Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to support survivors of sex trafficking and domestic abuse by providing them with resources and services to aid their reentry into the workforce.

Main Provisions

• The bill proposes an appropriation of $1,000,000 for the fiscal year 2026.
• The funding is directed to the commissioner of employment and economic development for a grant to Avivo, an organization tasked with assisting these survivors.
• Services provided include day care, transportation, housing, legal advice, assistance with legal documentation, procuring necessary employment documents, interview clothing, technology, and Internet access.
• The program aims to reach survivors statewide, with a continued focus on the St. Cloud area.
• The initiative includes public outreach and corporate training to educate the public and potential employers about the unique challenges that survivors face when re-entering the job market.
• This funding is a one-time appropriation, meaning it is not intended to be a permanent or recurring allocation.

Significant Changes

• This bill introduces a new funding allocation for a specific pilot project aimed at workforce development for a vulnerable group, potentially setting a precedent for similar future initiatives.

Relevant Terms

survivor employment readiness, sex trafficking, domestic abuse, workforce reentry, Avivo, public outreach, corporate training, fiscal appropriation, St. Cloud, legal aid, pilot project.