This bill addresses the eligibility of certain veterans and former members of the armed forces for state-funded benefits, services, or programs in Minnesota. It stipulates that individuals who have forfeited their entitlement to federal benefits, as determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, will not qualify for state assistance. Additionally, the bill proposes the discontinuation of the Environmental Hazards Information and Assistance Program for veterans, which previously provided information and support related to health issues associated with exposure to chemical agents.

The bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 196.021, to include a deputy commissioner for administration alongside the existing deputy commissioners for veteran services and veteran health care. It also introduces a new section, [197.792], which explicitly states the disqualification of veterans who have forfeited federal benefits from receiving state-funded support. Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing statutes related to the environmental hazards program, including sections that defined the program's scope, duties of the commissioner, and confidentiality provisions regarding veterans' health information.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 196.021