Rep. Duran Bill Protecting Veterans Home Residents Passes Minnesota House

St. Paul — The Minnesota House passed House File 3522, legislation authored by Representative Bidal Duran, R-Bemidji, to ensure the state can act quickly if a veterans home becomes unsafe for residents or is forced toward closure by federal regulators.

Under current law, the commissioner of veterans affairs cannot close a veterans home unless the Legislature specifically authorizes it. If a facility were to fall into serious disrepair or become unsafe while the Legislature is not in session, the governor could be forced to call a special session before residents could be safely moved.

“This bill is about making sure our veterans are protected without unnecessary delay,” Duran said. “If a veterans home becomes unsafe, the state needs to be able to act quickly and make sure every resident is transferred safely and respectfully.”

HF 3522 allows the commissioner to close a veterans home after receiving an involuntary termination notice from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. It also requires that every resident be safely transferred, relocated, or discharged before closure, with notice provided to the governor and legislative leaders.

The bill now awaits action in the Senate.