SF 1959 is an omnibus bill that combines multiple veteran policy changes and funding allocations into a single measure. It directly affects veterans in Minnesota and state agencies managing veteran services, including the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key provisions include new funding for veteran housing assistance, healthcare access programs, and benefits administration, alongside updates to eligibility rules. The bill became law on May 23, 2025, and takes effect July 1, 2025.
This bill increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the market value exclusion from $150,000 to $200,000 for veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating, and from $300,000 to $400,000 for veterans with a total (100%) and permanent disability. The change directly affects qualifying veterans, their surviving spouses (if the veteran dies before applying), and primary family caregivers who live in the veteran's home. The key provision modifies Minnesota Statutes section 273.13 to provide higher tax savings on the primary home's value.
This bill appropriates $150,000 for fiscal year 2026 and another $150,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the arts and cultural heritage fund to fund veteran retreats at Camp Bliss in Walker. It directs the commissioner of administration to issue a grant to Independent Lifestyles, Inc., to cover expenses for eligible veterans and their family members. The grant reimburses the organization $850 per eligible veteran or family member per visit (up to two visits yearly) for services like therapy, transportation, and camp maintenance. Eligible veterans include former service members with a DD-214 or current active/reserve members, and family members include spouses, domestic partners, or children.
SF 1782 appropriates $25,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $25,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs for a grant to "Fishing with Vets," a nonprofit organization. The grant funds guided fishing trips for veterans across Minnesota, directly benefiting veterans and the nonprofit. The bill requires the commissioner to submit annual reports by January 15 detailing how the funds were used, including administrative costs, to relevant legislative committees. The nonprofit must provide necessary information to support these reports.
SF 185 increases property tax relief for Minnesota veterans with service-connected disabilities. It raises the homestead market value exclusion from $150,000 to $250,000 for veterans with a 70% or higher disability rating, and from $300,000 to $450,000 for veterans with a total (100%) permanent disability. The bill also allows surviving spouses of qualifying veterans to continue receiving the higher exclusion amount ($450,000) if they reside in the home and meet specific conditions. Primary family caregivers approved by the VA may also qualify for the exclusion on the veteran's homestead. This policy directly affects veterans, their spouses, and designated caregivers who own qualifying property in Minnesota.
This bill modifies data access rules to help veterans verify eligibility for specific programs. It allows the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to electronically access the Human Services Department's MAXIS database to confirm eligibility for the State Soldiers Assistance Program, Veterans Stable Housing Initiative, and SSI/SSDI Outreach program. The change ensures veterans can be connected to all available state and federal resources they qualify for. The bill does not alter benefit amounts or eligibility criteria, only streamlining verification between agencies.
HF 236 amends Minnesota's tax code to allow veterans and surviving spouses of veterans to subtract all of their taxable Social Security benefits from their state taxable income, without the income-based phaseouts that apply to other taxpayers. Currently, Minnesota reduces Social Security benefit subtractions for higher-income earners, but this bill creates an exception for veterans and their surviving spouses. The change applies to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2024, and defines "veteran" per Minnesota Statute 197.447. This directly benefits eligible veterans and surviving spouses by reducing their state income tax burden on Social Security benefits.
HF 2069 creates new Minnesota license plates specifically for veterans of each U.S. military branch (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine). Eligible veterans who meet existing criteria (including having discharge papers) can apply for a free plate featuring "VETERAN" and their branch's emblem. The plates must be the same size as standard plates for the vehicle type (e.g., motorcycle) and can be transferred to another vehicle owned by the same veteran for a $5 fee. This bill, effective January 1, 2026, expands Minnesota’s existing veterans' plate program by adding branch-specific designs.
This bill establishes education benefits for dependents of disabled veterans in Minnesota. It provides tuition, fee, and book coverage at state-operated colleges or University of Minnesota institutions for dependent children of veterans with a 100% permanent disability or a 70%+ disability rating. The benefit covers 100% of costs (after subtracting other aid) for the highest disability tier and 50% for the 70%+ tier. Payments are processed through the Office of Higher Education upon institution verification of student eligibility and enrollment.
HF 2868 appropriates $50,000 for fiscal year 2026 and $50,000 for fiscal year 2027 from the general fund to provide a one-time grant to the organization Every Third Saturday. This grant funds emergency assistance for veterans in Minnesota. The bill requires Every Third Saturday to submit detailed reports by September 1, 2026, and 2027, explaining how the funds were used and the number of veterans served. The reports must be sent to the commissioner of veterans affairs and relevant legislative committee chairs.
