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 a budget allocation of $27,458,000 for fiscal year 2028, which covers various veterans' programs, including mental health services, homelessness prevention, and educational assistance. The bill also introduces a one-time appropriation of $6,350,000 for permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans and $15,000,000 in service bonuses for Post-9/11 Veterans and Gold Star families. Additionally, it mandates that county veteran services officers assist a broader range of veterans and establishes a task force to oversee these initiatives.

The legislation amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes to improve veterans' benefits, including changing the name of the "State Soldiers Assistance Program" to "Veterans affairs programs" and expanding eligibility for benefits to veterans of the Secret War in Laos. It also increases the bonding limit for the Minnesota State Armory Building Commission from $15,000,000 to $45,000,000. The bill establishes a tiered grant system for counties based on veteran populations and increases funding for the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers. Furthermore, it requires the placement of a memorial plaque on the State Capitol grounds to honor Gold Star and Blue Star families, ensuring their sacrifices are recognized.

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