Division advances bill formally recognizing Minnesota Commanders Task Force

The House Veterans Division voted to recommend House File 44‑92 to the General Register. The bill would codify the Minnesota Commanders Task Force (CTF), an advisory body composed of leaders from major congressionally chartered veterans service organizations, into statute.

Brad Lindsey, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs, described the CTF as a longstanding advisory group that meets regularly with MDVA and provides grassroots feedback and advice to the department, the legislature, and the governor. "This bill codifies an organizational structure that has continued to be a key group here at the capitol, advocating for our state's veterans," Lindsey said, praising the group's role in budget and legislative feedback.

Multiple veterans organization representatives testified in support, including John Walker (department commander and vice chair of the CTF) and Barry Hendrickson (Department of Minnesota, Veterans of Foreign Wars). They said the CTF has worked for decades with MDVA and legislators and is not seeking funding — only formal recognition in statute. Representative Feist asked whether listing specific organizations in statute would make membership static; witnesses said the CTF historically has been stable but could add future congressionally chartered organizations if needed.

The division voted by voice to send HF 44‑92 to the General Register. Committee members framed the bill as an overdue statutory update that does not increase the state's budget.