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SF 5002

Hazard mitigation grant program establishment to support mitigation planning and mitigation projects that diminish potential effects of emergencies

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Kupec

Establishes a state Hazard Mitigation Grant Program to fund planning and on-the-ground projects that reduce disaster risks and damages.

Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety
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Bill Summary · SF 5002

Summary: SF 5002 (2025-2026) – Hazard Mitigation Grant Program Establishment

Purpose and Intent

SF 5002 establishes a state-level Hazard Mitigation Grant Program intended to reduce the impact of emergencies and disasters in Minnesota. The bill aims to provide funding, guidance, and a structured framework for planning and executing mitigation measures to lessen potential damage, loss of life, and economic disruption from natural and other hazards.

Key Provisions and Changes

  • Program Establishment: Creates a Hazard Mitigation Grant Program within the state government to support both mitigation planning and concrete mitigation projects.

  • Mitigation Planning:

    • Funds and supports the development or update of hazard mitigation plans at the local, regional, and state levels.
    • Emphasizes planning that identifies risks from natural hazards (e.g., floods, severe weather, wildfire) and prioritizes strategies to reduce vulnerability.

  • Mitigation Projects:

    • Provides grants or financial assistance for on-the-ground mitigation projects designed to diminish potential effects of emergencies.
    • Eligible projects may include infrastructure upgrades, floodplain management enhancements, flood control, resilience enhancements for critical facilities, and other evidence-based measures.
    • Projects must demonstrate cost-effectiveness and align with identified risks in hazard mitigation plans.

  • Application and Administration:

    • Establishes criteria and processes for applying for grant funds, including required documentation, eligible applicants (likely local governments, tribal entities, and possibly state agencies), and reporting obligations.
    • Defines oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure funds are used for approved mitigation activities and that outcomes are tracked.

  • Funding and Scope:

    • The bill would specify funding sources, grant duration, funding caps, and match requirements (if any), along with reporting to the legislature on expenditures and project outcomes.
    • May include performance metrics to evaluate reduction in risk, cost savings from avoided damages, or improved response times in emergencies.

  • Coordination:

    • Encourages coordination with emergency management, public safety, planning departments, and possibly federal hazard mitigation programs to leverage resources and ensure consistency with state and local plans.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Local Governments and Tribes: Likely primary beneficiaries as applicants for planning grants and project funding.
  • State Agencies: Entities involved in emergency management, public safety, natural resources, and infrastructure may administer, oversee, or partner in the program.
  • Utilities and Critical Facilities: Could be recipients of mitigation project funding (e.g., levees, flood protection, floodproofing critical infrastructure).
  • Taxpayers and Communities: Indirectly affected through enhanced resilience, potentially lower emergency response costs, and reduced property damages over time.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introductory Phase: Introduced and read for the first time on 2026-04-07.
  • Referral: Referred to Judiciary and Public Safety committees for consideration and potential amendments.

  • Sponsorship: Co-sponsored by Rob Kupec.

  • Implementation Timeline (to be determined by final statute language):

    • Adoption of program rules and eligibility criteria.
    • Initial grant rounds targeting planning and ready-to-implement mitigation projects.
    • Ongoing reporting cycles to the legislature on funds disbursed, projects funded, and measurable risk reductions.

Notes

  • The current summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and structure as of its introduction and committee referral. Final provisions, funding levels, eligibility details, and implementation timelines will be clarified in the enacted statute or amended bill language.

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

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