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HF3741

Changes to Educational Aid for Minnesota Veterans' Families

Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 3:39 AM

In one sentence

This law updates who qualifies for free tuition and a cash stipend at Minnesota colleges by adding children of prisoners of war or missing service members.

What it does

  • Adds eligibility for the children, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans declared as prisoners of war or missing in action.
  • Provides $750 per year to eligible children and spouses who have not yet earned a bachelor's degree.
  • Allows eligible individuals to attend Minnesota public colleges without paying tuition or fees until they earn a bachelor's degree.
  • Expands the list of schools that can receive this aid to include tribally controlled colleges in addition to state-run institutions.
  • States that eligibility for children and spouses continues even if their parent or spouse returns from captivity or is reported dead later.

Who it affects

  • Children, stepchildren, or adopted children of deceased veterans who died due to military service.
  • Spouses and surviving spouses of deceased veterans whose death was caused by military service.
  • Family members of individuals declared as prisoners of war or missing in action while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Limits and unknowns

  • The cash stipend is only available if the applicant has not already earned a bachelor's degree or an equivalent.
  • Financial assistance payments are made on a 'funds-available' basis, meaning money must exist in the budget to pay for each request.

Plain language

Terms to know

Eligible child
A natural, adopted, or stepchild of a deceased veteran or a prisoner of war/missing person who is currently attending an eligible school in Minnesota and making satisfactory academic progress.
Tribally controlled college
An educational institution operated by Native American tribes that now qualifies for this state funding under the new law, as defined in section 136A.1796.
Satisfactory academic progress
Meeting specific school standards to stay enrolled and continue receiving financial aid, as defined in Minnesota Statutes section 136A.101.

Official record

Sources

Validated
Official bill pageIntroduced textOfficial digestCurrent bill textStored full record

Official summary

Educational assistance for veterans' children and spouses modified, and money appropriated.

Official activity

Bill history

  1. Presented to Governor 04/20/2026House
  2. Presentment date 04/20/26Senate
  3. Returned from SenateHouse
  4. Special OrderSenate
  5. Comm report: Subst. for SF on General Orders SF3957Senate
  6. Received from HouseSenate
  7. Third readingHouse
  8. House rule 1.21, placed on Calendar for the Day Monday, March 23, 2026House
  9. Committee report, to adoptHouse
  10. Introduction and first reading, referred to Veterans and Military Affairs DivisionHouse