Both Veterans committees did not meet last week, so there were significantly fewer Veterans-related bills heard at the legislature compared to 15 during the previous week.

The first bill was heard on Wednesday, March 18 in the Senate Education Policy committee. SF 3603 would establish statewide criterion to provide high school diplomas to Veterans from the Korean War and Vietnam War eras if they enlisted prior to completing their education. Sen. Jordan Rasmusson from Fergus Falls presented his bill with testimony from MDVA. The committee approved the bill and re-referred it to the Agriculture and Veterans committee.

The other bill heard this week was in the Senate State and Local Government committee, which met on Thursday, March 19. The panel heard Sen. Susan Pha’s (Brooklyn Park) SF 4075 that extends limited benefits to Veterans of the Secret War in Laos and establishes an eligibility application process. The bill was approved and sent to the Transportation committee.

This week, the House Veterans and Military Affairs Division is scheduled to meet on Wednesday morning, March 25 with three bills and a presentation on the agenda.

The first and second legislative deadlines are also this week, which will take a lot of bills out of consideration if they weren’t already approved by necessary committees in the House and Senate.