Purpose of the Bill

The proposed legislation aims to allocate funds specifically for forensic navigator services across Minnesota. This is an effort to enhance the judicial system's ability to support individuals navigating forensic and legal processes.

Main Provisions

• Funding Appropriation: The bill proposes to appropriate funds from the general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
• Distribution of Funds: These funds are designated for forensic navigator services within each of Minnesota's ten judicial districts.
• Allocation Criteria: The distribution of funds will be based on population data from the most recent U.S. Census. Additionally, considerations will include the specific needs of each district, such as:
  • Existing resource disparities
  • Travel time and associated costs for navigators especially in rural areas
  • Availability and use of video technology for remote hearings

Significant Changes

This bill introduces a structured funding approach for forensic navigator services tailored to the specific needs and challenges of Minnesota’s judicial districts, with a particular focus on equitable resource distribution and modernizing judicial processes.

Relevant Terms

• Forensic navigator
• Judicial districts
• Appropriation
• General fund
• Video technology
• Remote hearings