The bill aims to enhance support for veterans and their families by establishing a budget for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs, while modifying provisions related to the veterans bonus program and the Minnesota GI Bill program. Key appropriations include $15 million for service bonuses to Post-9/11 Veterans and Gold Star families, and $4.3 million for a veteran homelessness initiative. The bill also clarifies definitions related to the veterans bonus program and removes the requirement that a resident veteran must have been separated or discharged from the armed forces, allowing currently serving members to qualify under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill increases bonus amounts for veterans who did not receive certain medals and raises the educational assistance cap for full-time and part-time students. It establishes a working group focused on improving the quality of care for residents in veteran domiciliary facilities, which will analyze current care models and provide recommendations by January 15, 2024. The working group is authorized to accept gifts and grants on behalf of the state, with funds appropriated specifically for its purposes, and must complete appointments by August 1, 2023, to ensure timely operation.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 197.79, 197.791
1st Engrossment: 197.79, 197.791
2nd Engrossment: 197.79, 197.791
1st Engrossment: 197.79, 197.791
2nd Engrossment: 197.79, 197.791