Studies proposed to address veterans housing

Sponsored by Rep. Jerry Newton (DFL-Coon Rapids), HF2556 would appropriate $250,000 from the General Fund in fiscal year 2015 to the Administration Department for up to five grants to a government or nongovernmental organization to conduct a housing needs assessment for veterans.

According to the bill, the assessment “may examine the need for scattered site housing for veterans and their families who are homeless or in danger of homelessness or for housing that addresses the health care needs of disabled or aging veterans.” The assessment must begin by July 30, 2015, and would have a July 30, 2016, deadline. A report would be due the Legislature by Jan. 1, 2017.

Newton said six communities have expressed an interest in providing veterans homes: Montevideo, Willmar, Brainerd, Bemidji, Preston and Rochester.

Passed 130-0 by the House Thursday, the bill next goes to the Senate where it is sponsored by Sen. John Hoffman (DFL-Champlin).

Two other provisions are also included in the bill.

Under current law, the Department of Human Services cannot issue licenses for corporate foster care subject to certain exceptions. The bill provides an exception for “new foster care licenses or community residential setting licenses determined to be needed by the commissioner for the care of disabled veterans or veterans requiring nursing home level care in veteran exclusive homes.”

Except under certain circumstances, county agencies cannot currently enter into agreements for new group residential housing beds above a supplemental aid equivalent rate. The bill would add an exception “for a group residential housing provider operating a facility of up to 45 beds, providing services to veterans as a board and lodging facility with supportive services or licensed chemical dependency treatment program.”