Minnesota sets grant rules and burial eligibility for veterans

The commissioner must score grant applications using applicants’ service history and measurable results, then set competitive grant amounts using those scores. These rules apply to legislatively directed competitive and direct grants administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs. Covered grantees must be Minnesota nonprofits operating for at least five years, in good standing with the attorney general, and current on required federal tax filings. Some grants are exempt. Covered grant money may serve veterans, service members, and certain family members; when resources are limited, grantees must prioritize veterans with service-connected disabilities. Starting in 2027, grantees must report each year by February 15, and the commissioner must report to legislative leaders by March 1.

The commissioner must decide whether Secret War veterans qualify for listed state benefits and may grant special consideration after a federal denial. This applies to Minnesota residents who meet the definition of a Secret War veteran, including qualifying service with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in Laos from February 28, 1961, through May 14, 1975. Applicants seeking special consideration must provide the VA denial and at least two kinds of evidence supporting their service claim. The commissioner may ask for more information. After a denial, an applicant may request a contested case hearing within 60 days. Applications under the special-consideration process are due by December 31, 2030.

State veterans cemeteries may bury the listed people, and applicants convicted of stolen valor are ineligible. The listed groups include eligible veterans and service members, Secret War veterans, qualifying reserve and National Guard members, and certain spouses and children. Beginning January 1, 2027, reserve and National Guard members qualify if they completed a full term and received an honorable discharge, or died in good standing without willful misconduct. For this section, an honorable discharge does not include a general discharge under honorable conditions. The commissioner must establish a process to check for stolen-valor convictions by January 1, 2027. Reserve and National Guard member eligibility, and eligibility for their listed family members, begins January 1, 2027.

The state must pay officers and enlisted members in state active service, with basic pay at least equal to the federal E-5 rate. This applies to officers and enlisted members of Minnesota’s military forces while they are in state active service. The rule applies while a member is engaged in state active service.

The commissioner may temporarily close a veterans home after receiving an involuntary termination notice, while meeting federal requirements and protecting residents. This applies to Minnesota veterans homes when the commissioner receives an involuntary termination notice. Before closing, the commissioner must safely transfer, relocate, or discharge every resident to the most appropriate setting. The commissioner must notify the governor and legislative leaders responsible for veterans affairs before the temporary closure. The commissioner may act after receiving an involuntary termination notice and must give notice before temporarily closing the home.