Purpose

• The bill aims to support the mental health and well-being of current and former law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel in Minnesota by funding outdoor activities and mental health services through a grant program.

Main Provisions

• Creates a new grant program funded by the state to support outdoor recreational activities and mental health services for present and former first responders (law enforcement officers, firefighters, and EMS personnel).
• Requires the grant to be administered by the Commissioner of Public Safety.
• Names Hometown Hero Outdoors, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Stillwater, Minnesota, as the recipient of the grant.

Funding and Administration

• Provides appropriations of $250,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $250,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the general fund.
• The money is to be used to fund outdoor activities and mental health services and to support public education related to these services.
• The program is designed to promote positive mental health, longevity, and quality of life for current and former first responders, and to ensure Hometown Hero Outdoors can continue its work.

Purpose and Outcomes

• The goal is to enhance mental health support and reduce barriers to accessing mental health resources for first responders.
• By offering outdoor activities and mental health services, the bill seeks to improve interactions with mental health professionals and overall well-being.

Significance

• This is a targeted funding initiative that establishes a new grant to a nonprofit organization to deliver services to a defined group (present and former law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel) with the aim of improving mental health and community engagement.

Effect on Existing Law

• Creates a new funding mechanism and program under the general fund but does not appear to modify existing statutory provisions beyond enabling this grant.

Relevant Terms - general fund - Commissioner of Public Safety - grant - Hometown Hero Outdoors - Stillwater, Minnesota - 501(c)(3) nonprofit - outdoor recreational activities - mental health services - present and former law enforcement officers - firefighters - emergency medical services personnel - public education - longevity - quality of life