Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to establish the Age-Friendly Minnesota Council, transforming the existing Governor's Council on an Age-Friendly Minnesota into a permanent entity. Its goal is to ensure Minnesota is a state that actively supports the well-being and participation of older adults.

Main Provisions

1. Council Establishment and Membership:

   • The Age-Friendly Minnesota Council will consist of 15 voting members, including designees from key state agencies and six public members appointed by the Governor.
   • These members will represent older adults, communities experiencing disparities, caregivers, businesses, experts on aging, local governments, and Tribal communities.

2. Council Operations:

   • The council will meet at least quarterly and can conduct meetings via electronic means.
   • It will elect a chairperson and other necessary officers, as well as create subcommittees and workgroups as needed.

3. Council Duties:

   • The council will elevate the voices of older adults, engage communities, promote equity, and recommend policies and budget changes that support age-friendly practices.
   • It will oversee the distribution and use of age-friendly community grants and provide recommendations to state leaders.

4. Grant Programs:

   • Community Grants: Support communities in becoming age-friendly by improving services like health and social services coordination, transportation, and housing.
   • Technical Assistance Grants: Aid communities and organizations in applying for and implementing age-friendly projects.

5. Funding:

   • The bill appropriates funds for both community and technical assistance grants for fiscal years 2026 and 2027.

6. Annual Reporting:

   • Starting January 1, 2026, the council will publish a report every two years detailing activities, grant outcomes, and recommendations.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Codifies the roles and duties of the newly established Age-Friendly Minnesota Council into Minnesota Statutes, extending the framework from the previous Governor’s Council.

Relevant Terms

age-friendly, older adults, Minnesota Board on Aging, grants, human services, Governor's Council, Tribal communities, health and social services, transportation access, housing, equity, disparities, aging communities, executive committee, administrative support, annual report.