The bill S.F. No. 1959 is designed to enhance support for veterans and their families in Minnesota by appropriating funds for the Department of Military Affairs and the Department of Veterans Affairs. Key provisions include the establishment of a memorial plaque for Gold Star and Blue Star families at the State Capitol, the provision of benefits to veterans of the Secret War in Laos, and the requirement for county veteran services officers to assist additional veterans. The bill allocates significant funding for various programs, including $3,782,000 for state veterans cemeteries, $500,000 for grants to veterans service organizations, and $1,610,000 for the County Veterans Service Office grant program, as well as funding for mental health services and support for homeless veterans.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes to streamline access to veterans' benefits and introduces a stipend for service members ordered into state active service. It replaces the "State soldiers assistance program" with "Veterans affairs programs" and allows the commissioner of veterans affairs to access the MAXIS database for eligibility verification. The legislation also establishes a tiered grant system for counties based on veteran populations and increases the annual grant for the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. An advisory task force is created to focus on veterans of special guerilla units in Laos, and the total bonded indebtedness for the Minnesota State Armory Building Commission is increased to facilitate greater investment in military infrastructure.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 197.6091
1st Engrossment: 13.461, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.608, 197.6091, 197.75, 197.791
2nd Engrossment: 13.461, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.603, 197.608, 197.6091, 197.75, 197.791
3rd Engrossment: 13.461, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.603, 197.608, 197.75, 197.791
4th Engrossment: 13.461, 192.49, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.608, 197.75, 197.791
1st Unofficial Engrossment: 13.461, 192.49, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.75, 197.791
2nd Unofficial Engrossment: 13.461, 192.49, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.75, 197.791
CCR-SF1959: 13.461, 192.49, 193.143, 197.065, 197.236, 197.608, 197.75, 197.791