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SF 4771

Helping Paws to breed, train, and place service dogs appropriation

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger and 1 co-sponsor

SF 4771 appropriates Minnesota state funds to support Helping Paws' breeding, training, and placement of service dogs for disabled individuals.

Author added Hoffman
#appropriations #healthandhealthdepartment
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Bill Summary · SF 4771

Legislative bill overview

SF 4771 appropriates state funding to support Helping Paws, a Minnesota organization that breeds, trains, and places service dogs for people with disabilities. The bill allocates resources specifically for the operational and programmatic costs associated with these three core functions of service dog provision.

Why is this important

Service dogs provide critical independence and safety support for individuals with disabilities including mobility impairments, PTSD, seizure disorders, and other conditions. State funding can reduce costs to disabled individuals and veterans who might otherwise struggle to afford these highly specialized animals, which typically cost $15,000-$30,000 to train privately.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and competing priorities: During tight budget cycles, lawmakers may debate whether this specific organization merits appropriation over other disability services or health programs with broader population reach
  • Accountability and outcomes: Questions may arise about how the organization demonstrates cost-effectiveness, service quality metrics, and whether public funds are the appropriate vehicle versus private donations or federal grants
  • Scope and sustainability: Legislators might question whether ongoing appropriations are necessary or if this should be one-time funding, and whether the organization has developed sustainable revenue models

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

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