This bill addresses veterans' eligibility for state-funded benefits by stipulating that certain veterans or former members of the armed forces who have forfeited their federal benefits will not qualify for state-funded veterans benefits, services, or programs. It amends Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 196.021, to include a new deputy commissioner for administration alongside the existing deputy commissioners for veteran services and veteran health care. Additionally, the bill proposes a new section, [197.792], which explicitly states that individuals determined by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to have forfeited their entitlement to federal benefits are ineligible for state-funded support.

Furthermore, the bill repeals several existing statutes related to the Environmental Hazards Information and Assistance Program for veterans, including sections 196.19 through 196.26 and 197.225. This discontinuation means that the state will no longer maintain a program to provide information and assistance regarding environmental hazards that may affect veterans, effectively eliminating the framework for addressing health concerns related to chemical agents. The repeal reflects a significant shift in how the state supports veterans, particularly in relation to environmental health issues.

Statutes affected:
Introduction: 196.021
1st Engrossment: 196.021