SF3635

Purpose

The bill would expand eligibility for certain veterans benefits to former members of Minnesota’s National Guard or reserve components by creating a new category called “eligible veteran.” This status would allow these individuals to access the same benefits and privileges that are already available to veterans.

Key definitions

• Eligible veteran: a person who
  • lives in Minnesota,
  • served during a time of hostilities in the state National Guard or a United States reserve component,
  • completed their applicable military service obligation under the criteria in United States Code Title 10, section 651,
  • received an honorable discharge.
• Time of hostilities: defined as the period described in section 197.791, subdivision 1, paragraph g.
• Service obligation: the obligation defined by the U.S. Code (Title 10, §651) that must be completed for eligibility.

Eligibility and benefits (what changes)

• Eligible veterans would have access to benefits and privileges that are already available to veterans under current law (as defined in section 197.447). These include:
  • Purchase of grave markers
  • Honor guards
  • State veterans cemeteries
  • Veterans preference (and a permissive veterans’ preference in private employment)
  • Vital records (certified copies)
  • Renewal of professional licenses
  • Motor vehicle registration and driver’s license
  • Honor and remember flag

Relationship to existing law

• This bill extends a subset of veteran benefits (currently available to veterans defined under section 197.447) to the newly defined group of “eligible veterans” (former National Guard or reserve members who meet the criteria above) under section 197.449.

Additional notes

• The changes hinge on linking eligibility to “time of hostilities” and the completion of a service obligation with an honorable discharge, aligning the new category with the framework used for other veterans benefits.

Relevant Terms - eligible veteran - former member of National Guard - reserve component - time of hostilities - honorable discharge - service obligation (U.S. Code Title 10, §651) - Minnesota Statutes chapter 197 - grave markers - honor guards - state veterans cemeteries - veterans preference - permissive preference for private employment - vital records (certified copies) - renewal of professional license - motor vehicle registration - driver’s license - honor and remember flag - 197.447 (existing veteran definition)