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Committee advances bill to allow limited Maxis read-only access for Minnesota veterans staff
Summary
The Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee voted to place House File 1662, which would allow certain Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs staff read-only access to the Maxis eligibility database with informed consent, on the general register.
The Minnesota House Judiciary Finance and Civil Law Committee voted to place House File 1662, as amended, on the general register after adopting an author amendment that requires informed consent for access to the Maxis database.
House File 1662 would amend Minnesota law to permit certain Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs (MDVA) veterans programs staff read-only access to Maxis, the Department of Human Services computer system used to determine eligibility for public assistance. Representative Brad Rehauer, the bill author, told the committee the change is a technical fix to allow a small number of additional veterans-program staff to more efficiently connect veterans to other benefits and services.
“By allowing these staff members read-only access to the database, they’re going to be able to quickly and efficiently connect the veteran with other services that they may qualify for,” Representative Rehauer said. MDVA witnesses said the expansion would cover roughly five to 10 additional staff and would not change how DHS or DCYF administer benefits.
Cole Trace, government affairs liaison for MDVA, told the committee the statutory change would update Minnesota Statutes Section 197.065 and 13.461, sections that already allow limited access for purposes of verifying eligibility under the State Soldiers Assistance Program. Andy Jarvis, MDVA director of Veterans Programs and Memorial Affairs, said the agency had worked with DHS and DCYF and that the departments were supportive; an amendment requiring informed consent addressed a minor concern raised by those agencies.
Committee chairs adopted the author's A3 amendment, which the sponsor described as ensuring the language includes an informed-consent requirement. After no public testimony, the committee voice vote carried and the bill was placed on the general register.
The department officials characterized the proposal as a narrow, technical adjustment aimed at improving coordination for veterans who may have only a single point of contact with MDVA staff and who could benefit from screening for other state benefits.
Representative Rehauer urged the committee’s support after the amendment was adopted and the committee agreed to move the bill forward.
Votes at a glance: The committee adopted the A3 amendment by voice and approved placement of House File 1662 on the general register by voice vote.
