
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionReceived from Senate
February 27, 2025SenateFloorActionReferred toAgriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate file first reading, referred toWays and Means
April 24, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate file first reading, referred toWays and Means
March 27, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 25, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
April 25, 2025HouseFloorActionCommittee report, to adopt as amended
April 25, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 03, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 03, 2025SenateFloorActionAuthor added
April 25, 2025HouseFloorActionSecond reading
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toFinance
April 28, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 07, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended and re-refer toFinance
April 28, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionAmended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionComm report: To pass as amended
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 10, 2025SenateFloorActionSecond reading
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 29, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was passed as amended
April 23, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order: Amended
April 23, 2025SenateFloorActionSpecial Order: Amended
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate refuses to concur, conference committee requested
April 23, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed as amended
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate refuses to concur, conference committee of 3 requested
April 23, 2025SenateFloorActionThird reading Passed as amended
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate refuses to concur, conference committee requested
April 30, 2025SenateFloorActionReturned from House with amendment
April 30, 2025SenateFloorActionReturned from House with amendment
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate conferees
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate conferees
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse accedes, conference committee of 4 to be appointed
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse accedes, conference committee of 4 to be appointed
April 30, 2025SenateFloorActionLaid on table
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionTaken from table
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse conferees
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionTaken from table
May 01, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse conferees
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate adopted conference committee report, bill repassed
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate not concur, conference committee of 3 requested
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionSenate adopted conference committee report, bill repassed
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate not concur, conference committee of 3 requested
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate conferees
May 01, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate conferees
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionConference committee report, delete everything
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionConference committee report, delete everything
May 05, 2025SenateFloorActionHouse conferees
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse adopted conference committee report
May 05, 2025SenateFloorActionHouse conferees
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionHouse adopted conference committee report
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionConference committee report, delete everything
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionConference committee report, delete everything
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended by Conference
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionThird reading as amended by Conference
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was repassed as amended by Conference
May 17, 2025HouseFloorActionBill was repassed as amended by Conference
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate adopted CC report and repassed bill
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionSenate adopted CC report and repassed bill
HouseFloorActionPresented to Governor
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionThird Reading Repassed
May 17, 2025SenateFloorActionThird Reading Repassed
May 18, 2025SenateFloorActionHouse adopted SCC report and repassed bill
May 18, 2025SenateFloorActionHouse adopted SCC report and repassed bill
HouseNoteActionChapter number
SenateNoteActionPresentment date
SenateNoteActionGovernor's action Approval
SenateNoteActionSecretary of State

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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