Bill > SF568

This bill expands the definition of "veteran" in Minnesota statutes to include two new categories of individuals: (1) people who were naturalized under the Hmong Veterans' Naturalization Act of 2000, and (2) individuals who served honorably with special guerrilla units or irregular forces operating from Laos in support of U.S. armed forces between February 28, 1961, and May 14, 1975. The bill also establishes an advisory task force of up to seven members, including veterans, academics, and community members knowledgeable about the Secret War of Laos. This task force will provide guidance to the commissioner of veterans affairs on determining the criteria for qualifying as a veteran under the new expanded definition. The expansion aims to recognize and provide potential benefits to Hmong veterans and other individuals who supported U.S. military efforts during the Vietnam War era, particularly those who served in covert operations in Laos, but may not have previously met the traditional definition of a veteran.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance, Government Affairs

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0568&ssn=0&y=2025