SF2998

Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to provide financial relief for disabled veterans by exempting them from certain watercraft-related fees in Minnesota.

Main Provisions

• Fee Waiver for Disabled Veterans: The bill proposes that veterans who have a 100 percent service-connected disability should not be charged any fees concerning watercraft licenses. This includes the initial registration, transfer, duplication of a watercraft license, as well as watercraft surcharges and registrar fees.

• Eligibility Criteria: To qualify for this fee waiver, veterans must present satisfactory evidence of their 100 percent service-connected disability rating. This rating must be confirmed by the United States Department of Veterans Affairs or a recognized military retirement board.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Amendment to Fee Structure: This bill amends Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 86B.415 by adding a subdivision, essentially eliminating watercraft license fees for eligible disabled veterans, a group who previously might have had to pay these fees.

Relevant Terms

disabled veterans, watercraft fees, service-connected disability, 100 percent disability rating, Minnesota Statutes 86B.415, fee exemption.