HF2810 (Legislative Session 94 (2025-2026))
Grant funding provided for equine-experiential mental health therapy for first responders suffering from trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder, report required, and money appropriated.
Related bill: SF2761
AI Generated Summary
Purpose of the Bill
The bill aims to provide support for the mental health of first responders in Minnesota. It seeks to fund and evaluate a specific program that uses equine-experiential therapy to help those experiencing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to their jobs.
Main Provisions
- Funding Allocation: The bill proposes appropriations of $250,000 annually for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. The funding is intended for 7 Stars Ranch to deliver equine-experiential therapy.
- Eligible Participants: The therapy program is specifically designed for first responders, including peace officers, full-time and volunteer firefighters, ambulance service personnel, 911 telecommunicators, and correctional officers. Both active and retired personnel are eligible for these services.
- Program Reporting: 7 Stars Ranch is required to submit two reports detailing the therapy program's operations. An initial report is due by January 15, 2026, and a final report by January 15, 2028. These reports should cover aspects such as the program's budget, expenditure details, the number of first responders served, and the outcomes and benefits of the services provided.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
There are no direct amendments to existing laws mentioned in this bill. However, it introduces a new financial support initiative for mental health services specifically targeting first responders through a novel therapeutic approach involving horses.
Relevant Terms
- Equine-experiential therapy
- First responders
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Peace officers
- Firefighters
- Ambulance service personnel
- 911 telecommunicators
- Correctional officers
Bill text versions
- Introduction PDF file
Actions
| Date | Chamber | Where | Type | Name | Committee Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| March 25, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Introduction and first reading, referred to | Workforce, Labor, and Economic Development Finance and Policy |
| March 26, 2025 | House | Floor | Action | Author added |
Citations
[
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines 'peace officer' for the purposes of determining eligibility for equine-experiential mental health therapy funding.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "626.84",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1, paragraph c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Clarifies the definition of 'full-time firefighter' for funding purposes in the mental health therapy program.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "299N.03",
"subdivision": "subdivision 5"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Defines 'volunteer firefighter' according to existing standards for inclusion in mental health therapy eligibility.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "299N.03",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Cites definition of 'ambulance service personnel' in relation to mental health therapy service eligibility.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "144E.001",
"subdivision": "subdivision 3a"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Uses existing statute to define '911 telecommunicator' for therapy service eligibility.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "403.02",
"subdivision": "subdivision 17c"
},
{
"analysis": {
"added": [],
"removed": [],
"summary": "Refers to existing definition of 'correctional officer' to determine eligibility for mental health services.",
"modified": []
},
"citation": "241.026",
"subdivision": "subdivision 1, paragraph b"
}
]