This bill aims to provide certain tax and fee exemptions for eligible surviving spouses of veterans in Minnesota. It amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to define "eligible owner" as a veteran with a total service-connected disability or a Gold Star spouse. The bill specifies that these eligible owners will be exempt from registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license and identification card fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes. Additionally, it introduces a new definition for "Gold Star spouse" and outlines the effective dates for these provisions, which will apply to taxes payable for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2026.

Key amendments include the removal of the term "veterans" in favor of "eligible owners" in the context of vehicle registration and tax exemptions, as well as the addition of Gold Star spouses to the list of individuals eligible for these benefits. The bill also clarifies that the exemptions will not prevent the registration of additional motor vehicles as otherwise provided in the chapter. Furthermore, it establishes that the exemption for Gold Star spouses will be effective for sales and purchases made after June 30, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 168.012, 171.01, 171.06, 297B.03