Two committees in the Minnesota House of Representatives heard Veterans related legislation during remote hearings this week. The Veterans and Military Affairs committee heard bills related to MDVA. The Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform committee heard the Veterans Restorative Justice Act.

On Tuesday, the House Veterans and Military Affairs received updates from the Minnesota Departments of Military Affairs and Veterans Affairs regarding each agency’s role in the statewide response to COVID-19. They also heard three bills related to MDVA policy changes.

HF 4221 is authored by Chair Rob Ecklund (International Falls). The bill makes technical changes to the MN GI Program that is administered by MDVA. The bill was approved by the committee and sent to the House floor.

HF 4222 is authored by Rep. Heather Edelson (Edina). The bill clarifies in statute and authorizes MDVA to provide a dental program to residents of the Minnesota Veterans Homes. The bill was approved by the committee and sent to the House floor.

HF 4223 is authored by Rep. Todd Lippert (Northfield). The bill clarifies in statute and authorizes MDVA to provide adult day center programming for Veterans and support for their caregivers. The bill was approved by the committee and sent to the House floor.

On Wednesday, the House Public Safety and Criminal Justice Reform committee, chaired by Rep. Carlos Mariani (St. Paul). HF 998, authored by Rep. Ecklund, was given a hearing. This bill is the Veterans Restorative Justice Act, which would create sentencing guidelines for Veterans in the criminal justice system for service-related charges. The bill passed the committee on a 10-7 vote and re-referred to the Ways and Means committee.

There are no Veterans related bills scheduled to be heard the week of April 27 – May 1 as of Friday, April 24.