Purpose of the Bill

The purpose of this bill is to allocate funds for mental health services and outdoor activities specifically targeting currently serving military personnel and veterans. These initiatives aim to improve mental well-being and quality of life by engaging participants in beneficial outdoor experiences.

Main Provisions

• Funding Allocation: The bill proposes an appropriation of $250,000 for the fiscal year 2026 and another $250,000 for the fiscal year 2027.
• Beneficiary Organization: The funds will be awarded as a grant to Hometown Hero Outdoors, a nonprofit organization based in Stillwater, Minnesota.
• Program Goals: The objectives include promoting mental health through engagement with mental health professionals and outdoor recreational activities. Additionally, part of the mission is to enhance longevity and quality of life for military members and to provide public education regarding these services.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• This bill introduces a specific funding allocation from the arts and cultural heritage fund specifically for mental health and outdoor activities tailored to support military personnel and veterans, which wasn't previously specified in existing budgets.

Relevant Terms

mental health services, outdoor activities, military personnel, veterans, nonprofit organization, Hometown Hero Outdoors, arts and cultural heritage fund