Panel advances bill to standardize competitive grants for veterans services

The House Veterans and Military Affairs Division on March 11, 2026 advanced House File 3684 with a delete‑all amendment that, according to its sponsor, sets standards for competitive grants administered by the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA).

Representative Chambliss, the bill sponsor, said the bill is intended to ensure state appropriations for veteran services reach Minnesota veterans and to address concerns the department has about named, legislatively directed grants. The amended language limits eligibility to Minnesota nonprofits that have operated for at least five years, are in good standing with the attorney general, and have current federal tax filings. Grants must be used to serve Minnesota veterans, active service members and immediate family members; priority is given to veterans with service‑connected disabilities.

Agency support and oversight: Dave Delphi, chief of staff at MDVA, testified the department collaborated on the amendment and that the language reflects agency feedback. He said the bill would help set grant standards and that the department supports the collaborative approach. The sponsor noted the legislative auditor and governor's anti‑fraud recommendations favor competitive processes.

Fiscal note and reporting: The sponsor said the fiscal note returned with no costs. The bill requires grantees to submit annual reports to MDVA summarizing recipients served and measurable outcomes; MDVA will then report to the Legislature.

Procedure: Chair Bliss renewed the motion and the committee approved referring House File 3684, as amended, to the General Register.

What’s next: The bill will be considered on the General Register; subsequent committees or floor action could refine implementation details and reporting requirements.