MN HF728

Amends Minnesota Statutes section 197.05 to allow commissioner of veterans affairs to issue grants to veterans required to participate in substance abuse treatment or mental health counseling by court order, with presumption of financial eligibility for those qualifying for public defender or participating in veterans court.

Creates new tax credit allowing eligible veterans or individuals paying for veteran nursing home care to claim 50 percent of qualified nursing home expenses, with maximum credit of $30,000 for married couples filing separately and $60,000 for all other filers.

Requires commissioners of veterans affairs, military affairs, and human services to jointly study and report by January 1, 2018 on feasibility of providing medical assistance and MinnesotaCare coverage to veterans and National Guard members meeting federal health care eligibility guidelines.

Appropriates unspecified amounts for fiscal years 2018-2019 for honor guard compensation at veteran funerals, Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans homelessness prevention, domestic abuse counseling programs, soldiers' assistance grants, and veterans court development.