SF568

SF568 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))

Veteran definition expansion and advisory task force establishment

Related bill: HF1845

AI Generated Summary

Senate SF No 568 is a legislative bill introduced in Minnesota aiming to expand the definition of the term "veteran." It proposes changes to the existing law, Minnesota Statutes 2024, section 197.447. The bill modifies the definition to include:

U.S. citizens or resident aliens who have:
- Been honorably discharged after serving on active duty for at least 181 consecutive days, or due to disability incurred while active.
- Met the minimum active duty requirement as defined by federal regulations or whose service has been certified as active military service by the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
Individuals residing in Minnesota who:
- Were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans’ Naturalization Act of 2000.
- Served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces in support of the U.S. armed forces from Laos during the Vietnam War era (February 28, 1961 - May 14, 1975).

The bill also mandates the creation of an advisory task force by the Commissioner of Veterans Affairs. This task force will consist of up to seven members, including veterans, academics, and community members knowledgeable about the Secret War of Laos. The role of the advisory task force is to advise on the criteria for veteran status under the new definition.

The bill was introduced and has been referred to the relevant committee for further consideration.

Bill text versions

Introduction PDF file

Actions

Date	Chamber	Where	Type	Name	Committee Name
January 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 22, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Introduction and first reading
January 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
January 22, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Referred to	Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband, and Rural Development
January 22, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Referred to	Agriculture, Veterans, Broadband and Rural Development
February 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added
February 02, 2025	House	Floor	Action	Author added
March 19, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added
April 02, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass and re-referred to	State and Local Government
April 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Comm report: To pass and re-referred to	Finance
April 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Pursuant to Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 4, referred to	Rules and Administration
April 09, 2025	Senate	Floor	Action	Author added

Citations

[
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        "Includes residents who served with special units during the Secret War in Laos."
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill expands the definition of 'veteran' under section 197.447.",
      "modified": [
        "Expands eligibility criteria for veteran status."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "197.447",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "The bill references minimum active duty requirements according to federal regulation.",
      "modified": [
        "Clarifies active duty requirements for veterans."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "Code of Federal Regulations title 38 section 3.12a",
    "subdivision": ""
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "This bill references certification of active military service under Public Law 95-202.",
      "modified": [
        "Includes federal certification standards for active military service."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "Public Law 95-202",
    "subdivision": "section 401"
  },
  {
    "analysis": {
      "added": [
        ""
      ],
      "removed": [
        ""
      ],
      "summary": "References the Hmong Veterans Naturalization Act of 2000 for naturalization status.",
      "modified": [
        "Incorporates provisions for naturalized citizens under specific veteran laws."
      ]
    },
    "citation": "Public Law 106-207",
    "subdivision": "section 21"
  }
]