Bill > SF866

This bill modifies Minnesota's existing law regarding veteran grave markers by changing the commissioner of veterans affairs' obligation from a discretionary ("may") to a mandatory ("shall") provision for providing grave markers. Specifically, the bill requires the commissioner to provide an appropriate marker for a veteran's grave when requested by a county veterans service officer or a congressionally chartered veterans organization. The marker must be used to permanently mark a veteran's grave within Minnesota. Additionally, the bill includes an appropriation of unspecified amounts from the general fund for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 to support this mandate, designating these funds as an ongoing appropriation specifically for providing grave markers. The term "veteran" is defined according to section 197.447 of Minnesota statutes, and the bill removes the previous language limiting marker provision to "available funds," thereby ensuring markers will be provided regardless of current budget constraints.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=Senate&f=SF0866&ssn=0&y=2025