Purpose

This bill allocates funding from Minnesota’s general fund to the Board of Public Defense to support public defenders.

Main Provisions

• In fiscal year 2026 (FY2026), the bill appropriates 6,900,000 from the general fund to the Board of Public Defense.
• In fiscal year 2027 (FY2027), the bill appropriates 1,370,000 from the general fund to the Board of Public Defense.
• The FY2026 funding is available for use until July 1, 2027.
• These new appropriations are in addition to amounts already provided in Laws 2025, chapter 35, article 1, section 10.
• Beginning in fiscal year 2028 (FY2028), the base funding for the Board of Public Defense is set at 183,529,000.

Significance / What changes

• The bill increases annual funding for the Board of Public Defense beyond existing appropriations, creating a higher ongoing funding level starting in FY2028.
• It provides temporary extra funds for FY2026 and FY2027 with a sunset-like availability date for the FY2026 money and then establishes a new baseline amount in the future.
• It integrates with and adds to existing law by being added to the prior appropriations from Laws 2025.

Fiscal and implementation notes

• All new funding comes from the general fund.
• The measures specify timing and availability of the funds (FY2026 funds available through July 1, 2027; a new base amount starting FY2028).

Effective date / next steps

• The text shown does not specify an effective date beyond the fiscal year timing; passage would enact the appropriations and base funding described above.

Relevant Terms - Board of Public Defense - Public Defender(s) - General Fund - Appropriation / appropriations - Fiscal year 2026 (FY2026) - Fiscal year 2027 (FY2027) - July 1, 2027 (availability deadline) - Laws 2025 chapter 35 article 1 section 10 - Base funding - Fiscal year 2028 (FY2028)