Purpose of the Bill

The bill is designed to provide funding for forensic navigator services across Minnesota's judicial districts. These services help individuals navigate the legal system, particularly in criminal justice matters.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill proposes the appropriation of funds from Minnesota's general fund for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This funding will support the deployment of forensic navigator services.
• Distribution of Funds: Allocation to each judicial district will be based on the district's population as per the most recent U.S. census data. Considerations for distribution also include the specific needs of each district, such as current disparities in resources, travel time and costs for services in rural areas, and the availability of video technology for remote hearings.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

The bill introduces a structured, population-based approach for distributing funds specific to forensic navigator services across all ten judicial districts in Minnesota. It emphasizes addressing disparities and improving access to justice by considering rural challenges and technology needs, which may not have been formally acknowledged in prior funding mechanisms.

Relevant Terms

• Forensic navigator services
• Appropriation
• Judicial districts
• Population-based funding
• Resource disparities
• Remote hearings
• U.S. census data