MN HF3443

Establishes a service member and veteran service center pilot grant program administered by the commissioner of veterans affairs to award grants to nonprofits serving service members, veterans, and their families.

Eligible service centers must provide gathering space, assist with finding local/state/federal resources, connect individuals with services in law, education, employment, housing, health and wellness, utilize public and private partnerships, and be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation.

Requires a 50 percent match from nonstate sources for any grant awarded under the program.

Grants may be used only for enhancing operations or renovating facilities, with preference given to centers demonstrating meaningful collaboration with other organizations and located outside the metropolitan area; all grants must be awarded by June 30, 2017.

Appropriates $500,000 in fiscal year 2017 from the general fund to the commissioner of veterans affairs as a onetime appropriation available until expended.