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Committee forwards bill letting veterans groups use gambling proceeds for building repairs
Summary
The House Veterans and Military Affairs Division recommended re-referral of House File 753 to the Commerce Committee after testimony that the bill would allow veterans organizations to spend charitable-gambling proceeds on property repairs and ADA work.
ST. PAUL, Minn. — The House Veterans and Military Affairs Division on Feb. 19 recommended that House File 753 be re‑referred to the Commerce and Finance Committee after proponents said the bill would let veterans organizations use charitable‑gambling proceeds to repair and upgrade real property.
The bill’s author, Representative Robbins, told the committee the proposal would expand allowable uses of charitable‑gambling proceeds so veterans organizations may “improve [and] repair their real property,” including HVAC, security and pavement for ADA compliance. He said many posts lack resources to maintain meeting halls that serve as community gathering places.
Proponents told the committee the change would not create a cost to taxpayers because it simply broadens how existing charitable‑gambling funds can be spent. Barry Hendrickson, adjutant quartermaster for the Department of Minnesota Veterans of Foreign Wars, said his office has tracked multiple post closures and consolidations this year and that the change would help preserve local services the posts provide.
Tim Engstrom, gambling manager for Bloomington American Legion Post 550 and communications director for the American Legion Department of Minnesota, described local examples of programs supported by post donations and said limiting the use of gambling funds has contributed to closures. "If I can't help a veteran service officer house a homeless veteran, it's because of these e‑tab changes," he said while urging support for steps that maintain revenue to charities.
Chair Bliss called for the referral motion; a voice vote was taken and the motion carried. The committee record states: "Motion carries and house file 7 53 is referred to commerce." No roll‑call vote was recorded in the transcript.
Why it matters: Veterans posts and American Legion facilities across Minnesota host community events and provide volunteer services, and proponents argued the bill would allow those organizations to maintain buildings that otherwise may fall into disrepair. Opponents of similar charitable‑gambling changes elsewhere in the hearing warned of potential broader effects on gambling regulation, but no formal opposition to this specific bill was recorded in committee testimony.
Next steps: House File 753 will move to the Commerce (Commerce and Finance/Commerce) Committee for further consideration.
