Purpose

• Establish a social services and mental health grant program to support victims of the federal Department of Homeland Security Operation Metro Surge. The program helps these individuals seek or maintain legal or citizenship status to legally obtain or retain employment, and to receive specialized services including mental health support.

Main Provisions

Subdivision 1: Grant program established

• The Department of Human Services (the commissioner) shall create a grant program to fund organizations that serve and support Operation Metro Surge victims.

Subdivision 2: Eligible grantees

• The commissioner will select grant recipients.
• Eligible applicants must show qualifications, legal or other expertise, cultural competency, and trauma-related experience to perform grant activities.
• Eligible providers can include government units, federally recognized Tribal Nations, nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3) or similar), for-profit organizations, and legal services organizations that specialize in obtaining employment visas.
• Priority is given to organizations that serve populations in areas most affected by Operation Metro Surge or where existing services are unavailable or insufficient.

Subdivision 3: Allowable uses of grant money

• Funds can be used for social services that help meet immediate basic needs during the process of seeking or maintaining legal status and employment, such as:
  • Housing, food, employment, employment training, education, course fees, community orientation, transportation, childcare, and medical care.
• Social services may also include navigation services to address ongoing needs after basic needs are met, or mental health services.

Subdivision 4: Reporting

• Grant recipients must collect and report information on program participation and outcomes to the commissioner.
• The commissioner will set the required report format and timing.

Funding and Timing

• Sec. 2: Appropriation
  • In fiscal year 2027, an amount from the general fund is appropriated to the commissioner of human services for the social services and mental health grant program for victims of Operation Metro Surge.
  • This is a one-time appropriation and is available until June 30, 2029.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Creates a new grant program within the Department of Human Services specifically for victims of Operation Metro Surge.
• Establishes eligibility categories, prioritization criteria, and allowable uses focused on social services and mental health.
• Introduces a onetime funding mechanism with a defined expiration, plus required reporting on program participation and outcomes.

Relevant Terms - Operation Metro Surge - Department of Homeland Security - Department of Human Services - social services - mental health - grant program - victims - legal status - citizenship status - employment - employment visas - cultural competency - trauma - governmental units - Tribal Nations - nonprofit organizations (501(c)(3)) - for-profit organizations - legal services organizations - housing - food - transportation - childcare - medical care - navigation services - reporting - general fund - fiscal year 2027 - June 30, 2029 - onetime appropriation - geography/areas most impacted - program outcomes