STATE OF MINNESOTA ELEVENTH MEETING
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NINETY-FOURTH SESSION
VETERANS AND MILITARY AFFAIRS DIVISION
MINUTES
Representative Bliss, Co-Chair of the Veterans and Military Affairs Division, called the meeting to order at 8:15AM on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, in Room G23 of the State Capitol Building.
The Committee Legislative Assistant noted the roll.
Members Present:
BLISS, Matt (Co-Chair)
OLSON, Bjorn (Co-Vice Chair)
XIONG, Jay (Co-Chair)
REHRAUER, Kari (Co-Vice Chair)
BENNETT, Peggy
CLARDY, Mary Frances
DAVIS, Ben
DURAN, Bidal
FEIST, Sandra
HILL, Josiah
LEE, Xp
REPINSKI, Aaron
A Quorum was present.
Representative Bliss moved the minutes of February 18, 2026, be approved. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Vice Chair Olson assumed the gavel at 8:17 AM
HF 3540 (Bliss) Protection for veterans provided in the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Vice Chair Olson moved HF3540 be re-referred to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee
Co Chair Xiong moved the H3540A2 amendment. THE AMENDMENT WAS ADOPTED.
Testifiers:
Nick Slade, Deputy General Counsel, Department of Military Affairs
Jon Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs
Vice Chair Olson renewed the motion that HF3540, as amended, be re-referred to the Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Chair Bliss assumed the gavel at 8:32 AM
HF 3522 (Duran) Commissioner of veterans affairs allowed to close veterans homes under certain circumstances.
Chair Bliss moved HF3522 be placed on the General Register
Testifiers:
Jon Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs
Chair Bliss renewed the motion that HF3522 be placed on the General Register. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
HF 3544 (Repinski) Certain veterans or former members of the armed forces who have forfeited federal benefits made ineligible for state-funded benefits, services, or programs; and environmental hazards information and assistance program for veterans discontinued.
Chair Bliss moved HF3544 be re-referred to Health Policy and Finance Committee
Testifiers:
Jon Kelly, Director of Government Affairs, Department of Veterans Affairs
Chair Bliss renewed the motion that HF3544 be re-referred to Health Policy and Finance Committee. THE MOTION PREVAILED.
Presentation from the Commanders Task Force on 2026 Legislative Priorities
Presenters:
Stewart Mednick, Commanders Task Force Chair and Commander of the Jewish War Veterans
Barry Henriksen, Veterans of Foreign Wars Adjutant / Quartermaster
The meeting was adjourned at 8:57 AM
Representative Bliss, Co-Chair
Jacob Alm, Committee Legislative Assistant