1.1 	A bill for an act
1.2 	relating to veterans; specifying the county in which a new veterans cemetery 
1.3 	must be located;amending Laws 2010, chapter 333, article 2, section 23.
1.4 	BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

1.5 	Section 1. Laws 2010, chapter 333, article 2, section 23, is amended to read:
1.6 	Sec. 23. PLANNING NEW VETERANS CEMETERIES.
 1.7 	The commissioner of veterans affairs shall determine a suitable site and plan for 
1.8 	three new state veterans cemeteries, one to be located in northeastern Minnesota, one to be 
1.9 	located in southeastern Minnesota Fillmore County, and one to be located in southwestern 
1.10 	Minnesota. In determining the site for a cemetery, the commissioner shall consider 
1.11 	available public land options and shall seek proposals for donated land from interested 
1.12 	counties, local communities, civic organizations, veterans service organizations, and 
1.13 	individuals.
1.14 	The commissioner's planning process for a state veterans cemetery must include, at a 
1.15 	minimum, the following actions:
1.16 	(1) determining the need for the cemetery;
1.17 	(2) investigating the availability of suitable land for the cemetery;
1.18 	(3) assessment of impacts of the cemetery;
1.19 	(4) encouragement of support from veteran service organizations and local 
1.20 	governments; and 
1.21 	(5) preparation and submission of a preapplication for a grant from the United States 
1.22 	Department of Veterans Affairs for commitment of funding for establishing the cemetery.
2.1 	By January 15, 2011, the commissioner shall report to the chair and ranking minority 
2.2 	member of the house of representatives and senate committees having responsibility for 
2.3 	veterans affairs with a report of the commissioner's progress in implementing this section.