Read Act modified, early literacy field experiences required for teacher candidates, high school diploma established for veterans, and rulemaking required.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Matt Bliss and 3 co-sponsors

Establishes a permanent Commanders Task Force of eight major veteran groups to advise state leaders on veterans issues and coordinate with VSOs.

Secretary of State Chapter 125 05/27/26

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Purpose and Intent

HF 4492 establishes a new advisory body, the Commanders Task Force, to provide guidance to Minnesota’s legislature, the governor, and the commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs on matters related to veterans and veterans’ families. The task force also serves to facilitate liaison and coordination between state government and the veteran service organizations (VSOs) that make up its membership.

Key Provisions

Establishment: Creates the Commanders Task Force as a permanent advisory body under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 197 (new section 197.581).

Membership:

Composed of elected leaders from eight congressionally chartered Minnesota veteran service organizations:
The American Legion
American Veterans
Disabled American Veterans
Jewish War Veterans
Marine Corps League
Military Order of the Purple Heart
Paralyzed Veterans of America
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)

Organization and Governance:

The task force must adopt standing rules and an order of business for regular meetings.
Annually elects a chair and a vice-chair from among its current members.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Advise the commissioner, the legislature, and the governor on matters pertaining to veterans, veterans’ families, and the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs.
Act as a liaison between state government and the member VSOs, facilitating communication and collaboration.

Compensation and Expenses:

Members are not entitled to compensation, per diem, reimbursement for child care expenses, or other expense reimbursements from state funds (i.e., volunteer, no state-funded compensation).

Expiration/Duration:

The task force is established to not expire under the provisions of Minnesota statutes (i.e., it is a permanent body unless amended or repealed).

Who Is Affected

Veterans and Veterans’ Families: Directly served by the task force’s guidance and liaison role.

Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs: Receives advisory input and acts as a collaborative partner with the task force.

Legislature and Governor: Receive recommendations and insights on veterans policy and related matters.

Member VSOs: The eight listed organizations gain a formal avenue for input and coordination with state government.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

Status and Progress:

Introduced and referred to the Veterans and Military Affairs Division.
Report adopted, placed on the General Register, and moved to second reading as of April 2026.

Leadership Selection:

Annual election of chair and vice-chair from among members.

Operational Rules:

Task force to establish its own standing rules and meeting procedures.

Notes

The bill does not authorize compensation for members, reinforcing a public service, non-remunerative role.

It creates a permanent advisory mechanism intended to improve coordination between state government and major veterans organizations.

If you’d like, I can provide a comparison to similar advisory bodies, or draft a plain-language briefing for veterans organizations detailing how to engage with the Task Force.

Bill