H.F. No. 591 Summary

• Expands Minnesota's educational assistance program to include translators from Iraq or Afghanistan who worked directly with U.S. armed forces for at least 12 months, in addition to existing military veterans and their families.

• Establishes eligibility requirements for translators including: obtaining favorable written recommendation from a general or flag officer, clearing background check and screening, holding appropriate visa or citizenship status, and residing in Minnesota.

• Alternatively allows persons with special immigrant status under Public Law 109-163, section 1059, for serving as translators with U.S. armed forces to qualify for assistance if they reside in Minnesota.

• Requires applicants to be enrolled as undergraduate or graduate students at eligible institutions, maintain satisfactory academic progress, complete FAFSA, and comply with child support requirements.

• Commissioner of Veterans Affairs must adopt rules to implement the program; provisions become effective July 1, 2018.