This bill modifies appropriations for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs in Minnesota. It increases the maximum bonded indebtedness allowed for the State Armory Building Commission from $15,000,000 to $45,000,000, enabling the commission to undertake larger projects. Additionally, the bill designates the bridge on marked Trunk Highway 55 and Trunk Highway 62, crossing the Minnesota River, as the "Gopher Gunners Memorial Bridge." The commissioner of transportation is tasked with adopting a suitable marking design and erecting appropriate signs, with costs to be reimbursed by the adjutant general of the Department of Military Affairs.

Furthermore, the bill amends the appropriations for veterans' homes, specifying that if the amount available in fiscal year 2024 is insufficient, the amount appropriated for fiscal year 2025 can be utilized in fiscal year 2024. It also mandates the Department of Veterans Affairs to seek opportunities to maximize federal reimbursements for Medicare-eligible expenses and to report annually on these reimbursements. The bill includes provisions for staffing Veteran Community Health Navigators in community-based hospitals and establishes funding for a working group. The effective date for these changes is the day following final enactment.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 161.14, 193.143
1st Engrossment: 161.14, 193.143