HF1845

HF1845 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Veterans definition expanded to include units operating from Laos and or naturalized under the federal Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act.

Related bill: SF568

AI Generated Summary

This bill expands the definition of "veteran" within Minnesota statutes to include individuals who served in special guerrilla units or irregular forces that operated from a base in Laos in support of U.S. armed forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. It also recognizes certain individuals who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000.

Additionally, the bill establishes an advisory task force under the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. The task force, composed of up to seven individuals knowledgeable about the Secret War in Laos—including veterans, academics, and community members—will provide guidance on criteria for determining veteran status under the amended statute.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Veterans and Military Affairs Division
March 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading, referred to	Veterans and Military Affairs Division
March 09, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author stricken
March 12, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Inclusion of veterans who are residents of the state and served with special guerrilla units or irregular forces that supported US forces."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill amends the definition of 'veteran' in Minnesota Statutes section 197.447.",
      "modified": [
        "Expanded criteria for defining a 'veteran' to include specific periods and types of service."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "197.447",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This section references an exception to the definition of 'veteran' stated in Minnesota Statutes.",
      "modified": [
        ""
      ]
    },
    "citation": "196.21",
    "subdivision": ""
  }
]