reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.05 — Fund, How Expended.

197.05 FUND, HOW EXPENDED.
(a) The state soldiers' assistance fund shall be administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs and shall be used to locate and investigate the facts as to any Minnesota resident or resident alien residing in Minnesota who served in the military or naval forces of the United States and who is indigent or suffering from any disability whether acquired in the service or not; to assist the person and the person's dependents as hereinafter provided in establishing and proving any just claim the person may have against the United States government, or any other government or state for compensation, insurance, relief, or other benefits; to provide maintenance and relief for any person suffering from disability who was a bona fide resident of the state at the time the need arose and the person's dependents, as hereinafter provided; and to cooperate with other state, municipal, and county officials and civic or civilian agencies or organizations in carrying out the provisions of sections 197.03 to 197.07. The commissioner shall limit financial assistance to veterans and dependents to six months, unless recipients have been certified as ineligible for other benefit programs.
(b) For purposes of this section, "resident" means a person living in Minnesota for at least 30 days with the intention of residing in the state and not for any temporary purpose. An applicant may verify a residence address by presenting a valid state driver's license, a state identification card, a voter registration card, a rent receipt, a statement by the landlord, apartment manager, or homeowner verifying that the individual is residing at the address, or other form of verification approved by the commissioner.
(c) The fund is appropriated to be used in the manner determined by the commissioner of veterans affairs for these purposes.
History:
(4603) 1923 c 436 s 5; 1929 c 327; 1984 c 609 s 15; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 123 s 5; 1995 c 254 art 1 s 72; 2000 c 390 s 13; 2003 c 18 s 1; 2004 c 256 art 2 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.06 — Soldiers' Assistance Agent.

197.06 SOLDIERS' ASSISTANCE AGENT.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall have charge of activities as provided in this section, and may employ assistants and incur other expenses as may be necessary for the administration of the state soldiers' assistance fund and carrying out the provisions of sections 197.03 to 197.07. No expense shall be incurred under the provisions of sections 197.03 to 197.07 in excess of the moneys available to the state soldiers' assistance fund.
The duties and powers of the commissioner of veterans affairs, in addition to those provided elsewhere by law, shall be to:
(1) administer the state soldiers' assistance fund;
(2) cooperate with national, state, county, municipal and private social agencies in securing to former soldiers and their dependents the benefits provided by national, state, and county laws, municipal ordinances, or public and private social agencies;
(3) establish and provide assistance to former soldiers and their dependents who are in need of assistance with optical, dental, or other emergency medical needs; and
(4) cooperate with United States government agencies providing compensation, pensions, insurance or other benefits provided by federal law, by supplementing the benefits prescribed by federal law, when exceptional conditions in an individual case make it necessary.
History:
(4604) 1923 c 436 s 6; 1925 c 88; 1929 c 327; 1980 c 414 s 5; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 123 s 5; 2000 c 390 s 14
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.065 — Access To Database.

197.065 ACCESS TO DATABASE.
Notwithstanding section 13.46, subdivision 2, the commissioner of veterans affairs may electronically access the MAXIS database maintained by the Department of Human Services for the purpose of verifying eligibility status of applicants for benefits under the state soldiers assistance program.
History:
2003 c 25 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.07 — Soldiers' Assistance Fund Deposited In State Treasury.

197.07 SOLDIERS' ASSISTANCE FUND DEPOSITED IN STATE TREASURY.
The soldiers' assistance fund shall be deposited in the state treasury and paid out only in such vouchers as may be authorized and approved by the commissioner of veterans affairs in the same manner and under the same restrictions as are now provided by law for the disbursement of funds by the commissioner.
History:
(4605) 1923 c 436 s 7; 1986 c 444; 1991 c 123 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.133 — Disposal Of Property And Expiration Of Board Of Governors.

197.133 DISPOSAL OF PROPERTY AND EXPIRATION OF BOARD OF GOVERNORS.
(a) If a majority of the board determines that the disposal of the Big Island Veterans camp or a portion of the camp is in the best interests of Minnesota veterans, or if the camp is not used solely as a camp for and by disabled and other veterans and their families and operated and maintained in compliance with all state, federal, and local laws, the board may dispose of the property at market value as provided in this section. Before disposing of the property, the board shall give notice by certified mail to the commissioner of veterans affairs of its decision to dispose of the property. The commissioner shall publish the notice in the State Register. Interested governmental agencies have until the end of the next legislative session after the notice to appropriate money to purchase the property.
(b) Proceeds realized from the disposal of the property and any assets on hand at the time of the disposal of the property, must be placed in an irrevocable trust to be used for the initiation or maintenance of veterans programs in the state of Minnesota. Trustees must be appointed in the same manner as provided for under Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 197.131. The trustees shall consult with the commissioner of veterans affairs to determine the needs of Minnesota veterans and provide the commissioner with an annual written report on the trust. The commissioner must approve all expenditures from the trust. A certified audit of all assets, expenditures, and property must be conducted prior to any disposition of any assets under the control of the board. Any board member who would benefit directly or indirectly financially from the sale of this property must be removed by the board and a successor appointed as provided by Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 197.131. Upon final disposition of all assets to the trust, the board must disband. Should the assets of the trust be exhausted, the trust must be terminated.
(c) The trustees appointed under paragraph (b) shall have the exclusive authority to remove a trustee of the trust established under paragraph (b). A trustee may be removed at any time without cause upon a majority vote of the trustees with consent of the commissioner of veterans affairs.
(d) A vacancy in a trusteeship of the trust established under paragraph (b) must be filled for the remainder of the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
History:
1985 c 152 s 3; 1997 c 7 art 2 s 26; 2015 c 77 art 3 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.225 — List Of Deceased Military Personnel.

197.225 LIST OF DECEASED MILITARY PERSONNEL.
(a) The commissioner of veterans affairs shall collect and maintain data about Minnesota residents who have died of service-connected causes while serving in the United States armed forces. The data may include deceased service members who are the immediate family members of Minnesota residents, but who themselves were not Minnesota residents at the time of death. The commissioner shall collect the following data: the individual's full name, military rank, branch of service, age at the time of death, and Minnesota hometown or if not a Minnesota resident at the time of death, the service member's home state.
(b) Data collected pursuant to this section are nonpublic data, but may be disseminated to the individual's next of kin, and for ceremonial or honorary purposes to veterans' organizations, civic organizations, the news media, and researchers. No other use or dissemination of the data is permitted.
(c) The next of kin of a veteran whose data is collected may request that the data not be disseminated for any purpose. Upon receiving such a request, the Department of Veterans Affairs must exclude the deceased veteran's data from any data disseminated for ceremonial or honorary purposes as permitted by paragraph (b).
(d) Data collected pursuant to this section shall not be indicative of any person's status with regard to qualification for veterans benefits or other benefits.
History:
2008 c 297 art 2 s 12
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.23 — Purchase Of Grave Markers.

197.23 PURCHASE OF GRAVE MARKERS.
Subdivision 1.
Authorization.
The commissioner of veterans affairs may provide, within available funds and upon request of a county veterans service officer or any congressionally chartered veterans organization, an appropriate marker for the grave of any veteran as defined under section 197.447. Any marker provided must be used for memorial purposes to permanently mark the grave of a veteran buried within the limits of the state.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2004 c 256 art 2 s 5]
History:
(4373) 1909 c 299 s 1; 1931 c 363 s 4; 1969 c 275 s 6; 3Sp1981 c 2 art 1 s 28; 1983 c 147 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.231 — Honor Guards.

197.231 HONOR GUARDS.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall pay, within available funds and upon request by a local unit of a congressionally chartered veterans organization or its auxiliary, up to $50 to the local unit for each time that local unit provides an honor guard detail at the funeral of a deceased veteran. If the local unit provides a student to play "Taps," the local unit may pay some or all of the $50 to the student.
History:
2007 c 45 art 2 s 2; 2012 c 149 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.447 — Veteran, Defined.

197.447 VETERAN, DEFINED.
The word "veteran" as used in Minnesota Statutes, except in sections 136F.28, 196.21, and 243.251, means a citizen of the United States or a resident alien who has been separated under honorable conditions from any branch of the armed forces of the United States after having served on active duty for 181 consecutive days or by reason of disability incurred while serving on active duty, or who has met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by Code of Federal Regulations, title 38, section 3.12a, or who has active military service certified under section 401, Public Law 95-202. The active military service must be certified by the United States secretary of defense as active military service and a discharge under honorable conditions must be issued by the secretary.
History:
1955 c 4 s 1; 1967 c 222 s 1; 1969 c 275 s 7; 1971 c 24 s 15; 1977 c 40 s 2; 1982 c 511 s 33; 1984 c 468 s 2; 1984 c 609 s 16; 1990 c 444 s 1; 1992 c 410 s 1; 1996 c 305 art 1 s 53; 1997 c 7 art 1 s 89
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.4551 — Permissive Preference For Veterans In Private Employment.

197.4551 PERMISSIVE PREFERENCE FOR VETERANS IN PRIVATE EMPLOYMENT.
Subdivision 1.
Preference permitted.
A private, nonpublic employer may grant preference to a veteran in hiring and promotion.
Subd. 2.
Preference for spouse of disabled or deceased veteran; definition.
A private, nonpublic employer may grant preference in hiring and promotion to a spouse of a disabled veteran who has a service-connected permanent and total disability and to a surviving spouse of a deceased veteran. "Disabled veteran" in this subdivision means a person who has had a compensable service-connected disability as adjudicated by the United States Veterans Administration, or by the retirement board of one of the several branches of the armed forces.
Subd. 3.
Equal employment opportunity law.
Granting preference under subdivision 1 or 2 does not violate any local or state equal employment opportunity law, including, but not limited to, chapter 363A.
History:
2012 c 186 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.4552 — Expedited And Temporary Licensing For Former And Current Members Of The Military.

197.4552 EXPEDITED AND TEMPORARY LICENSING FOR FORMER AND CURRENT MEMBERS OF THE MILITARY.
Subdivision 1.
Expedited licensing processing.
Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, each professional licensing board defined in section 214.01, subdivisions 2 and 3, shall establish a procedure to expedite the issuance of a license or certification to perform professional services regulated by each board to a qualified individual who is:
(1) an active duty military member;
(2) the spouse of an active duty military member; or
(3) a veteran who has left service in the two years preceding the date of license or certification application, and has confirmation of an honorable or general discharge status.
Subd. 2.
Temporary licenses.
(a) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, each professional licensing board defined in section 214.01, subdivisions 2 and 3, shall establish a procedure to issue a temporary license or certification to perform professional services regulated by each board to a qualified individual who is:
(1) an active duty military member;
(2) the spouse of an active duty military member; or
(3) a veteran who has left service in the two years preceding the date of license or certification application, and has confirmation of an honorable or general discharge status.
(b) A qualified individual under paragraph (a) must provide evidence of:
(1) a current, valid license, certificate, or permit in another state without history of disciplinary action by a regulatory authority in the other state; and
(2) a current criminal background study without a criminal conviction that is determined by the board to adversely affect the applicant's ability to become licensed.
(c) A temporary license or certificate issued under this subdivision shall allow a qualified individual to perform regulated professional services for a limited length of time as determined by the licensing board. During the temporary license period, the individual shall complete the full application procedure as required by applicable law.
Subd. 3.
Rulemaking.
Each licensing board may adopt rules to carry out the provisions of this section.
History:
2014 c 312 art 4 s 18
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.48 — Application.

197.48 APPLICATION.
No provision of any subsequent act relating to any such appointment, employment, promotion, or removal shall be construed as inconsistent herewith or with any provision of sections 197.455 and 197.46 unless and except only so far as expressly provided in such subsequent act that the provisions of these sections shall not be applicable or shall be superseded, modified, amended, or repealed. Every city charter provision hereafter adopted which is inconsistent herewith or with any provision of these sections shall be void to the extent of such inconsistency.
History:
(4369-2) 1931 c 347 s 2; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 19
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.55 — Quarters For Meetings Of Veterans Organizations.

197.55 QUARTERS FOR MEETINGS OF VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS.
The governor of this state, or any other legal custodian of public buildings within the state, shall, when not inconsistent with the public interests, set aside any portion of the public buildings for the use and occupation as quarters and places for holding their stated or special meetings or assemblies, to any post, commandery, camp or association, local or state, of veterans of any war in which the United States has been engaged, which may be organized in the city, town, or county in which the building or buildings may be situated. Upon 20 days' written notice, duly served upon the proper officer or officers of any said organizations, by the governor or any other legal custodian, that the public buildings, rooms, or quarters are required for public use, the same shall be promptly and quietly vacated.
History:
(4382) 1905 c 37 s 1; 1911 c 107 s 1; 1990 c 426 art 1 s 24
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.56 — Use Of Quarters.

197.56 USE OF QUARTERS.
Such organization shall have the equal and free use of all such quarters, under such rules and upon such conditions as may be prescribed by the governor or by such custodian. All reasonable and proper facilities, so far as possible, shall at all times be furnished therein by any local post, commandery, camp, or association, which may occupy the same, for any state or national gathering of war veterans.
History:
(4383) 1905 c 37 s 2; 1985 c 248 s 70
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.57 — Quarters, How Maintained.

197.57 QUARTERS, HOW MAINTAINED.
Such quarters shall be furnished and maintained at the expense of such organizations as may occupy them under the provisions of section 197.55; provided, that if the building in which such quarters are assigned is heated and lighted at public expense, these quarters shall be so heated and lighted without cost to the organizations.
History:
(4384) 1905 c 37 s 3
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.58 — Veterans Organizations.

197.58 VETERANS ORGANIZATIONS.
The commissioner of administration shall set apart space in the state Veterans Service Building, for the use of congressionally chartered veterans organizations and their auxiliaries, incorporated, or when incorporated, under the laws of the state. The commissioner shall honor requests for space from the veterans organizations on a first-come, first-served basis until all available space is occupied. The commissioner of administration shall give priority to utilizing space in the Veterans Service Building for the Department of Veterans Affairs and veterans organizations and their auxiliaries. Such space shall be under the charge of the Minnesota state commander of the department of Minnesota of the veteran organization assigned thereto, and such person as the commander may in writing designate, and shall be used for the purpose of keeping therein records, archives, trophies, supplies, and other veteran property of the organization and as its general headquarters office for the department of Minnesota.
History:
(4384-2) 1929 c 434; 1969 c 275 s 8; 1985 c 78 s 1; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.585 — Higher Education Veterans Assistance Program.

197.585 HIGHER EDUCATION VETERANS ASSISTANCE PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1.
Assistance provided.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall provide central liaison staff and campus veterans assistance officers to serve the needs of students who are veterans at higher education institutions in Minnesota. Methods of assistance may include, but are not limited to, work-study positions for veterans, and providing information and assistance regarding the availability of state, federal, local, and private resources.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2014 c 286 art 1 s 5]
Subd. 3.
Office space provided.
Each campus of the University of Minnesota and each institution within the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system shall provide adequate space for a veterans assistance office to be administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs, and each private college and university in Minnesota is encouraged to provide adequate space for a veterans assistance office to be administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs. The veterans assistance office must provide information and assistance to veterans who are students or family members of students at the school regarding the availability of state, federal, local, and private resources.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed, 2014 c 286 art 1 s 5]
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 1Sp2011 c 10 art 2 s 5]
History:
2006 c 282 art 15 s 3; 2010 c 333 art 2 s 14; 2013 c 99 art 2 s 29
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.601 — Qualifications Of County Veterans Service Officers.

197.601 QUALIFICATIONS OF COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICERS.
No person shall be appointed a county veterans service officer or an assistant county veterans service officer under sections 197.60 to 197.606 unless the person is:
(1) a resident of the state of Minnesota;
(2) a citizen of the United States; and
(3) a veteran, as defined in section 197.447.
In addition, a person accepting appointment to the position of county veterans service officer or assistant county veterans service officer or other equivalent assistant position must agree to receive, within six months of the appointment, training and education for the duties of the position, including development of an effective working knowledge of relevant laws, rules, and regulations pertaining to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as applicable to veterans cases before the department and the administration of those cases.
History:
1945 c 96 s 2; 1953 c 699 s 8; 1955 c 4 s 4; 1977 c 29 s 2; 1986 c 444; 2010 c 333 art 2 s 16
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.602 — Joint Action By Two Or More Counties.

197.602 JOINT ACTION BY TWO OR MORE COUNTIES.
The county boards of two or more contiguous counties may make a written agreement, executed on behalf of the several county boards by the respective chairs and secretaries thereof, whereby the counties may jointly employ a county veterans service officer. The agreement shall specify the compensation to be paid to the county veterans service officer, the amount thereof to be paid by each county, the number of days per month to be worked in each county, the percentage of the total amount of compensation to be paid by each county, the amount of travel and other expenses to be paid by each county, and such other terms and conditions as may be agreed upon by the counties.
History:
1945 c 96 s 3; 1986 c 444; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 78
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.603 — Duties.

197.603 DUTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Veterans benefits and assistance.
It shall be the duty of the county veterans service officer to aid all residents of the governmental subdivision by which the officer is employed in securing benefits provided by law on account of the service of any person in the armed forces of the United States, from which the person has a discharge other than dishonorable. The county veterans service officer shall aid all veterans who are residents of the governmental subdivision by which the officer is employed, regardless of the nature of discharge, in securing counseling or treatment concerning substance use disorder and substance abuse.
Subd. 2.
Records; data privacy.
Pursuant to chapter 13 the county veterans service officer is the responsible authority with respect to all records in the officer's custody. The data on clients' applications for assistance is private data on individuals, as defined in section 13.02, subdivision 12. The county veterans service officer may disclose to the county or local assessor private data necessary to determine a client's eligibility for the veteran with a disability homestead market value exclusion under section 273.13, subdivision 34.
History:
1945 c 96 s 4; 1973 c 572 s 9; 1978 c 635 s 1; 1981 c 311 s 39; 1Sp1981 c 4 art 1 s 13; 1982 c 545 s 24; 1986 c 444; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 78; 1Sp2019 c 6 art 4 s 4; 1Sp2019 c 10 art 6 s 5; 2022 c 98 art 4 s 51
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.604 — Unlawful To Pay Fee.

197.604 UNLAWFUL TO PAY FEE.
Subdivision 1.
Payment of fee.
It shall be unlawful for any person to pay any county veterans service officer or any employee under the officer or for any county veterans service officer or employee under the officer to receive any fee directly or indirectly for any service rendered in securing any benefit referred to in section 197.603.
Subd. 2.
Gross misdemeanor.
Any person who shall commit an act unlawful under subdivision 1 shall be guilty of a gross misdemeanor.
History:
1945 c 96 s 5; 1986 c 444; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 78
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.605 — Department As A Resource To Counties.

197.605 DEPARTMENT AS A RESOURCE TO COUNTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Resources available.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall make resources available within the Department of Veterans Affairs to every county that operates a county veterans service office, to assist the county with maintaining efficient and effective services to veterans. To receive available resources from the department, a county must formally request them from the commissioner and invite the commissioner or the commissioner's designee or designees into the county as necessary to provide those resources. The commissioner shall consult with the Association of Minnesota Counties and the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers in developing a list of resources available to counties in support of their county veterans service offices.
Subd. 2.
Use of agencies to present claims.
Every county veterans service officer and assistant county veterans service officer appointed under sections 197.60 to 197.606 shall use the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs or any organization recognized by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, as may be designated by the veteran by power of attorney, in the presentation of claims to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs for the benefits referred to in section 197.603.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed by amendment, 2010 c 333 art 2 s 17]
Subd. 4.
Certification.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall establish a certification process for county veterans service officers. In doing so, the commissioner shall consult with the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
History:
1945 c 96 s 6; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1987 c 61 s 1; 2010 c 333 art 2 s 17; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 78
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.606 — Classed As County Employees.

197.606 CLASSED AS COUNTY EMPLOYEES.
County veterans service officers and assistant county veterans service officers appointed under sections 197.60 to 197.606 are employees of the counties by which they are employed, and are under the exclusive jurisdiction and control of those counties.
History:
1945 c 96 s 7; 2010 c 333 art 2 s 18
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.609 — Education Program.

197.609 EDUCATION PROGRAM.
Subdivision 1.
Establishment and administration.
An education program for county veterans service officers is established to be administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs, with assistance and advice from the Minnesota Association of County Veterans Service Officers.
Subd. 2.
Eligibility.
To be eligible for the program in this section, a person must currently be employed as a county veterans service officer or assistant county veterans service officer, as authorized by sections 197.60 to 197.606, and be certified to serve in that position by the commissioner of veterans affairs or be serving a probationary period as authorized by section 197.60, subdivision 2.
Subd. 3.
Program content.
The program in this section must include but is not limited to informing county veterans service officers of the federal, state, and private benefits and services available to veterans, training them in procedures for applying for these benefits, updating them on the changes in these benefits and the eligibility criteria and application procedures, informing them of judicial and regulatory decisions involving veterans programs, training them in the legal procedures for appealing decisions disallowing benefits to veterans, and providing education, information, and training for any other aspects of the county veterans service officer position.
History:
1993 c 192 s 80; 2010 c 333 art 2 s 19,20; 2011 c 76 art 1 s 78
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.63 — Vital Records, Certified Copies.

197.63 VITAL RECORDS, CERTIFIED COPIES.
Subdivision 1.
Issuance without charge.
A certified copy of a birth, death, marriage, divorce, dissolution of marriage record, or certified copy of veteran's discharge recorded pursuant to section 386.20, shall be issued promptly by the officer charged with the keeping of the records upon the request of, and without any charge to, any veteran, the surviving spouse or next of kin of the veteran, service officers of any veterans organization chartered by the Congress of the United States, or the Department of Veterans Affairs, for use in the presentation of claims to the United States Veterans Administration or in connection with any veterans organization or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The word "veteran" as used in this section means any man or woman who is a veteran as defined in section 197.447, and who is a citizen of the United States or resident alien.
Subd. 2.
Payment of fees.
When the salary of the officer issuing a certified copy under this section consists in whole or in part of fees authorized by law, the officer's governmental subdivision shall pay the officer the legal fee therefor, and the governing body thereof is authorized and directed to order such payment made from the general revenue funds thereof.
History:
1945 c 19 s 1,2; 1947 c 169 s 1; 1953 c 699 s 9; 1976 c 2 s 73; 1984 c 609 s 17; 1986 c 444; 2015 c 21 art 1 s 109
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.65 — Renewal Of Professional License, Motor Vehicle Registration And Driver's License.

197.65 RENEWAL OF PROFESSIONAL LICENSE, MOTOR VEHICLE REGISTRATION AND DRIVER'S LICENSE.
(a) The renewal of a license or certificate of registration for a person who is serving in or has recently been separated or discharged from active military service and who is required by law to be licensed or registered in order to carry on or practice a trade, employment, occupation, or profession in the state is governed under sections 326.55 and 326.56.
(b) The renewal of a driver's license for a person who is serving in or has recently been separated or discharged from active military service is governed under section 171.27.
(c) The renewal and payment of the motor vehicle registration tax for a vehicle of a person who is serving in or has recently been separated or discharged from active military service is governed under section 168.031.
History:
2004 c 279 art 1 s 26; 1Sp2005 c 6 art 3 s 84
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.752 — Educational Assistance To Pow/mia Dependents.

197.752 EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE TO POW/MIA DEPENDENTS.
Any dependent of a prisoner of war or a person missing in action, upon being duly accepted for enrollment in any Minnesota public postsecondary institution, shall be allowed to attend the institution to obtain a bachelor's degree or certificate of completion, while eligible, free of tuition or charge. A dependent who enrolls as an undergraduate in any private Minnesota postsecondary institution shall be entitled to payment by the state of tuition and fees at a rate not to exceed $250 per year for so long as the dependent is eligible to attend the institution and is working toward a bachelor's degree or certificate of completion.
"Prisoner of war" and "persons missing in action" for purposes of this section mean any person who was a resident of the state at the time the person entered service of the United States armed forces, or whose official residence is within the state, and who, while serving in the United States armed forces has been declared to be a prisoner of war, or to be a person missing in action as established by the Secretary of Defense after August 1, 1958.
"Dependent" for purposes of this section means the spouse of a prisoner of war or person missing in action, or any child born before or during the period of time the child's parent served as a prisoner of war or was declared a person missing in action, or any child legally adopted or in the legal custody of the parent prior to and during the time the parent served as a prisoner of war or was declared to be a person missing in action. Once a person qualifies as a dependent under the terms and provisions of this section there shall be no situation such as the return of the spouse or parent or the reported death of the spouse or parent that will remove the dependent from provisions or benefits of this section.
History:
1983 c 335 s 2; 1986 c 444
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.78 — State Educational Programs Unavailable Through Federal Programs.

197.78 STATE EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS UNAVAILABLE THROUGH FEDERAL PROGRAMS.
Subdivision 1.
Commissioner's duties.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall foster and support educational programs for the benefit of veterans to assure that no Minnesotan shall be deprived of earned veterans benefits by virtue of the unavailability of programs for which the veteran is entitled to enroll and receive subsistence, tuition, and other benefits under federal programs. It shall be the responsibility of the commissioner to measure the demand for veterans service educational programs based on the criteria mandated by federal veterans benefits laws and to authorize, promote, and make grants within appropriated amounts to assure such program availability.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1979 c 335 s 18]
History:
1973 c 580 s 1; 1977 c 449 s 19; 1986 c 444; 1998 c 398 art 5 s 55; 2003 c 130 s 12; 2004 c 256 art 1 s 4
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.781 — Veterans Training Program.

197.781 VETERANS TRAINING PROGRAM.
The commissioner of veterans affairs shall administer the veterans training program. Money in the veterans training revolving fund for the veterans training program is appropriated to the commissioner to pay the necessary expenses of operating the program. The department must act as the state agency for approving educational institutions for purposes of United States Code, title 38, chapter 36, relating to educational benefits for veterans and other persons and it may adopt rules to fulfill its obligations as the state approving agency. All federal money received for purposes of the veterans training program must be deposited in the veterans training revolving fund.
History:
2004 c 256 art 1 s 5
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.988 — Purple Heart County; Purple Heart City.

197.988 PURPLE HEART COUNTY; PURPLE HEART CITY.
A county or statutory or home rule charter city may by resolution designate the county or city as a Purple Heart County or Purple Heart City to honor United States military personnel who have received the Purple Heart. A Purple Heart city or county may designate a prominent parking space at city hall or the county government center as a "Reserved for a Purple Heart Recipient" parking space. A Purple Heart city or county may accept donations to pay for a sign that states that the city or county is a Purple Heart city or county, and to pay for a plaque to be displayed on public property. A Purple Heart city or county may honor Purple Heart recipients by resolution proclaiming August 7 as Purple Heart Day.
History:
2018 c 139 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.991 — Korean War Armistice Day.

197.991 KOREAN WAR ARMISTICE DAY.
Subdivision 1.
Purpose.
When communist North Korean troops invaded South Korea on June 25, 1950, the United States took immediate action to defend the freedom of a people unjustly attacked. Leading a coalition of 20 other nations, American and South Korean troops fought to advance liberty and opportunity, and to overcome cruelty and repression. More than 1.7 million members of the United States armed forces faced forbidding terrain, harsh weather, and brutal combat while demonstrating extraordinary honor, skill, and courage to beat back the invading enemy forces. More than 34,000 American men and women, including over 700 Minnesotans, sacrificed their lives in battle during that war. Another 92,000 American troops were wounded, and more than 8,000 have been listed as missing in action or taken prisoner.
The Military Armistice Agreement of July 27, 1953, ended the three years of bitter warfare stopping the spread of communism on the Korean Peninsula and signaling to the world America's resolve to stand against tyrannical and totalitarian regimes. Today, South Korea stands as a shining example of the economic and social benefits of democracy.
The purpose of this section is to perpetually honor the brave men and women, living and dead, who comprise America's Korean War veterans.
Subd. 2.
Designation.
July 27 of each year is designated as Korean War Armistice Day in Minnesota.
History:
2008 c 265 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.995 — Vietnam Veterans Day.

197.995 VIETNAM VETERANS DAY.
Subdivision 1.
Purpose.
1,072 of the people whose names are listed on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C., were from the state of Minnesota. Many other Minnesotans are surviving Vietnam veterans. This section is enacted as a way for Minnesotans to show their pride and gratitude, recall the veterans' accomplishments, and thank Minnesota's Vietnam veterans for their unselfish devotion to duty.
Subd. 2.
Designation.
March 29 is Vietnam Veterans Day in Minnesota.
History:
2008 c 164 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.996 — American Legion Day.

197.996 AMERICAN LEGION DAY.
Subdivision 1.
Purpose.
The American Legion was chartered by Congress on September 16, 1919. This section is enacted to recognize the millions of American Legion veterans who have dedicated and continue to dedicate themselves to service of community, state, and nation. This section expresses the appreciation of Minnesotans for that service, on the occasion of the Legion's 90th year of existence and each year thereafter on the anniversary of its charter date.
Subd. 2.
Dedication.
September 16 is American Legion Day in Minnesota.
History:
2010 c 185 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 197 — Veterans; Rewards, Privileges › Section 197.9961 — Veterans Of Foreign Wars.

197.9961 VETERANS OF FOREIGN WARS.
Subdivision 1.
Purpose.
The Veterans of Foreign Wars was founded in 1899 and was federally chartered by the Congress of the United States of America on May 28, 1936. This section is a way for Minnesotans to recognize and express their appreciation for the millions of veterans of foreign wars who have dedicated themselves, and continue to dedicate themselves, to serving their community, state, and nation, on the occasion of the 111th year of existence of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and every year hereafter on its anniversary date.
Subd. 2.
Dedication.
May 28 is Veterans of Foreign Wars Day in Minnesota.
History:
2010 c 244 s 1
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.001 — Definitions.

198.001 DEFINITIONS.
Subdivision 1.
Scope.
For the purposes of this chapter, the terms defined in this section have the meanings given them.
Subd. 2.
Resident.
"Resident" means a person admitted to any of the Minnesota veterans homes.
Subd. 3.
[Repealed, 1975 c 61 s 26]
Subd. 4.
Administrator.
"Administrator" means an administrator of any of the Minnesota veterans homes.
Subd. 5.
Commissioner.
"Commissioner" means the commissioner of veterans affairs.
Subd. 6.
[Repealed, 2008 c 297 art 2 s 30]
Subd. 7.
[Repealed, 2004 c 219 s 7]
Subd. 8.
Home.
"Home" means any of the Minnesota veterans homes.
Subd. 9.
[Repealed, 2008 c 297 art 2 s 30]
History:
1965 c 643 s 1; 1967 c 148 s 2; 1971 c 619 s 1; 1975 c 61 s 14,15; 1988 c 699 s 5; 2004 c 219 s 2
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.003 — Powers And Duties.

198.003 POWERS AND DUTIES.
Subdivision 1.
Policy; rules.
The commissioner shall determine policy and, subject to chapter 14, adopt, amend, and repeal rules for the governance of the homes. With respect to residents' administrative appeal time periods that are not established by statute, the commissioner may create by rule reasonable time periods within which a resident must appeal an administrative determination to the next administrative level. If the determination is not appealed within the time set by rule, the determination becomes final.
The commissioner shall take other action as provided by law.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 2004 c 219 s 7]
Subd. 3.
Use of campus.
The commissioner may allow veterans organizations or public or private social service, educational, or rehabilitation agencies or organizations and their clients to use surplus space on a home's campus, staff, and other resources of the commissioner and may require the participating agencies or organizations to pay for that use.
Subd. 4.
Veterans homes resources account.
Money received by the commissioner under subdivision 3 must be deposited in the state treasury and credited to a veterans homes resources account in the special revenue fund. Money in the account is appropriated to the commissioner to operate, maintain, and make repairs at the campus used under subdivision 3, including payment of associated legal fees and expenses.
Subd. 4a.
Federal funding.
The commissioner is authorized to apply for and accept federal funding for purposes of this section.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed, 2008 c 297 art 2 s 30]
Subd. 6.
[Repealed, 2008 c 297 art 2 s 30]
Subd. 7.
Use of Medicare Part D for pharmacy costs.
(a) The commissioner shall maximize the use of Medicare Part D to pay pharmacy costs for eligible veterans residing at the veterans homes.
(b) The commissioner shall encourage eligible veterans to participate in the Medicare Part D program and assist veterans in obtaining Medicare Part D coverage.
(c) The commissioner shall take any necessary steps to prevent an eligible veteran participating in Medicare Part D from receiving fewer benefits under Medicare Part D than they would have received under their existing Veterans Administration benefits.
History:
1988 c 699 s 7; 1989 c 84 s 1; 1991 c 24 s 1; 1991 c 186 s 1; 1995 c 207 art 7 s 20,21; 1996 c 292 s 2; 1996 c 305 art 2 s 36; 1999 c 245 art 1 s 15; 2006 c 198 s 1; 2008 c 297 art 2 s 29; 2009 c 94 art 3 s 17,18
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.005 — Administrators.

198.005 ADMINISTRATORS.
The commissioner shall appoint an administrator for each of the veterans homes. The administrators act as the administrative head for their respective veterans homes. The administrators shall have a current Minnesota nursing home administrator's license and shall serve in the unclassified service. The salaries of the administrators are not subject to section 43A.17, subdivision 1. The administrators serve at the pleasure of the commissioner and report directly to the commissioner.
History:
1988 c 699 s 9; 1991 c 24 s 2; 2004 c 219 s 4; 2008 c 297 art 2 s 29
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.006 — Supplemental Programs.

198.006 SUPPLEMENTAL PROGRAMS.
(a) The commissioner must work with federal, state, local, and private agencies to develop alternative institutional and noninstitutional care programs for veterans to supplement the mission of the homes. Veterans shall be afforded the least restrictive, most appropriate level of care available.
(b) The commissioner may work with federal, state, local, and private entities to make available appropriate dental services for veterans homes residents. The commissioner may engage with the United States Department of Veterans Affairs to support the dental benefits program authorized under this paragraph.
(c) The commissioner may provide adult day care center programs that offer therapeutic and rehabilitation health care services to veterans and support services for caregivers of veterans. If the commissioner provides adult day care center programs, the commissioner may collect fees from program participants. The commissioner is authorized to apply for and accept federal funding for purposes of this paragraph.
History:
1988 c 699 s 10; 2008 c 297 art 2 s 29; 1Sp2021 c 12 art 3 s 9
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.007 — Quality Assurance.

198.007 QUALITY ASSURANCE.
Each home shall have a utilization review committee comprised of the appropriate professionals employed by or under contract to the home. The committee shall use a patient classification system approved by the commissioner to assess the appropriateness and quality of care and services provided residents of the homes.
Each home shall have an admissions committee comprised of the appropriate professionals employed by or under contract to each home and adopt a preadmission screening program for all applicants for admission to the homes who may require nursing or boarding care, taking into account the eligibility requirements in section 198.022, the admissions criteria established by rules adopted under this chapter, and the availability of space in the homes.
History:
1988 c 699 s 11; 1989 c 84 s 2; 1991 c 292 art 7 s 3; 2004 c 219 s 5; 2008 c 297 art 2 s 29
2023 Minnesota Statutes › Chapters 196 - 198 — Veterans › Chapter 198 — Veterans Homes › Section 198.01 — Veterans Home; Eligibility Of Veterans.

198.01 VETERANS HOME; ELIGIBILITY OF VETERANS.
The Minnesota veterans homes shall provide nursing care and related health and social services for veterans and their spouses who meet eligibility and admission requirements of the Minnesota veterans homes. The commissioner may not close a veterans home unless closure of the home is specifically authorized or required by a law enacted after July 1, 2015. The word "veteran" as used in this section has the meaning provided in section 197.447.
History:
(4344) RL s 1835; 1931 c 176 s 1; 1943 c 54 s 1; 1951 c 71 s 1; 1957 c 150 s 1; 1967 c 52 s 1; 1967 c 148 s 1; 1971 c 619 s 2; 1973 c 572 s 11; 1975 c 61 s 16; 1980 c 414 s 6; 1984 c 609 s 18; 1985 c 248 s 70; 1988 c 699 s 12; 2015 c 77 art 3 s 8