HF3974

Purpose

This bill provides additional funding from Minnesota’s general fund to the Board of Public Defense to support public defenders and related defense services. It specifies new appropriation amounts for fiscal years 2026 and 2027 and notes how this funding fits with existing and future funding levels.

Main Provisions

• Appropriates $6,900,000 from the general fund to the Board of Public Defense for fiscal year 2026.
• Appropriates $1,370,000 from the general fund to the Board of Public Defense for fiscal year 2027.
• The FY2026 appropriation is available for use until July 1, 2027.
• These appropriations are in addition to the amounts already appropriated in Laws 2025, chapter 35, article 1, section 10.
• Beginning in fiscal year 2028, the base funding for the Board of Public Defense is set at $183,529,000.

How it Changes the Law

• Creates new, targeted general-fund appropriations for the Board of Public Defense for two specific future fiscal years.
• Clarifies that these appropriations supplement (not replace) existing funding levels from prior laws.
• Establishes a defined base budget starting in 2028, indicating a longer-term funding path for the Board.

Fiscal Impact and Timeline

• Funding added: $6.9 million (FY2026) and $1.37 million (FY2027).
• Availability: FY2026 funds remain available through July 1, 2027.
• Long-term budget: Sets a base funding level of $183,529,000 starting in FY2028.

Context and Purpose Highlights

• The bill concerns the Board of Public Defense, which administers public defender services.
• The appropriations come from the general fund and are intended to support state public defense operations beyond existing allocations.

Relevant Terms - Board of Public Defense - general fund - appropriation - fiscal year 2026 - fiscal year 2027 - Laws 2025 chapter 35 article 1 section 10 - base - fiscal year 2028 - public defenders