Purpose

• The bill would appropriate $1,000,000 from Minnesota’s General Fund in fiscal year 2026 to the Commissioner of Health to fund a grant to the Birth Justice Collaborative. The goal is to strengthen and implement the African American-focused Homeplace model in Hennepin County, with the aim of improving access to culturally centered healing and care during pregnancy and the postpartum period and to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

Main Provisions

• Funding and recipient: Provides a grant of $1,000,000 (General Fund) to the Birth Justice Collaborative for the African American-focused Homeplace in Hennepin County.
• Purpose of the model: To improve access to culturally centered healing and care during pregnancy and the postpartum period, targeting better maternal and child health outcomes.

Reporting and Accountability

• Reporting requirement: The Birth Justice Collaborative must report to the Commissioner of Health by December 15, 2026 (or 12 months after the grant is distributed, whichever is later) on the implementation and progress of Homeplace in Hennepin County. The report should include outcomes achieved and recommendations for future funding and program expansion.

Funding Term and Availability

• Availability period: The appropriation is available until June 30, 2028.

Significance

• Establishes targeted support for a culturally specific birth-related program aimed at reducing inequities in maternal and child health within a defined community (African American-focused Homeplace in Hennepin County).

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Relevant Terms - African American-focused Homeplace - Birth Justice Collaborative - Hennepin County - pregnancy - postpartum - culturally centered healing - maternal health outcomes - child health outcomes - general fund - commissioner of health - grant - FY 2026 - December 15, 2026 - 12 months after grant distribution - June 30, 2028 - report on implementation and progress - program expansion