The bill S.F. No. 1959 aims 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, while also modifying existing provisions related to veterans' services and benefits. Key initiatives include the establishment of a memorial plaque for Gold Star and Blue Star families at the State Capitol, the expansion of benefits for 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 $6,350,000 for permanent supportive housing for homeless veterans, $15,000,000 in service bonuses for Post-9/11 Veterans and Gold Star families, and $540,000 annually for Metro Meals on Wheels to support veterans.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of Minnesota Statutes to streamline access to veterans' benefits, including changing the name of the "State Soldiers Assistance Program" to "Veterans affairs programs" and allowing the commissioner of veterans affairs to access the MAXIS database for eligibility verification. It introduces a stipend for service members in state active service to address pension inequities and expands eligibility for benefits to veterans of the Secret War in Laos. 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 to support training and reintegration services. Overall, the bill seeks to improve the support framework for veterans while honoring their sacrifices.

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