Purpose of the Bill

The main goal of this proposed legislation is to limit the use of state funds allocated to health programs in Minnesota for the purpose of funding abortions.

Main Provisions

• Use of Funds: The bill explicitly states that money from state-sponsored health programs cannot be used to pay for abortions. This rule is in place except when necessary to comply with requirements for continued participation in a federal program. This means that if a federal program mandates abortion funding to receive federal money, the state may use funds for that purpose.
• Administration: The restriction applies to health programs managed by Minnesota’s commissioner of human services. This includes any health services the state provides or supports financially.
• Definition: The bill refers to existing Minnesota legal definitions of abortion to establish clarity on what procedures fall under this funding restriction.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Currently, state-sponsored health programs may have the ability to use funds towards abortions. This bill would prohibit that practice, except in cases necessary for participation in federal programs, effectively implementing tighter restrictions on how state health funds are allocated concerning abortion services.

Severability Clause

• The bill includes a severability clause, indicating that if any part of it is declared unconstitutional, the rest of the legislation remains in effect. This ensures that one invalidated portion does not negate the entire bill.

Relevant Terms

• State-sponsored health programs
• Funding restrictions
• Abortion
• Federal program compliance
• Commissioner of human services
• Severability clause