The following laws, policies and projects related to Veterans in Minnesota were enacted during the 2018 Legislative Session. The Governor has approved all of these with his signature on the various bills that contained these measures.

Omnibus Capital Investment (Bonding) Bill

(CHAPTER 214 -- H.F. 4425)
Includes a total of $41 million in new appropriations for Veterans-related infrastructure in Minnesota:

• MDVA Asset preservation: $9 million to repair critical infrastructure projects at Minnesota Veterans Homes throughout the state.
• Bemidji Veterans home project: $12.4 million
• Montevideo Veterans home project: $9.4 million
• Preston Veterans home project: $10.2 million

Standalone Policy Bills

(CHAPTER 137 -- SF 3004)
Veteran status data collected by Minnesota Secretary of State’s office for state agency appointments

This law allows the Secretary of State’s office to include Veteran status on applications for appointments to state agencies, boards, councils, commissions and task forces. This information can be shared voluntarily by applicants. Other voluntary information includes: sex, political party preference or lack thereof, race and national origin. This law amends Minnesota Statutes 2016, sections 15.0597, subdivisions 2, 5 and 7; 15.0599, subdivision 4.

Designating July 16 as Atomic Veterans Day in Minnesota

(CHAPTER 138 -- SF 1703)
This day will honor the service of Atomic Veterans each year. These Veterans were exposed to radiation during their service particularly those who took part in atmospheric nuclear tests and those that were stationed in Hiroshima and Nagasaki immediately after World War Two. The date was chosen because in 1945 the atom bomb was successfully tested.

Purple Heart City or Purple Heart County designation authorized

(CHAPTER 139 -- SF 3262)
This law allows local governments the ability to call their entity a Purple Heart City or a Purple Heart County. The local governments may also create a prominent parking space at city hall or county government centers reserved specifically for Purple Heart recipients. It also allows for the local government to accept donations to pay for a sign that states the Purple Heart designation.

Designating June 29 as General John Vessey Day in Minnesota

(CHAPTER 145 -- SF 1694)
This day will honor the life and accomplishments of the highest ranking military member from Minnesota each year on his birthday. General Vessey served as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1982-1985. He died in August of 2016.

Counties competitive bidding for small business enterprises or veteran-owned small businesses modification

(CHAPTER 146 -- SF 3793)
This law authorizes Hennepin County to use direct negotiation with businesses that are certified as a small business enterprise or a small business that is majority owned and operated by a Veteran or disabled Veteran.

Minnesota GI Bill statutory language recodified and technical corrections made

(CHAPTER 156 SF 3461)
This law amends Minnesota Statue 197.791 by adding subdivision 5b under Section 3 which clarifies additional use of Minnesota GI Bill benefits. The new uses include various licensing, professional and education tests as well as fees associated with the pursuit of a professional or educational objective. This was needed after a 2017 law change to allow for these uses was changed improperly in statute.

Assignment of military pay or benefits prohibited and remedies provided

(CHAPTER 174 -- SF 327)
Minnesota prohibits, and added penalties and remedies to the violation of Federal law prohibiting the assignment of military pay or military benefits earned as a result of service in the armed forces of the United States. The prohibition includes, but is not limited to agreements to buy, sell or otherwise transfer those pay or benefits.