This bill amends Minnesota Statutes to eliminate the burial fee for spouses and dependents of eligible veterans in state veterans cemeteries. Specifically, it removes the requirement for the commissioner of veterans affairs to establish a fee schedule for interment and prohibits any burial fees for these individuals. Additionally, the bill repeals the provisions that allowed for the waiver or reduction of burial fees for indigent eligible persons, thereby ensuring that all eligible spouses and dependents can be interred without any cost.

Furthermore, the bill includes an appropriation of funds from the general fund to cover the uncompensated burial costs for these eligible dependents. The appropriated amounts are designated for fiscal years 2026 and 2027, ensuring that the Department of Veterans Affairs has the necessary resources to implement the no-fee burial policy effectively. Overall, this legislation aims to provide greater support and recognition for the families of veterans by alleviating the financial burden associated with burial costs.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 190.19, 197.236