Biodiesel requirement and veterans benefits signed into law

Gov. Tim Pawlenty has signed a bill that requires diesel fuel to contain a greater share of plant-based fuel and allows soldiers' family members to take time off for military events.

Pawlenty says the agriculture and veterans bill is one of the successes of this year's legislative session.

He signed it into law at a Capitol signing event packed with veterans.

The bill bumps up Minnesota's 2 percent biodiesel requirement to 20 percent by 2015, although the required level falls during the cold months of the year.

Military provisions include expanded educational benefits, veterans license plates for motorcycles and legal protections against civil claims for businesses owned by reservists who are called up.

The governor says he still hopes lawmakers will pass an income tax exemption for military pay and authorize borrowing for improvements at the Minneapolis Veterans Home.

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