Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to allocate additional funding for supported decision-making programs within Minnesota. The goal is to enhance the autonomy of individuals with decision-making challenges by promoting alternatives to more restrictive measures like guardianships and conservatorships.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill appropriates $2,000,000 for fiscal year 2026 from the general fund to support decision-making grants. These are structured under a previously established law (Laws 2023, chapter 61, article 1, section 61).
• Duration of Funding: The funds are available until June 30, 2027, which allows for multi-year planning and implementation of the supported decision-making programs.

Reporting Requirements

• Evaluation and Reporting: The commissioner of human services is tasked with submitting multiple reports:
  • An interim report by December 1, 2024, which will cover the initial impact and outcomes of the grants, including the number of grants awarded and organizations receiving these grants.
  • A second interim report by December 1, 2025, updating the previous findings and including the total number of people served by the grants.
  • A final report by December 1, 2027, which will encapsulate the overall impact and outcomes throughout the grant period, along with a detailed account of how the allocated funds were utilized.

Significant Changes

• Expansion of Reporting: The amendment to the 2023 law specifies additional detailed reporting requirements, emphasizing transparency and accountability in how the grants contribute to increasing the use of supported decision-making.

Relevant Terms

supported decision making, grants, guardianship, conservatorship, human services, funding, appropriation, reporting requirements.