This bill, introduced in the Minnesota House of Representatives, seeks to establish the Reproductive Health Equity Grant Fund to support access to abortion care in the state.

Key Provisions:

1. Establishment & Purpose:

   • The fund is created to provide financial support to abortion providers, government entities, and nonprofit organizations that focus on abortion care.
     
   • Grants will help expand abortion access, cover uncompensated care, and support abortion providers.
     

2. Definitions:

   • Defines "abortion," "abortion facility," "commissioner," "medical services," "program," and "provider" related to reproductive healthcare.
     

3. Eligibility:

   • Nonprofit organizations or entities facilitating abortion care can apply for grants.
     

4. Grant Procedures & Commissioner's Duties:

   • The Minnesota Commissioner of Health oversees grant awards.
     
   • The commissioner must support state abortion care infrastructure, particularly in light of the Dobbs decision (which overturned Roe v. Wade).
     
   • Grants may be used to:
     • Expand the capacity of abortion providers (staffing, training, technology, telehealth, etc.).
     • Ensure affordable abortion care by covering uncompensated costs.
     • Strengthen security measures for abortion facilities.
     • Provide trauma-informed and culturally competent care.
       
   • The commissioner will evaluate need, equity, and local availability when awarding grants.
     
   • Grants will be awarded starting January 1, 2026, with application reviews completed within 30 days.
     
   • Up to 1% of funds may be used for administrative costs.
     

5. Privacy Protections:

   • The bill prohibits the commissioner or department from collecting patients' or providers' personally identifiable information.
     
   • Recipients must ensure patient confidentiality under state and federal laws.
     

6. Severability Clause:

   • If any part of the bill is found invalid, the rest remains in effect.
     

Conclusion:

This bill aims to enhance access and affordability of abortion services in Minnesota by providing financial resources to providers and organizations, ensuring patient privacy, and strengthening abortion care infrastructure.