Chapter 196 — Environmental Hazards Information and Assistance Act

196.01 Created Creates the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs. 196.02 Commissioner of Veterans Affairs Gives the governor power to appoint a commissioner of veterans affairs. 196.021 Deputy Commissioners; Duties Sets up two deputy commissioners for veteran services and veteran health care. 196.03 Officers and Employees Describes the duties of the commissioner of veterans affairs. 196.04 Rules Lets the commissioner hire staff and set up offices for the department. 196.05 Duties of Commissioner Requires the department to help veterans file claims for federal benefits. 196.051 Establishes a grant program for organizations that help veterans with benefit claims. 196.052 Gift Acceptance and Investment Creates the Minnesota GI Bill program to help veterans pay for education. 196.053 Acceptance of Federal Funds Creates a linkage line to connect veterans with services and resources. 196.054 Use of Facilities or Services by Outside Agencies Creates a veterans service grant program for outreach and direct assistance. 196.06 Annual Report Allows the commissioner to cooperate with federal agencies on veteran programs. 196.07 Technical Staff Requires the department to keep records and file reports on veteran services. 196.08 Files and Records Confidential Provides for veterans homes and care facilities in Minnesota. 196.081 Veterans Stable Housing Initiative; Data Covers admission and eligibility rules for Minnesota veterans homes. 196.09 Sets rules for the operation and management of state veterans homes. 196.10 Authorizes the sale of items made by residents of veterans homes. 196.11 Sets up a board to oversee each state veterans home. 196.12 Covers the financial management of state veterans homes. 196.13 Covers the transfer of property and assets related to veterans homes. 196.14 Creates a fund for the maintenance and improvement of veterans homes. 196.15 Covers the process for discharging residents from veterans homes. 196.16 Requires certain state agencies to give hiring preference to veterans. 196.17 Authorizes funding for war memorials and veteran monuments. 196.18 Uncompensated and Voluntary Services; Expenses Covers veterans preference in public employment throughout the state. 196.19 Environmental Hazards Information and Assistance Act; Citation Provides tax exemptions and financial benefits for disabled veterans. 196.20 Sets aside state land or facilities for veteran use and memorials. 196.21 Definitions Defines key terms used in the veterans environmental hazards program. 196.22 Powers and Duties of Commissioner Gives the commissioner power to run the environmental hazards program for veterans. 196.23 Environmental Hazards Information and Assistance Section Creates a section within the department to help veterans exposed to environmental hazards. 196.24 Duties of Commissioner of Health Requires the health commissioner to share information about veteran health risks. 196.25 Confidentiality Keeps veteran identity private in the environmental hazards program unless the veteran agrees. 196.26 Class Action Representation by Attorney General Lets the attorney general represent veterans in lawsuits about chemical exposure records. 196.27 Repealed section — formerly part of the veterans environmental hazards program. 196.30 Repealed section — previously covered a veterans program topic.