MinnesotaState veterans programs use federal forfeiture status for eligibility
Veterans whom the federal government says forfeited their benefits would not qualify for state-funded veterans programs, while an environmental-hazard assistance program is provided for discontinuation.
What it does
Veterans and former service members with a federal determination that they forfeited benefits do not qualify for state-funded veterans programs under chapters 196 through 198.
The text provides for discontinuing the veterans’ environmental-hazard information and assistance program, related health support, and connected privacy and data provisions.
Argument forUsing one federal forfeiture determination may give state agencies a clear rule for deciding eligibility for veterans programs.
Argument againstVeterans who lose federal benefits through a federal forfeiture determination could also lose access to state-funded veterans services and programs.
More detail
State-funded veterans benefits, services, and programs do not qualify an individual when the federal Department of Veterans Affairs has determined that the person forfeited federal benefits. The rule covers Minnesota veterans and former members of the armed forces seeking benefits, services, or programs under chapters 196 through 198. The federal forfeiture determination must be made under United States Code, title 38, chapter 61. The bill status lists August 1, 2026, as the effective date for the measure.
The text provides for discontinuing the environmental-hazard information and assistance program and related duties for veterans. The listed provisions cover information and referrals about chemical-agent exposure, possible studies, assistance from health officials, private veteran information, and certain deceased-service-member data. The text identifies the program and related provisions through the sections listed for repeal. The bill status lists August 1, 2026, as the effective date for the measure.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Aug 1Effective date 08/01/2026Latest
- Apr 21Secretary of State Chapter 50 04/21/26
- Apr 21Governor Tim Walz's action Approval 04/21/26Major
- Apr 21Secretary of State, Filed 04/21/2026
- Apr 21Governor Tim Walz approval 04/21/2026Became Law
- Apr 20Presentment date 04/20/26
- Apr 20Presented to Governor 04/20/2026To Governor
- Apr 16Third reading PassedPassed 2nd Chamber
- Vote recorded Third reading Passed. Result: pass.Upper
- Apr 16Special Order
- Apr 16Returned from Senate
- Apr 15Second readingMinor
- Apr 15Comm report: Subst. for SF on General Orders SF4072
- Apr 14Referred to Rules and Administration for comparison with SF4072, now on General OrdersMinor
- Apr 14Introduction and first readingMinor
- Apr 14Received from HouseMinor
- Apr 13Bill was passedPassed 1st Chamber
- Vote recorded Passage. Result: pass.Lower
- Apr 13Third readingMinor
- Apr 9House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day Monday, April 13, 2026
- Mar 18Second readingMinor
- Mar 18Committee report, to adopt as amendedMinor
- Feb 26Committee report, to adopt and re-refer to Health Finance and PolicyMinor
- Feb 19Introduction and first reading, referred to Veterans and Military Affairs DivisionIntroduced
VeteransGovernment & EthicsMental Health