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SF 4626

County cost-share requirements modification for economically distressed counties

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Green and 2 co-sponsors

The bill changes county cost-share requirements for economically distressed counties, potentially reducing their financial burden on state-administered programs.

Referred to Human Services
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Bill Summary · SF 4626

Summary of Bill SF 4626 (2025-2026) — Minnesota

Title

County cost-share requirements modification for economically distressed counties

Purpose and Intent

SF 4626 proposes changes to how counties in Minnesota share costs for certain state-administered programs when they are economically distressed. The bill aims to modify the current cost-sharing requirements to potentially reduce financial burdens on counties experiencing economic hardship, while preserving or adjusting state-County funding commitments and program delivery.

Key Provisions (Proposed Changes)

  • Modification of county cost-share requirements.

    • The bill adjusts the formulas or thresholds used to determine how much counties must contribute toward designated state programs.
    • The modifications are targeted at counties identified as economically distressed, with the intent of providing relief or more manageable cost-sharing obligations.

  • Eligibility and determination of distress.

    • The bill specifies criteria for determining which counties are considered economically distressed for the purpose of the modified cost-sharing provisions.
    • Criteria may involve economic indicators such as unemployment, poverty rates, or other state-defined metrics (exact metrics not provided in the available text).

  • Impact on specific programs.

    • The changes apply to state-administered programs where counties typically share costs with the state under current law.
    • The policy could affect programs related to social services, health services, or other county-administered state programs that require county funding as a cost-share.

  • Duration and phasing (timeline).

    • The bill introduces provisions that would take effect upon enactment or a specified effective date and may include sunset or review provisions to reassess the policy after a set period.
    • Any phase-in or transition periods for counties adjusting to new cost-share requirements would be outlined (details not specified in the available text).

Affected Parties

  • ** counties in economically distressed status** would benefit from reduced or adjusted cost-sharing obligations.
  • State government and its agencies administering the affected programs would implement the new cost-sharing framework and ensure compliance.
  • Program beneficiaries could be indirectly affected through potential changes in funding levels, service delivery, or administrative processes resulting from altered county contributions.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and first reading: March 23, 2026.
  • Referral: Referred to the House Human Services committee (Minnesota Senate bill SF 4626 appears to have been introduced and referred in the 2025-2026 session; the provided action history lists a 2026 introduction for this bill).
  • Sponsors:
    • Primary/Co-sponsors: Bill Lieske (co-sponsor), Steve Green (co-sponsor), John Hoffman (co-sponsor).

Note: The available information does not include the text of the bill’s actual statutory language, specific numerical thresholds, or the exact list of programs affected. The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and general framework as described in the bill title and action history.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Fiscal impact: If counties pay less under the new cost-share rules, state program funding may shift toward greater state responsibility or require adjustments in state budgeting for those programs.
  • Equity and access: By alleviating county cost burdens in distressed areas, the bill could support continued delivery of essential services in counties with weaker tax bases.
  • Implementation burden: Counties and state agencies would need to update accounting systems, cost-share agreements, and reporting to reflect the new framework.

Next Steps for Readers

  • Monitor further Senate and House committee actions (Human Services) as the bill moves through the legislative process.
  • Review the bill’s exact statutory language when available to understand precise definitions (e.g., which counties qualify, the exact formula changes, effective dates, and any sunset provisions).
  • Assess fiscal notes or analyses from the Minnesota Legislative Committees to gauge anticipated costs and savings.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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