This bill aims to provide certain tax and fee exemptions for eligible surviving spouses of veterans in Minnesota. Specifically, it amends various sections of the Minnesota Statutes to include exemptions from registration taxes, license plate fees, title fees, driver's license and identification card fees, and motor vehicle sales taxes for eligible owners, which are defined as veterans with a total service-connected disability and Gold Star spouses. The bill also clarifies that these exemptions apply to the registration of vehicles and includes provisions for personalized plates and special plate contributions.

Additionally, the bill introduces new definitions and effective dates for the amendments. It defines "Gold Star spouse" and specifies that the exemptions will be effective for registration periods starting on or after January 1, 2026, and for sales and purchases made after June 30, 2026. The bill also updates the language in existing statutes to replace references to "veterans" with "eligible owners" and includes the Gold Star spouse in the list of individuals eligible for certain exemptions.

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