HF2646

Purpose of the Bill

The main goal of this bill is to establish the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council to promote a supportive environment for older adults. This council aims to ensure that Minnesota is an inclusive state for aging populations by coordinating efforts across various sectors.

Main Provisions

• Creation of the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council: The bill transforms the existing Governor’s Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota into the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council with a more structured and formal role.
• Composition and Role: The council will have 15 voting members from different state departments and the governor will appoint additional public members. The council will focus on promoting age-friendly policies and practices through collaboration with various community stakeholders.
• Meetings and Governance: The council must meet at least quarterly and can conduct meetings electronically. They are responsible for electing a chairperson and forming necessary subcommittees.
• Duties and Responsibilities: Duties include developing action plans, engaging with communities, identifying collaboration barriers, promoting equity, and providing policy recommendations.
• Grant Programs: Establishes programs for age-friendly community grants and technical assistance grants to support local initiatives and necessary community modifications for aging residents.

Significant Changes

• Official Codification: Converts a temporary council created by an executive order into a permanent council with defined duties and responsibilities.
• Provision for Grants: Creates new financial provisions to support age-friendly initiatives at both community and organizational levels.
• Extension and Restructuring: Ensures continuity of current council appointments and outlines the extension and structure of ongoing activities related to aging populations in Minnesota.

Relevant Terms

age-friendly, aging community, grants, older adults, Minnesota Board on Aging, policy recommendations, equity, collaboration, community engagement, public-private partnership, social services, transportation access, housing, social isolation, wellness, ageism, racism, accessible spaces, economic productivity