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• unlikely events that a Minnesota unlikely events that a Minnesota veterans<00:18:04.640> home
• All eight Minnesota veteran homes are compliant.
• <00:19:14.000> veteran location so all eight Minnesota veteran location so all eight Minnesota
• <00:27:12.960> and becomes law, Minnesota veterans and becomes law, Minnesota veterans and
• Veteran<00:34:10.159> Service Minnesota Association of Veteran Service Minnesota Association

Bills: HF3540, HF3522, HF3544

Keywords: veterans rights, employment discrimination, human rights, Minnesota laws, protected classes, veterans, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs, Secret War in Laos, SGU veteran, Hmong veterans, Laotian veterans, honor guard, military funeral honors, state veterans cemetery, burial eligibility, veterans home, temporary closure, state active service, National Guard

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• on matters relating to veterans, the families of veterans, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans
• Veterans<00:17:49.800> of Department of Minnesota Veterans of Department of Minnesota
• Uh, disabled veterans free entry into the Minnesota Arboretum.
• Uh, disabled veterans free entry into the Minnesota Arboretum.
• Uh, disabled veterans free entry into the Minnesota Arboretum.

Bills: HF4615, HF3532, HF4492, HF4171

Keywords: military, pay, officers, enlisted members, state active service, Minnesota Statutes, veterans, burial eligibility, honor guard, state cemeteries, military service, burial fees, veterans affairs, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, advisory task force, commanders task force, veterans service organizations, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW

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• in<00:15:20.160> a Minnesota veteran cemetery or in a Minnesota veteran cemetery or in a federal
• Having two classes of veteran, SGU and the veteran, will incur additional related costs for the Minnesota
• And that is serving as many veterans here in the state of Minnesota as we can.
• And that is serving as many veterans here in the state of Minnesota as we can.
• That's not our intent. veterans here in the state of Minnesota veterans here in the state of Minnesota

Bills: HF3919, HF3467, HF3741

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, veterans affairs, food insecurity, homelessness, suicide prevention, state resources, reporting requirements, agency initiatives, veterans, educational assistance, tuition waiver, spouses, children, military service, benefits

Summary: The committee first approved the minutes, then heard an update from Metro Meals on Wheels on a veterans home-delivered meals grant funded by the committee in 2023. Testifiers said the program has served more than 82,000 meals to over 500 veterans, but funding is running short; enrollment was stopped in July 2025 and meal service was reduced to five per week to stretch dollars. They said the program is serving 168 veterans as of January 31 and will likely run out of funds in July unless additional money is provided. Members asked about eligibility and how the program ensures the grant is used only for veterans who do not qualify for other services; the organization said referrals come through county veteran service officers, MACV, hospitals, and other partners, and that it can provide confidential tracking information. No vote was taken on funding, but members expressed support and interest in more documentation. The committee then took up House File 3919, which implements recommendations from a task force on benefits for SGU veterans and irregular forces who served in the secret war in Laos from 1961 to 1975. The Department of Veterans Affairs said the bill largely reflects the task force report and technical recommendations, including adding SGU veterans to the burial fee statute so burial costs in state cemeteries can be covered, while noting there is still an unresolved issue about headstone costs for spouses and dependents. A testifier from the task force supported the bill but objected to creating a separate SGU veteran designation on driver’s licenses, arguing it could create two classes of veterans and add administrative costs; he urged using a single veteran designation instead. Other public testimony emphasized the service of Hmong, Lao, Cambodian, Vietnamese, and other allies in Laos and urged the legislature to adopt the recommendations broadly. The committee discussed the burial fee language and the purpose of the designation, but no final action or vote on HF 3919 was taken in the portion provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• On behalf of the Minnesota ATV, I get to work two hats today because I also represent the Veterans of
• Minnesota has a long history of supporting these veterans and acknowledging their sacrifices.
• House File 1225 is a simple, common-sense way to honor and support Minnesota disabled veterans.
• Mental health is a critical issue among veterans this important legislation for the benefit of Minnesota
• veterans.

Bills: HF1355, HF78, HF1846, HF1225

Keywords: commercial diving, scuba diving safety, aquatic plant management, workplace safety, environmental regulations, HF78, Minnesota veterans, veteran retreats, Camp Bliss, Walker, Independent Lifestyles Inc., Department of Veterans Affairs, veterans affairs grant, general fund appropriation, family members, spouse, domestic partner, children, therapy, transportation

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• Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association. Minnesota Athletic Trainers Association.
• and surgeons across Minnesota.
• Minnesota Medical Association. Minnesota Medical Association.
• It cleans up sections of several Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs chapters of law and adds provisions
• is a Minnesota Board of Dentistry bill. is a Minnesota Board of Dentistry bill.

Bills: HF3521, HF3563, HF82, HF2689, HF1794, HF3544, HF3516, HF1752

Keywords: hospital moratorium, hospital construction, bed capacity, hospital expansion, health care facilities, hospital licensing, safety-net hospital, level I trauma center, Ramsey County, Minnesota health law, hospital beds, new hospital exception, certificate of need, inpatient capacity, emergency care, trauma services, health system regulation, state moratorium, hospital modernization, health infrastructure

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• So, using the Minnesota Department of Revenue, the numbers are just under 28,000 veterans here in Minnesota
• This is huge for Minnesota veterans.
• history of serving Minnesota veterans.
• are going to veterans, and more specifically Minnesota veterans and their families.
• The Minnesota Veteran Suicide Prevention Collaborative is helping turn our veteran suicide prevention

Bills: HF3727, HF3684, HF3467

Keywords: veterans property tax, homestead exclusion, disabled veteran, totally and permanently disabled, service-connected disability, property tax relief, market value exclusion, surviving spouse, family caregiver, county veterans service officer, Minnesota property tax, assessment year 2027, homestead tax benefit, veterans tax exemption, DD214, VA disability rating, veterans, veterans affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, grant standards

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• Uh with that, the state of Minnesota.
• we've got uh the uh League of Minnesota we've got uh the uh League of Minnesota Cities<00:02:36.640
• role in ensuring cities across Minnesota role in ensuring cities across Minnesota can<00:03:42.880
• for the state of Minnesota. for the state of Minnesota.
• Minnesota. It also promotes civic duty. Minnesota. It also promotes civic duty.

Bills: HF1016, HF2800, HF156, HF3051, HF526, HF2658, HF2062, HF2801

Keywords: local government aid, Baldwin, taxation, base year formula, municipal funding, population aid, aid penalty forgiveness, Minnesota, city funding, appropriations, HF156, lawful gambling, veterans organizations, licensed veterans organization, Minnesota gambling law, gross profits, lawful purpose, real property repair, facility maintenance, capital assets

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• secutive director of the Minnesota secutive director of the Minnesota education<00:01:51.840>
• Minnesota Twin Cities and the Minnesota Minnesota Twin Cities and the Minnesota system<00:09:45.200
• I’m Trent Dils, legislative director for the Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota.
• I’m Trent Dils, legislative director for the Disabled American Veterans Department of Minnesota.
• disabled American veterans department of Minnesota<01:26:59.400> uh<01:26:59.679> I<01

Bills: HF2090, HF982, HF2229

Keywords: higher education, scholarship, financial aid, state grant, tuition assistance, Pell grants, student retention, education equity, disabled veterans, veterans' dependents, dependent children, college affordability, books and fees, University of Minnesota, public colleges, Office of Higher Education, veterans benefits, military families, permanent disability, 100 percent disability

Transcript Highlights:

• So I want to add it to the Minnesota Veteran Right, uh, Minnesota Human Rights Act. >> Okay.
• If this bill was passed into law, Minnesota would join five other states that have added veteran status
• This update to the Minnesota Human Rights Act furthers the interests of veterans and provides them with
• status in the state of veteran status in the state of Minnesota.<01:15:44.719> Um,<01:15:45.280
• preference Minnesota law around veterans preference Minnesota law around veterans preference and<

Bills: HF3560, HF3295, HF2937, HF3540

Keywords: electronic signatures, estate planning, uniform law, legal documents, Minnesota statutes, open meeting law, transparency, public engagement, social media, government accountability, parenting consultant, parenting time, custody, family court, family law, neutral third party, alternative dispute resolution, child custody, visitation, parenting coordinator

Transcript Highlights:

• So the first of those bills is Senate File 1959, which is the veterans finance bill.
• So the first of those bills is Senate File 1959, which is the veterans finance bill.
• and one when he was younger in Minnesota and one when he was younger in Wisconsin.
• <00:40:35.680> that is the only program in Minnesota that is the only program in Minnesota
• Um and think this is a a good Minnesota.

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units

Bills: SF1959, HF2444, SF2298, HF2445, SF2216, HF2443, HF2130, HF1943, HF2436, HF2442

Keywords: veterans, military affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs, Department of Military Affairs, omnibus veterans bill, appropriations, National Guard, state active service, armory, State Armory Building Commission, veterans homes, veterans cemeteries, county veterans service office, Minnesota GI Bill, Gold Star families, Blue Star families, Secret War in Laos, Hmong veterans, Laos veterans, special guerrilla units

Transcript Highlights:

• , it added a new definition in Minnesota Statutes 197.448 for a veteran of the Secret War in Laos.
• Department of Veterans the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.<00:04:25.040> And<00:04:
• <00:05:00.919> in<00:05:01.040> Minnesota state definition of veteran in Minnesota
• and SGU veteran on a Minnesota driver's license.
• and SGU veteran on a Minnesota driver's license.

Bills: HF3919, HF1335, HF3864, HF3916, HF3728

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, electronic license, driver's license, digital credential, transportation, data privacy, authentication, license plates, vehicle registration, validation stickers, Minnesota statutes, transportation policy, aeronautics, transponder, aircraft safety

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• It's projects like northern Minnesota.
• So it seasons in northern Minnesota.
• been taken over by the Minnesota been taken over by the Minnesota Pollution<01:04:33.599> Control
• I'm here on behalf of Sacred Heart, Minnesota.
• Thank you for the of Wyoming, Minnesota.

Bills: HF2178, HF942, HF2470, HF1043, HF1287, HF1229, HF1230, HF424, HF571, HF404, HF910, HF1055, HF318, HF319, HF401, HF609, HF306, HF1599, HF1881

Keywords: HF2178, Cohasset, capital investment, bonding bill, state bonds, public infrastructure, water tower, water infrastructure, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, street reconstruction, municipal infrastructure, Public Facilities Authority, bond proceeds fund, Minnesota bonding, local government aid, utility infrastructure, public works, infrastructure, stormwater

Transcript Highlights:

• So, Minnesota has a strong tradition of supporting veterans, but we continue to hear from veterans and
• Minnesota has nearly 296,000 veterans and Minnesota has um more rural veterans than urban veterans.
• > veterans Minnesota has nearly 296,000 veterans Minnesota has nearly 296,000 veterans and<00:
• Minnesota has um more rural veterans than<00:05:22.639> urban<00:05:22.880> veterans.
• > where every Minnesota veteran no matter where every Minnesota veteran no matter where they<00:26

Bills: HF4588, HF3685, HF4577, HF4932

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, mental health, behavioral health, rural health, rural areas, access to care, task force, Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, general fund appropriation, veteran suicide prevention, PTSD, service members, military families, telehealth, rural psychiatry, high school diploma, armed forces, education policy, military service

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• with veterans in Minnesota, please learn about it.
• Yes, Barry Hendrickson, Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, Adjutant Quartermaster.
• I'm hearing about this from veterans all across Minnesota.
• I'm hearing about this from veterans all across Minnesota.
• all across Minnesota this from veterans all across Minnesota they're<01:29:29.920> scared<01:

Bills: HF169, HF195, HF194, HF1756, HF2133

Keywords: HF169, Minnesota insurance, health plan, summary of benefits and coverage, SBC, patient assistance program, deductible, health insurer, consumer disclosure, out-of-pocket costs, medical assistance funds, copay assistance, health coverage transparency, chapter 62Q, enrollee, HF195, Fairmont, street reconstruction, bonding bill, capital investment

Transcript Highlights:

• It will allow the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to better assist our veterans with connecting
• allow the Minnesota Department of Veterans<00:05:10.960> Affairs<00:05:11.360> to<00:05
• This bill makes changes to Minnesota Statute section 197.065 and other programs under the agency's veterans
• It has become obvious that the veterans program staff supporting at-risk veterans within the Veteran
• , the Minnesota Bankers Association, the Minnesota Credit Union Association, and the Minnesota Land Title

Bills: HF1662, HF1224, HF1836, HF1367, HF1168, HF1999, HF1792, HF102, HF2127, HF104

Keywords: veterans, veterans affairs, State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, MAXIS, human services data, data sharing, eligibility verification, informed consent, private data, benefits coordination, veteran housing, veteran assistance, Department of Human Services, Children Youth and Families, state benefits, federal benefits, privacy, public assistance, foreclosure

Transcript Highlights:

• This is a fantastic bill for not only veterans but for the state of Minnesota to have hardworking, dedicated
• Representative Loar: This is a fantastic bill for not only veterans but for the state of Minnesota to
• Cloud, Minnesota, Access North from Hibbing, Minnesota, Freedom Resource Center from Moorhead, Minnesota
• Cloud, Minnesota, Access North from Hibbing, Minnesota, Freedom Resource Center from Moorhead, Minnesota
• Cloud, Minnesota, Access North from Hibbing, Minnesota, Freedom Resource Center from Moorhead, Minnesota

Bills: HF1439, HF1004, HF498, HF1326

Keywords: HF1439, Minnesota Grocers Association Foundation, Carts to Careers, workforce development fund, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, grocery industry, food industry, food retail, retail workforce, job training, career pathways, scholarships, certifications, workforce pipeline, one-time appropriation, industry training, labor shortage, youth employment, apprenticeship

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• SAF Hub here in Minnesota.
• SAF Hub here in Minnesota.
• SAF Hub here in Minnesota.
• Hub<00:31:31.480> in launching of the Minnesota saf Hub in launching of the Minnesota saf
• SAF Hub here in Minnesota.

Bills: HF1126, HF967, HF1066, HF1669, HF926

Keywords: property tax, Indian Tribe, tax exemption, Minnesota, public charity, property tax exemption, Minnesota statutes, unorganized territory, federally recognized, soil conservation, water conservation, local government aid, environmental funding, Minnesota legislation, tax credits, sustainable aviation fuel, environmental policy, corporate franchise, Minnesota taxation, tobacco

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• Minnesota. We're headquartered in St. Minnesota. We're headquartered in St.
• So that means the state of Minnesota.
• would not otherwise come to Minnesota. would not otherwise come to Minnesota.
• entrepreneurism in Minnesota. Thank you. entrepreneurism in Minnesota. Thank you.
• <01:14:11.199> Our Minnesota for most of my life. Our Minnesota for most of my life.

Bills: HF1972, HF229, HF1090, HF1084, HF1307, HF1274, HF1609, HF2110, HF211, HF216, HF222, HF224, HF225, HF203, HF206, HF207, HF208, HF227, HF246, HF427, HF466, HF502, HF680, HF971

Keywords: community center, Breckenridge, capital investment, state bonds, economic development, HF229, North Branch Area Hockey Association, Stacy Ice Arena, Chisago County, general fund appropriation, grant, ice arena, hockey rink, youth sports, recreational facility, community arena, nonprofit, DEED, Department of Employment and Economic Development, local infrastructure

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• utility projects across Minnesota. utility projects across Minnesota.
• are already using utilities in Minnesota are already using electronic<00:03:47.200> electronic
• It'll also protect the investment that Minnesota has made in its BRT system.
• investment that Minnesota has made in its<00:13:01.440> BRT<00:13:02.079> system.
• I'm here representing Drive Electric Minnesota.

Bills: HF3919, HF3791, HF1781, HF3908, HF4233, HF3966, HF3430

Keywords: veterans benefits, Secret War, Laos veterans, eligibility process, burial fees, veteran designation, security, protective services, state officials, Capitol complex, state patrol, public safety, legislative protection, threat assessment, transportation, electronic attestation, traffic signals, accident reporting, legislative routes, agricultural aircraft