AI Generated Summary
Purpose
Provide a one-time, targeted bonus payment to certain military service members. The bill appropriates funds to reward eligible veterans who did not receive a prior bonus under a specific Minnesota law, but who have qualifying service shown on their DD214.
Main Provisions
- There is a $6,000 appropriation in fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs.
- The funds are for giving a $1,200 bonus to eligible service members.
- Eligibility is limited to service members who did not receive a bonus under Minnesota Statutes section 197.79 but whose DD214 shows qualifying service or a qualifying campaign under Minnesota Statutes section 197.79 subdivision 2 paragraph a clause 2.
- Eligible individuals must submit documentation to the commissioner of veterans affairs by December 31, 2028.
- The appropriation remains available to spend until June 20, 2029.
Eligibility & Application Process
- Eligible service members must have a DD214 confirming qualifying service or campaign as defined by the statute referenced.
- Applicants must provide required documentation to the commissioner of veterans affairs by the specified deadline (December 31, 2028).
Financial Details & Timeline
- Amount: $6,000 total appropriation for FY2026.
- Source: General Fund.
- Payout: A $1,200 bonus to each eligible service member.
- Deadline to apply: December 31, 2028.
- Funds available through: June 20, 2029.
Significance / Changes to Existing Law
- This bill does not change the existing bonus program statutes but creates a one-time appropriation to provide a supplemental $1,200 bonus to a specific group of veterans who were eligible under a different provision but did not receive a bonus.
- It adds a new, explicit deadline for applications and a limited-time availability window for the funds.
Relevant Terms
- general fund
- commissioner of veterans affairs
- bonus
- eligible service members
- DD214
- qualifying service
- Minnesota Statutes section 197.79
- subdivision 2
- paragraph a
- clause 2
- December 31, 2028
- June 20, 2029
- appropriation
- fiscal year 2026
- documentation
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 27, 2025 | Senate | Action | Introduction and first reading | ||
| January 27, 2025 | Senate | Action | Referred to | Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "This bill references Minnesota Statutes section 197.79, subdivision 2, paragraph a, clause 2, regarding eligibility for a bonus.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "197.79",
"subdivision": "subd. 2, par. a, cl. 2"
}
]Progress through the legislative process
In Committee